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Combined Cadet Force
The CCF within the school has existed since 1863 and is a voluntary youth organisation, the aim of which is to provide an opportunity for students to exercise responsibility and leadership in a disciplined environment. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Defence but is in no way engaged in any form of recruitment.
Today the CCF contingent is a vibrant, inclusive youth organisation for pupils aged between 13 and 18, offering significant developmental opportunities through the use of military-orientated and adventurous training with a 40/60% weighting respectively. Cadets also have the opportunity to develop their sense of responsibility and the qualities of self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community. The acquisition of these personal attributes at this formative stage will remain of value throughout the cadets’ lives and will be relevant in whatever career they pursue.
We are lucky enough to have all four arms of the Service within our Corps: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force, with combined numbers in the region of 200 cadets, each section being open to all students and each having its own particular flavour and emphasis.
Y9 cadets are enrolled into the CCF in the week before the half term break in the Autumn Term where they join a new entrant training wing. They enter into a 6 week basic training package giving them a taste of each section and introducing them to the ranks; uniforms and customs of each Service; basic safe weapon handling; marching and basic leadership skills. As well as this they will have the opportunity to spend a weekend in HMS Bristol, alongside in Portsmouth Royal Naval dockyard and also experience an overnight field exercise aimed at introducing them to ‘life in the field’, after which it is hoped they will be able to make an informed choice as to what section they would like to join.
Once fully enrolled into the CCF, cadets have the opportunity to attend hundreds of camps and courses, most of which are free or heavily subsidised ranging from RYA Sailing to Mountaineering; from leadership to Ocean Diving and from Engineering to Gliding, Flying scholarships and Skydiving.
It should be noted that much of the activity carried out by the CCF can count as part of the service activity within the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. In return for all that is offered we insist that cadets attend training after school every Tuesday between 1600hrs and 1730hrs throughout the year and take part in as much activity as possible. If you cannot commit yourself to this minimal requirement then the CCF is not for you.
