CCF units in schools give young people the life skills and self-confidence to take charge of their lives so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond, including in employment.

Our school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is open to all students from Year 8 to Year 11 and provides a unique opportunity to develop skills, confidence, and resilience beyond the classroom. Through structured training, adventurous activities, and leadership challenges, cadets build teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving abilities that prepare them for life after school.

We parade weekly on Thursdays between 14:45 and 16:30. The annual subscription is £20, with uniform provided by the Ministry of Defence.

Participation in the CCF helps students:

• Grow as leaders and team players.
• Develop self-confidence, responsibility, and independence.
• Experience outdoor adventure and practical challenges in a military environment.
• Gain valuable qualifications and transferable skills.
• Contribute to the wider community through service and commitment.

Our onsite facilities include an air rifle range, paintball, archery, and mountain bikes, giving cadets the chance to take part in exciting and challenging activities. We also run regular weekend trips to army camps and training areas, where cadets put the skills they learn at school into practice in real-world environments.

If your child is interested in joining, please speak to a member of the CCF team, or contact our Contingent Commander via email: simon.harrison@thistleyhoughacademy.org.uk.

The CCF fosters a spirit of service, adventure, and personal growth. It is an excellent way for students to challenge themselves, broaden their horizons, and discover strengths they didn’t know they had 

The Combined Cadet Force team are: