The Duston School

The Duston School - Sixth Form Open Evening The Duston School would like to welcome all prospective students, be they internal or external, seeking to join Year 12 in 2027.

The Duston School - Secondary Open Days The Duston School Secondary - Open Days 2026

The Duston School - Primary Open Days The Duston School Primary - Open Days 2026

The Duston Schools Combined Cadet Force annual summer camp 2026.

Day 4 and this was going to be the toughest day yet!!!

After a day of adventure, it was back to business with our final chance to pack for the last exercise of summer camp and to hone their skill on the ranges,

Cadets were split into their details and given the chance to show how good a marksman they were by shooting at four targets 25 metres away in the prone unsupported, prone supported, sitting and then kneeling.

Having our very own Principal, Mr Strickland as an honoured guest marked this as a special day for us all. Mr Strickland spoke to our cadets about their experiences on summer camp and they re-capped their week so far, including their personal highs and struggles. It emphasised a few of the core beliefs that we teach in the cadets, resilience, courage, and self-discipline.

A presentation of our camp hoodies to Mr Strickland rounded up a fantastic day and made for a great memory. Onward to the final exercise!!!

The Duston Schools Combined Cadet Force annual summer camp 2026.

Day 3

Today was a chance for our cadets to challenge themselves out of uniform.

We travelled to The Mill adventure base in Sutton-in-Ashfield for a day of personal development which included some water-based activities and se high rope antics!!!

The cadets had to complete a military swim test where they jumped into King's mill reservoir and had to tread water to show they could control themselves if they capsised their watercraft.
After that it was onto the water in Kayaks and canoes for a few hours of team building and fun on the water.

Lunch was a standard packed lunch then the second half of the day was high ropes, gladiator challenge, teambuilding with the tower of milk crates and the true test, The leap of faith!!!

We all finished extremely tired and ready for an early night, but it was time for dinner, the evening brief and drill practice, getting ready for Thursdays competition!!!

Our cadets did us proud and took part in every activity to the best of their ability. Whay will tomorrow bring???

The Duston Schools Combined Cadet Force annual summer camp 2026.

Day 2

An early start for day 1 which was a chance for our Cadets to experience a military style breakfast and the hustle and bustle of being part of a 400 strong camp.

Advanced lessons in pairs fire manoeuvre which tested our cadet's ability to react under pressure and work as a team. Harbour drills followed where they were shown how to occupy a location and establish a work routine while in a covert location and be self-sufficient as part of a platoon.

Lunch was served and another insight into working 'in the field' allowing our cadets to relax and enjoy the experience of being together and reflecting on lessons taught.

Weapons handling drills were refined and prepared our cadets for the upcoming range package which is later this week.

Our last lesson was how to select a good Observation Post (OP) and how to establish the work routine and what information gathering is needed to be successful.

Returning to camp there was a 90 min free time before dinner and after dinner our cadets were briefed on the military skills competition, reflections of the day as well as questions. It was back into training for the military skills competition which focused on drill that is the foundation of what we do and will be a challenging task but one our cadets will more than rise to.

Let’s try again 😅