Mount School defends hosting army recruiter
'Although the medics may have seen themselves as there just to convey information about what they do, the fact remains they are the same organisation as front line infantry.'
The Mount School has spoken out over criticisms that it invited army staff to talk during the school’s careers week. Some Quakers have expressed disquiet over the invitation, particularly as the school was made a Quaker Recognised Body in 2019.
Kate Linfoot, director of external relations, told the Friend: ‘Our careers week is designed to introduce pupils to a variety of careers and options for their future. As an education establishment it is our desire to support every individual with bespoke careers guidance to help them make informed and educated decisions about their future. The week is planned with the pupils so that the guests and activities are relevant to them and their ambitions. Several girls expressed an interest in a career in medicine, including an army medic. We hosted a talk on Medical Bursaries and Apprenticeships in STEM Careers. This included a representative for Army Medics who spoke with girls in Year 10 and above, it was not a military recruitment event.’
Jill Segger, from Bury St Edmunds Meeting, who has lobbied MPs about militarisation in school, told the Friend she was ‘initially rather surprised that a Quaker school would do this. But, on the other hand, I do think it is important that the Society keeps up a respectful dialogue with the army. A response of dismay and possible indignation is understandable, but I don’t know how constructive it is. It’s a tricky area. Although the medics may have seen themselves as there just to convey information about what they do, the fact remains they are the same organisation as front line infantry. You hope that the pupils would have their conscience formed in such a way that they could ask critical questions’.
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