Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
Leading the way: Tudor Grange Academies Trust had 3 of 6 of the very first state schools in the area to have a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) via the Cadet Expansion Programme. The Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) was launched on Armed Forces Day in June 2012 by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.
Why CCF? CCF is part of the Government’s aim of promoting military ethos in schools; to instill values in young people that will help them get the most out of their lives, and to contribute to their communities and country. This means pupils will develop qualities such as self-discipline, loyalty and respect, strong leadership, teamwork and resilience which will help them achieve excellence and shape their own future. The programme focuses on Combined Cadet Force units ensuring that as many pupils from a state school have the chance to experience the life-enriching activities of military cadets as part of school life – mirroring the military activity offered in many of the best independent schools in the country.
Which of our schools has a CCF? Tudor Grange Academy Worcester, Tudor Grange Academy Redditch and Tudor Grange Academy Solihull, Tudor Grange Samworth.
Who can get involved? Students have the opportunity to join the Combined Cadet force when they are in year 8 which runs after school once a week on the school site. We also receive support from the Cadet Training Team on a weekly basis.
What does CCF offer? The activities our cadets take part in have a military theme, inspiring young people to challenge their limits, become more independent and confident, and able to step up to any challenge. Through structured, adventurous activities, cadets take responsibility and develop the qualities of self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a clear understanding of service to their country and their community. These are personal qualities which will remain of value throughout the cadets’ lives and will undoubtedly assist in the early stages of their chosen careers.
What are CCF camps? Each year cadets have the opportunity to attend one of several centrally controlled camps, often held at MOD establishments with many offering National Governing Body certificates. These camps offer the cadets the chance to experience life on a military base alongside their peers and teachers. Cadets have the chance to take part in climbing, first aid training, navigation, rifle shooting, mountaineering and drill. During the summer camps and weekends away they have further opportunities to take part in other military themed activities.
FAQ
It is a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence.
Students will attend once a week immediately after school.
Currently we are affiliated with the Army although we plan to expand this.
There are no costs for joining the CCF but students are expected to provide their own army boots and there is a small cost charged for attending some weekend activities and summer camps.
Whilst the CCF will give a flavour of life within the armed services, it does not automatically qualify them to join. If they wish to join when they leave school, they would need to follow the normal application process.
An army uniform will be loaned to students free of charge. They are then expected to wear it to school on parade days.
Students will have the chance to take part in a range of activities at many different locations. The annual army camp takes place at an army base and is one week long. Weekends away, of which there will be 2 or 3, will be in different locations and not necessarily at an army base.
Tudor Academy CCF cadets will learn a range of skills which will develop their confidence, resilience and leadership qualities. These skills will be enhanced through a range of activities including climbing, mountaineering, first aid, military drill and rifle firing.