Marine Success For Students

Info Updated May 2012

Two current students studying the Uniformed Service BTEC National Diploma at Bexhill 6th Form College have been proudly accepted into the Royal Marines with a ‘superior pass’, the highest level of entry for a new recruit.

Darren Clark and Scott Hopkins have endured a gruelling application process which has taken almost a year to complete. This involved a number of written exams, fitness tests, medical examinations and interviews and was finalised with a 4 day intensive programme to complete the selection process. Both received confirmation of their place into the Marines following this process and were informed that only 1 in every 1000 applicants reach this stage.

Both students were supported by Head of Sport, Clare Cole, Course Manager, Jez Wassell and Ex-Marine and teacher of Uniformed Services and Outdoor Education, James Boardman, throughout their application. Darren commented ‘The course really helped us both prepare for the application process and our teacher, James, gave us great advice due to his experience as a Marine, and helped us with our fitness training’.

Both students worked together in their physical training and often used the College’s sports facilities outside of College hours in order to improve their fitness.

Scott commented, ‘The training days were by far the hardest days of my life but really worth it in the end’.

Darren and Scott will soon move to the Lympstone Training Centre, in East Devon, to carry out their initial training as new recruits. After this time, both will carry out further training in France and become fully fledged Marines at their passing out ceremony.

The Uniformed services course at Bexhill College has been running for over 10 years with high levels of success in terms of students getting into the different armed forces. The course develops the student’s physical fitness as well as their academic skills.

Teacher James Boardman commented ‘We’re very proud of the success of both students and had no-doubt they would succeed in their goal to become Marines. The College staff have helped them along the way but it was their own determination that got them through the selection process. We wish them the best of luck in their future careers’.

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