Whilst in Further or Higher Education why not join the Territorial Army and be paid to train?  Students in full time education cannot be mobilised for operations and are free to leave the TA at any time, provided they hand in their equipment.

If you are going onto Higher Education and are interested in joining the Army as an Officer there are two University Officer Training Corps within the South West (Bristol and Exeter Universities) these aim to promote leadership ability, self awareness and confidence of their students whilst learning in an enviroment outside of the University. 

At the Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate in North Yorkshire or on the Army Development Course (ADC) at the Army Training Regiment (ATR(W)) near Winchester in Hampshire you can train to be a soldier while attending college at the same time.  For more information see the Training Links on the right of this page.  

The Army also sponsors potential officers from the Royal Engineers, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps and the Royal Signals to attend the Defence Sixth Form College at Welbeck along with students wishing to join the Royal Navy, Royal Air force and MoD Civil Service.  For more information see the Training Links on the right of this page. 

The Army, in partnership with four FE Colleges in the South West also run Army Preparation Courses near Chippenham in Wiltshire, Callington in Cornwall, Kingston Maurward, near Dorchester and Filton in Bristol. The aim of the APC is to provide formal and structured training for those who feel they would be of benefit whilst they are in the process of making an application for a career in the Army.

The Army also has an FE Bursary Scheme for students interested in a career in the Army but would like to stay on at college. For more information follow this link