The British Army has launched a campaign to attract non-university graduates to a career as an army officer.

It comes the same week A-Level results are due out across England and Wales.

A study from the British Army has found that, despite the majority of this years’ school leavers deciding to go to university (70%), over half (54%) would choose to skip university if they knew that they could secure the same job and salary straight out of school.

School leavers could access leadership and management training, have the opportunity to gain a degree debt-free, and earn a graduate level salary of over £31,000 after training as a non-graduate officer.

Nearly two thirds (63%) of recent school leavers believe that too many people go to university because it is seen as the ‘done’ thing.

General Paul Nanson, Commandant of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, joined the British Army as a non-graduate and has risen through the ranks to his current position.

He said:“The Army offers equal opportunity to all. It’s about who you are as much as it is what you know.

“Joining as an Army Officer is therefore not only open to graduates; we are also looking for those who want an exciting alternative route to progress their education and skills.

“Leadership development is woven into our many through-life Army Officer career opportunities; not only plenty of early responsibility, but also the chance to gain an accredited Bachelor or Master's degree whilst gaining a unique leadership experience – lead and learn.”

2Lt Nathan Weaver said: “After finishing my A Levels I wanted to get stuck into work straight away, rather than go to university as I was concerned about the considerable costs that this would involve.

“I therefore worked for a couple of companies for a few years, but always had it in my mind that I wanted to become an Officer in the British Army.

“Having passed out from Sandhurst, the Army has now given me the opportunity to study mechanical engineering at university and fully pay for my three-year degree.

“Once graduated, I will join my regiment and study to become a chartered engineer, giving me qualifications that will help me in my Army life and which are fully transferable to civilian life.

“Sandhurst was one of the biggest challenges I have ever undertaken, but also one of the most rewarding.

“I would recommend an Officer career to anyone looking for an exciting job away from the mundane nine to five, wanting to develop unique and lasting bonds of friendship and hoping to belong to a cause that makes a positive difference in the world.”