Bicton College has made history by becoming the first civilian further education college in the world to secure a formal agreement with a Royal Marines training centre.
The three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed with the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, recognises the college’s Military and Protective Services pathway as a primary civilian route for candidates preparing to enter Royal Marines initial training.
It also creates an opportunity to develop a first-of-its-kind two-year Specialist Female Military Preparation Programme at Bicton College, to address the gap between rising female applications and successful completion of Royal Marines Commando training.
Ed Parrish, Head of Bicton College, described the agreement as a “monumental milestone for further education”. He said: “To be the first and only civilian college in the world to hold a formal MOU with a Royal Marines training centre reflects the extraordinary quality and rigour of our Military and Protective Services pathway.
“Preparing 16- to 18-year-old learners for the toughest basic training in NATO is a profound responsibility. This signing establishes a trusted foundation built on duty of care, performance data, and shared values, and it opens incredibly exciting possibilities for future developments and pioneering candidate initiatives that we look forward to in the months ahead,” explained Ed.
A key focus of the partnership is candidate welfare, readiness and long-term retention, including the specific challenges faced by female candidates preparing for Royal Marines Commando training. The agreement will support the development of data-driven approaches to tracking progression, monitoring physical readiness and reducing preventable injuries, helping to improve preparation and training outcomes for future recruits.
Dougie Wright, Deputy Principal at Bicton College said: “The journey to becoming a Royal Marine begins long before initial training. Having official backing from the Commando Training Centre gives us an opportunity to strengthen that preparation, help candidates better understand the standards, expectations and commitment required to succeed as they take their first steps towards a career in the Royal Marines.
“By better understanding the demands of Commando training and preparing candidates for the challenges ahead, we can help more women realise their potential and contribute to the future of the force,” added Dougie.
Bicton College and CTCRM will now have a foundation for further collaboration, including curriculum development, candidate progression tracking and exploring future training opportunities.
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