Nine alleged rapes reported at Army Foundation College in Harrogate

Nine cases of alleged rape at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate were reported to the civilian police over a 13-month period leading up to August this year, new figures have revealed.

A Freedom of Information request by Child Rights International Network revealed 13 alleged incidents of sexual offences were investigated at the college including nine reports of rape, two of sexual assault and two of voyeurism.

The alleged offences at the Army Foundation College, which trains 16 and 17-year-olds for a military career, were reported between 22 July 2022 and 17 August 2023.

In response, the Army said it was "committed to rooting out all forms of inappropriate behaviour".

In 2021 there were 22 reported cases of sexual offences, and in January this year an instructor at the college was sentenced to 20 months' military detention after being found guilty at a court martial of sexual assault and eight counts of cruel or indecent disgraceful conduct. 

No details were given as to whether the alleged rapes led to investigations or prosecutions, or the gender of the victims.

Prior to the latest allegations emerging in a report in The Guardian, welfare arrangements at AFC Harrogate had been rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in its most recent report.

Zero-tolerance policy

An Army spokesperson said: "The Army is committed to rooting out all forms of inappropriate behaviour and we have a zero-tolerance policy on sexual offences - any personnel convicted of a sexual offence will be dismissed.

"We have very strong safeguarding mechanisms at AFC(H) to ensure Junior Soldiers have the right support structures. This includes multiple methods of accessing welfare support, including confidential support lines.

"It would be inappropriate to comment on investigations which may be ongoing."