MPCT Staff to compete for Team GB in 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney!

David Atkin, Lead Instructor at Military Preparation College Battersea is competing in this year’s Invictus Games, hosted in Sydney, Australia.

Staff Atkin’s story is a hugely inspiring one, describing his time in the Royal Air Force where he suffered a life changing injury by breaking his back at just aged 20 on his first tour in Kandahar.

He is now about to embark for Sydney, where he will be competing for Team Great Britain in powerlifting, indoor rowing, discus and the 100m and 200m.

Mr. Atkin is a fantastic role model and inspires his Learners everyday, we are sure they are all cheering him on as are we.

We will be keeping you updated on his progress throughout the games. Congratulations Staff Atkin, we wish you all the best and cannot wait to follow you on your epic journey!

His full interview with the London Evening Standard can be seen HERE

Back to news articles

29 July 2026

What Is a Military Preparation Academy? A Guide for School Leavers

Since 1999, MPCT Military Academies have helped more than 10,000 young people move into the Armed Forces, sport and fitness, further education, or other careers. If you’re a school leaver weighing up your options and a career in uniform has ever crossed your mind – even as a maybe – here’s what a Military Preparation...

24 June 2026

Beyond Soldier, Sailor, Pilot: The Armed Forces Careers Nobody Tells You About

Say “career in the Armed Forces” and most people picture the same three jobs: infantry soldier, sailor, or fighter pilot. The British Army alone recruits for more than 100 roles across seven career areas – combat, engineering, medical, intelligence and communications, logistics and support, music, and HR and finance. With around 182,000 people currently serving...

30 May 2026

Top 5 Exercises to Prepare You for UK Armed Forces Basic Training

Basic training doesn’t care whether you’ve trained before – it cares whether your body can keep going when it’s tired, cold, and carrying weight. Most people need 8-12 weeks of consistent training just to hit baseline entry standards, and longer if you’re aiming for a physically demanding role like the infantry or Parachute Regiment. Before...

30 April 2026

Why Your Classroom Doesn’t Need Four Walls

If school ever felt like sitting still for six hours a day, you’re not alone and you’re not the problem. Not every mind works best behind a desk. At MPCT, the classroom isn’t a room at all. It’s a field, a fitness track, a team exercise outdoors in all weather. If that sounds more like...

31 March 2026

Exploring Careers in the Armed Forces: More Than You Think.

When people think about careers in the Armed Forces, it’s often reduced to one image, life on the front line. But in reality, the Armed Forces offer a huge range of career opportunities, many of which don’t involve combat at all. From technical roles to healthcare, logistics to communications, there are hundreds of career paths...

17 March 2026

MPCT Celebrates Learner Success at Manchester and Teesside Awards Ceremonies.

MPCT proudly celebrated the achievements of learners across its Military Academies this February, with standout awards ceremonies taking place in Manchester and Teesside. These events brought together learners, staff, families and local partners to recognise the dedication, progress and ambition shown by learners as they work towards their future careers. The Manchester Awards Ceremony was...

News & Events