Starting in the Junior School, William Hearnshaw was at Hymers for ten years, before completing his A-Levels in 2007.  While at the school, he was involved in music orchestras, mainly playing the trumpet, but he also joined the Cadets, a decision that would shape his career.

In the Hymerian 2006-07, reference is made to Will, as he received a promotion during his time in the Hymers Army Cadet Force Detachment:

William Hearnshaw was appointed Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force’s Senior Cadet this year. Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major William Hearnshaw received his surprise promotion in front of more than 80 guests at the organisation’s annual presentation day at the Cadet Training Centre in Driffield. The 18 year old has his sights on becoming a commissioned officer with the Royal Engineers.

Colonel David Fuller, commandant of Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, presented William with his promotion. He said, “The Army Cadet Force’s motto is ‘Inspire to achieve’ and this is exactly what William has done.”

William commented ‘The best thing about it is meeting lots of people from different backgrounds. I have been involved in lots of different things - camping out, mountain biking, abseiling, and motor biking with the Royal Signals Display Team.’

After Hymers, Will took a gap year, before going on to graduate with a degree in Law at the University of Sheffield.  Even while at university, his primary extra-curricular activity was the University Officer Training Corps, an Army Reserve unit linked to the Universities in Sheffield.  After university, he joined the Army and went to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in May 2014 to undertake Officer Training.  He was commissioned into the Army Air Corps (AAC) in April 2015 and has served in a number of postings.  These include a posting to Northern Ireland, training under 18s at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, and back to RMAS as a Platoon Commander to train the next generation of Officers.

Recently, he finished as Adjutant of an Apache Regiment which included deployments to both Eastern Europe and Macedonia. Will is now studying a Masters in Battlefield Technology full-time before taking up a role as a Major in Army Headquarters.  During these postings, Will also undertook a part-time MSc in Leadership, graduating in 2021.

Through the Army, Will has qualified as a ski instructor and has skied all over Europe including Norway, France, and Germany.

I am fully enjoying my Army career so far and no intention to leave and have to grow up quite yet.

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