From A Levels to the Army — and Beyond

As Charters School proudly launches its Careers and Connections Expo ’26 during National Careers Week, our Year 13 students were treated to an inspiring and thought-provoking assembly from former soldier and parliamentarian James Sunderland.

The visit marked a powerful start to a week dedicated to futures, ambition and possibility.

James spoke candidly about a journey that began much like that of the students seated before him: A Levels, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Birmingham, and then a Master’s degree from King's College London.

From there, he was commissioned into the British Army at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

What followed was a distinguished 26-year military career, rising to the rank of Colonel. In a moment of striking honesty, he reflected: “I did see military action and witness the worst aspects of what people can do to each other.” His words underscored the gravity and responsibility of service — and the resilience required to endure it.

Throughout his Army career, James said he witnessed young people doing extraordinary things in the most challenging circumstances. That experience shaped one of the central messages of his talk: everyone has the capacity to be heroic.

In 2019, his life took an unexpected turn. In just six days, James transitioned from military service into politics, later serving as the Conservative MP for Bracknell. During his four and a half years in Parliament, he worked to secure funding for his local hospital and campaigned for improved SEND provision across the area — achievements he looks back on with pride.

He described politics as a “noble profession” and emphasised that there are decent, principled individuals on all sides of the House. Public service, he explained, is simply another way of making a difference.

At the heart of his message was choice.

“We can go around like mice, being meek and mild,” he told students, “or we can make a splash.”

Resilience, he stressed, is the most important characteristic any young person can develop. It is resilience that keeps us striving, growing and pushing forward — and, crucially, doing something for ourselves.

When he asked students about their plans beyond Charters Sixth Form, a show of hands revealed a wide range of ambitions. The majority plan to attend university. Others are pursuing apprenticeships, while a number are heading straight into the world of work.

His response was both reassuring and motivating: the route matters less than the effort. There is, he explained, a direct relationship between hard work and success. Whatever path students choose, they must give it their very best shot.

James encouraged our young adults to think beyond personal achievement. Volunteer. Become a local councillor. Step forward. Do something to give back.

Above all, he reminded them that today’s youth are “incredible” — capable of far more than they may yet realise.

As Careers and Connections Expo ’26 begins, we extend our sincere thanks to James for delivering such a compelling and memorable talk. His story offered our students not only an insight into military and political life, but was a powerful reminder that careers are rarely linear, opportunities can arise unexpectedly, and resilience is the thread that ties success together.