Understanding potential, unlocking confidence

How being part of the CCF enables young people to go further than they ever thought possible 

Cadet forces across the country are being celebrated this October by the first-ever National Cadets Week – a nationwide campaign which recognises the many young people and cadet leaders who benefit from being part of the cadet community. Taking place from 5-11 October, the week aims to highlight the role Cadet Forces have in developing leadership, resilience, confidence and practical skills among young people, while also spotlighting the contribution of Combined Cadet Forces to both the school and wider community. 

Loughborough School’s Foundation’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) sits at the heart of our co-educational campus, combining pupils from both Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School in Year 10 and above. It gives pupils the opportunity to take part in a huge range of exciting and adventurous military-themed activities, from learning to sail to honing infantry fieldcraft skills or to the experience of flying a plane. Whichever section a pupil chooses to join, they will quickly build important qualities such as teamwork, confidence and self-discipline, as well as later having the opportunity to take on key leadership roles within the contingent. 

The Combined Cadet Force develops responsible young men and women with the ambition, determination, and confidence to challenge themselves and others, becoming strong leaders with the drive and integrity to excel in whatever they choose.

CCF Contingent Commander, Lt Col. Ben Ward 

At the higher levels, some of our cadets progress to become Junior Non-commissioned Officers (NCOs) – a leadership role that sees cadets take control of their younger peers, passing on the knowledge, skills and advice they have learnt first-hand through the cadet experience.  

Reflecting on her journey from joining the CCF in Year 10 to now holding an NCO role, Year 13 student, Amelie, said: “Leading a section by myself has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone but I learnt that leadership is far more about support for those around you, and working together as a team, than it is simply about being the head figure. The confidence and skills I have learnt will help me settle into new environments in the future, especially those at university where I will hopefully build on the skills I’ve learnt during my time in the CCF.” 

Fellow Junior NCO and Year 13 student, Ethan, shared a similar insight: “Leadership has been the key skill taught to me by both older pupils and staff. As a member of the Combined Cadet Force, I have improved my teamwork skills by working with the Army and Royal Navy cadets to share our knowledge as NCO’s, subsequently improving each other’s skills and the quality of the lessons being delivered.” 

Ethan credits the experiences he has had during his time in the CCF as one of the key reasons why he is able to share a wealth of knowledge with younger cadets. He said: “As I am part of the Royal Air Force section, I have been lucky to be presented with the opportunity of learning how to fly a glider, to a solo standard through a completely free, RAF funded scholarship.  

“Alongside this, the most memorable event from my time in the CCF would easily be winning the Royal Air Squadron Trophy. This is a national competition between other CCF RAF sections in which your team undergo specific challenges such as drill, first aid, shooting and codebreaking. Being in the team that won it for the second and third year in a row was an amazing accomplishment and I am looking forward to this year’s competition.” 

Experiences like the ones that Ethan has described are valuable opportunities to bridge the link between Loughborough Schools Foundation’s CCF and the wider cadet community, emphasising the breadth of military pathways beyond school. It is also important for the cadets to see how the skills they’re learning through the CCF translate into practical careers in the military and beyond. 

Most recently, on a remarkable day trip to Portsmouth, nine of our Navy CCF cadets enjoyed the rare privilege of touring HMS Prince of Wales. The experience included visits to the hangar, flight deck, ward rooms, and both junior and senior rates accommodations. They also explored the gym and ascended to the ship’s bridge. They observed weapon construction areas and housing and saw an F35 in situ. This exceptional tour provided our cadets with invaluable insights into naval operations and life aboard one of the UK’s most advanced aircraft carriers – a truly an unforgettable day for everyone involved. 

Opportunities like this are made possible by the commitment of CCF staff across the Foundation. Just this year, Officer Commanding (OC) of the Combined Cadet Force’s (CCF) RAF section, Jo Smith, was recognised for her outstanding commitment to the RAF Air Cadets. Central and East Region Air Cadets awarded Flt Lt Smith a Commandant’s Commendation in recognition of her exceptional service, professionalism and dedication to the CCF. 

I love seeing the journey that the cadets go on, so watching them in Year 10 when everything is new and they might be nervous and they might be scared, and then they start building their knowledge. It’s fantastic to see them become leaders at the end. So, by the time they’re Year 13, they’re the ones who are actually giving the orders and they’ve got a team of people that they’re leading, and I love that journey that they go on.

Flt Lt RAFAC OC RAF Section CCF, Jo Smith 

The positive competitive culture that is evident amongst the Foundation’s cadets is one which encourages them to develop a strong sense of resilience, determination and confidence as they progress through the CCF and beyond. The CCF guides young people to understand their potential, challenge their limitations and unlock their confidence, empowering them to go further than they ever thought possible – whether that’s embarking on university study, pursuing a rewarding degree apprenticeship, or following a military career path.