A teenage student from Truro has proved he is a force to be reckoned with after being awarded an army scholarship while studying for his A-levels.

Benjamin Townsend received the full scholarship to attend the university of his choice after a gruelling three-year application process that saw him sail through a variety of mental and physical challenges.

Benjamin, who studies economics, chemistry and mathematics at Truro and Penwith College, is now hoping to get into Bristol University to study an economics or chemistry degree before embarking on a career in the forces.

After beginning the scholarship scheme in his last year of being a GCSE pupil at the Roseland School, Benjamin has attended various army-related interviews, medical tests and fitness tests to see if he was fit for the job.

The scheme ended earlier this year with a three-day course and interview in Westbury, where Ben was judged and passed by the Army Officer Selection Board. The course included demanding mental and physical tests, including exams for maths and English.

This was then followed by more army-specific challenges, where Benjamin was asked to command a group of fellow interviewees and instruct them as he would be expected to do in the army.

Benjamin said of the three day course: “Some of the tasks were really difficult and some were slightly easier. It was overall really challenging, but a great achievement.”

He continued: “Matt Bennet, my personal tutor, gave me a recommendation which really helped, as the more written recommendations you get, the better you come across and the more likely you are to get to the scholarship.”

“I am really looking forward to becoming part of the army after all these years of working towards it,” he said. “For me, it is a great achievement and secures my future.”

Matt Bennet, Ben’s tutor and deputy team leader for science, said: “Ben is a remarkably dedicated student who has always had a real drive to succeed in everything he does. He approached all elements of the scholarship process with maturity and focus on the end result.”

“To be able to manage the rigorous scholarship selection alongside so successfully studying his A-levels is to his credit.”

Ben hopes to get the grades to study at Bristol, where he will take part in part-time army training that his scholarship will pay him for, and come out of university debt free.