(Image: Gavin Priestley)
North Yorkshire’s deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime has backed calls for an inquiry to be held into an military training college after reports of rape and sexual abuse against female recruits.
Four young women told the BBC they suffered sexual abuse and harassment while attending the Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate in North Yorkshire, which provides basic training to under-19s.
The Army has now called for victims and witnesses of criminal behaviour at the college to come forward.
Deputy mayor Jo Coles said the accounts relating to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate are “incredibly upsetting”.
Four young women have detailed sexual abuse and rape at the college
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She said she would “continue to hold North Yorkshire Police to account for the progress they are making” with its investigation into the allegations.
“Allegations of this nature must always be investigated thoroughly, professionally and with sensitivity. It's vital we work together to ensure victims of sexual violence receive the support they need,” the deputy mayor said.
Ms Coles said there was a “pressing need for an independent inquiry into the college so that there are wider assurances that lessons have been learned and that young people are being kept safe”.
It comes after Harrogate MP Tom Gordon said he had written to the defence secretary to call for a full and independent inquiry into the allegations.
Tom Gordon MP
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Ms Coles said: “My thoughts are with the women who have shared their experiences as well as with any victims who may not have felt able to speak out.
“Regardless of when events took place, the impact on every victim will still be very real and everyone who experiences sexual violence or abuse deserves to be listened to, treated with respect and supported to seek justice.
“And it's vital that all organisations and services are continually reflecting learning and improving their safeguarding arrangements and as such I would support any review or action that enables that to happen.”
She added: “My focus will remain on the victims, ensuring they are heard, supported and able to access the services they need.”
North Yorkshire Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing into “three cases”.
A police spokesperson said the reports are “deeply disturbing” and the force “continues to sensitively support the young victims and their families while doing all we can to bring perpetrators to justice”.
They said the force in July 2022 "offered the victim in this case their most sincere apologies for the initial response to her report to the force in July 2021".
“We acknowledged to the victim that the service received fell short of the standards required, and expected, of North Yorkshire Police.
“A review of the incident was conducted which subsequently led to a crime being recorded, and a further investigation resulted in 10 arrests being made.
“Disappointingly, we had to inform the victim in 2024 that the CPS could not authorise charges.
“This was clearly an upsetting outcome for the victim particularly in light of what she had already endured. Our officers provided her with this update and ensured that she was appropriately supported.
“Since 2021 a great deal of learning has been made in relation to investigating rape and sexual offences in York and North Yorkshire, as well as supporting victims of crime.
“This is reflected in the progress made in recent years in the force’s Peel report.”
Reports of rape and sexual abuse against female recruits at the Harrogate Army Foundation College in Harrogate have been described as "extremely distressing" by the Army
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An Army spokesperson said: “Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces and these reports are extremely distressing and serious.
“People join the Army in the hope of having a fantastic career and any such reports are unacceptable and go completely against everything the Army stands for.
“We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed unacceptable or criminal behaviour at the Army Foundation College to come forward.”
The spokesperson added: “We know this can be difficult and that’s why a number of changes have been made in recent years to support victims, including the creation of the Defence Serious Crime Command, which is independent and outside of the Army chain of command and has a specialist team who help victims throughout the process of justice.”
A woman whom the BBC called Tilly told the broadcaster she had been raped aged 17 at the college by fellow soldiers.
She said the attack lasted for hours and took place after she was casually invited into a soldier’s room.
Another woman whom the BBC called Monica said she was sexually assaulted by a fellow soldier who trapped her in a room before kissing and touching her without her consent.
Another woman, whose story was shared with the BBC by her mother, was allegedly sexually assaulted and subjected to sexual harassment during her training and would sleep across the door to her room to stop male soldiers entering.
Instructors were also accused of inappropriate behaviour including marking girls’ looks out of 10 and walking into the girls’ dorms without knocking while cadets were undressed, according to the BBC.
The spokesperson for the Army said the most recent Ofsted report and visit by the Children’s Commissioner’s office and safeguarding authorities in January 2026 “recognised the culture of care (at AFC) and the confidence junior soldiers have in raising concerns”.
Council received 89 safeguarding notifications in five years concerning college staff
During a Commons defence select committee hearing earlier this year, Labour MP Emma Lewell said that between 2021 and 2024 there had been 122 investigations into sexual offences against under 18-year-olds at AFC – 80 of which involved sexual assault.
Ms Lewell also said North Yorkshire Council had received 89 safeguarding notifications in the last five years concerning staff at the college.
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North Yorkshire Council said the notifications had instead happened over a 10-year period, adding that the time period was from January 2015 to December 31, 2025.
Assistant director for children and families Mel Hutchinson said: “The welfare and safety of young people in North Yorkshire remains our highest priority.
“It is important to note that a safeguarding notification is recorded when a concern is raised and an enquiry or investigation is initiated.
“It should not be seen as evidence that an allegation has been proven.
“A significant proportion of these notifications were not substantiated following investigation.
“We continue to work closely with the Ministry of Defence and the AFC to ensure all safeguarding concerns are handled appropriately and that robust safeguarding arrangements remain in place.”
Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England, said: “I will be making sure these appalling attacks have been investigated and those responsible, including for failing to safeguard these girls, are held to account.
“All children living away from home can be vulnerable and all have a right to contact my Help at Hand service. I will make sure that all girls at the Army Foundation College are able to contact my team for support.”