07/10/2026
β¨ π«‘ Celebrating the first National Cadet Week π«‘ β¨
His Majesty the King has shared a message with all of us to celebrate the first National Cadet Week.
I would like to take a moment to reflect on our journey since January. Like many new CCFs ours started as a partnership with a legacy CCF, St Lawrence College took us under their wing and supported our training and set up through the first few months, we will forever be grateful for Major (CCF) Hill and WO2 (CCF) Knox for the opportunities they helped us to create.
In May we got the notification we had been waiting for that we would become a stand-alone unit, this meant we could increase our capacity and establish the cadets properly within Sandwich Technology School, we are very fortunate that WO2 (CCF) Knox has remained working with our cadets as our SSI (School Staff Instructor) and we have also taken on strength Captain (CCF) Peall and Lt (CCF) Birmingham who have a wealth of experience within the cadet force. Within our own school community we have also welcomed Sergeant (CCF) Swan on board providing another staff member within the school that the cadets can talk all things cadets to.
In the few months since we started, we have had 7 cadets pass their Basic Qualification, 22 cadets earn their basic air r***e shoot qualification, and 2 cadets pass their JCIC (Junior Cadet Instructor Cadre). We are currently focussing on our First Aid training which on completion will have a number of cadets receive First Aid at Work Qualifications, which are recognised in all workplaces.
So far since May, we have run Air R***e Shoots, First Aid Scenarios, STEM challenges and supported the local community by taking part in the mayors 800th anniversary parade.
This weekend we look forward to our very first field exercise as a contingent, where cadets will learn to build improvised shelters, cook rations and administrate themselves in a field environment. This weekend will give them the basic skills for future weekends which will develop their skills further.
After half term cadets will now be open to everyone in school including year 7's, consent forms are available from the hub, reception or any CCF instructor.
A 26 second glimpse into life as a cadet
https://youtube.com/shorts/AoEI7RbYVVY?si=W72po0VpBePCHumi
A special documentary to celebrate the week has been released (link below) showing some of the activities cadets get up to
Army Cadets Official | Inside the Army Cadets Documentary
University of Northampton Report 2025
What is the social impact and return on investment resulting from expenditure on the Cadet Forces in the UK?
Thank you to all of our instructors without you all this wouldn't be possible.
π€ Captain (CCF) McKnight
Contingent Commander