Sandhurst army scholarship for Heathfield Community College student

Heathfield Community College has received the fantastic news that Amy Washington-Thurston (Y13) has been awarded an Army Officer sixth form scholarship. This means she has been recognised as possessing exceptional leadership potential and following her studies has secured a place to train as an Army officer at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

This prestigious award includes bursary payments which mean Amy’s studies will be supported going forward and she can focus on her future plans with a freedom to be as aspirational as she wishes. The recognition is a considerable achievement and follows years of hard work and dedication for Amy who has shown herself to excel across a range of fields both in and out of College.

Further to a raft of successful GCSE outcomes Amy is set to achieve well in her A Levels this summer. Her teachers describe her as “that rare breed of student who is prepared to acknowledge when she needs assistance and actively seeks out support and will continue to question and probe a concept until she is satisfied that she fully understands it”. Readily embracing challenge with a strong desire to understand the world around her, Amy is a natural leader with a reputation for a calm and positive approach. She will be known to students as a former Lead Prefect, as captain of the College (and Club) Girls Rugby Team and a representative at both regional and national level in the Youth Cabinet; elected as the UK Youth Parliament MP for Lewes and Wealden, Amy participated in Westminster debates and solution making, supporting young people through the pandemic during her time in office.

Amy currently enjoys her time with the Sussex Army Cadet Force

Amy is also a proud member of the Sussex Army Cadet Force, taking immense pride in not only her personal standing within the county but also her detachments. Currently, she holds the rank of Colour Sergeant, having completed the level of 4*. Though most of her time at cadets is spent developing and teaching younger cadets, she also takes part in extra activities like the Annual Sussex March and Shoot, acting as a role model. Amy was also appointed the East Sussex Lord Lieutenant’s cadet 2022-2023, a significant privilege.

Amy is an exceptional role model, loving all outdoor activities available and throwing herself into new challenges wherever possible. She has always been an enthusiastic and positive participant in College life. Headteacher Caroline Barlow, who recently passed on the award certificate and badge to Amy said, “ it was an honour to be able to write Amy’s reference for this award, I have no doubt that as well as being an exceptional role model throughout her time at College Amy will continue to inspire young and old alike wherever she goes. She is a credit to herself and all those who have supported her journey, we are very proud that she has been able to shine her light on the College as she progresses onto what will be a brilliant future.”