Combined Cadet Force
Our Combined Cadet Force is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Education.
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a fantastic after-school activity that helps students build leadership and teamwork skills in a structured setting.
Our group is an Army section linked with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). Soldiers known for their hands on trade skills and practical problem solving.
Through adventurous outdoor activities, cadets learn to take responsibility and put our Co-op values into action. This experience helps them develop a strong sense of service to both their community and their country, while proudly representing key values like respect and teamwork across the academy. They are true champions and ambassadors of ‘British Values’.
It gives students of all abilities a chance to make new friends, tackle exciting challenges, and shine outside the classroom.
Very few schools offer a programme like this, and we are proud to give our students this opportunity.
Activities
The CCF contingent offers our students a unique and broad range of activities, such as:
- Adventure Training;
- Leadership;
- Marksmanship;
- Drill;
- Community work;
- First Aid;
- Duke of Edinburgh Award;
- Expeditions;
- Field Craft;
- Summer Camps.
The Combined Cadet Force is good for personal development for our students.
Cadet Staff
Cadet Leaders and the Contingent Commander each hold the Queen’s Commission as CCF Officers. They work under the guidance of our assigned Army Cadet Instructor.
To discuss the CCF in more detail, please contact any of the following cadet team
Contingent Commander - Capt M Bawden
SSI - SSgt O’Hara
Lt N Green
2Lt S Taylor
Capt R Murphy
Sgt A Ritchie
How to join
Joining the CCF is voluntary. You are not expected or encouraged to pursue a military career. But, if this is something that you are considering, it will provide a fantastic first step.
Cadet begins in Year 7 and extends throughout their time with us and post-16.
To join, students can attend the first meeting of the school year in September and if they are interested and enjoy the session, students can take a form home to complete with their parents.
When
The CCF Cadets parade on a Tuesday afternoon as an extra-curricular activity, from 3:15 – 5:15pm. There will also be several weekend activities and exercises throughout the year.
Weekly training in the first year will provide a firm military foundation. Cadets will cover weapon training, marksmanship, field-craft, navigation skills, first aid and drill.
Social Impact: CCF Independent Research
Schools that have cadet units have seen significant benefits for their young people. Both in their schools and the local community.
Schools have seen significant improvement in attendance and behaviour. They have also seen an improvement in attainment, commitment, self-confidence and discipline. Relationships between staff and students have improved. This creates positive benefits in all areas of school life.
University of Northampton has found that joining the cadets offers a range of benefits.
The Impact and Value of School Based Cadet Forces in the UK.