CCF

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a youth organisation, partly funded by the Ministry of Defence.  It aims to give pupils, mainly in Independent Schools, the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities that may otherwise not be available to them and to instil teamwork and leadership qualities that will be of value throughout their lives.

Sedbergh School CCF has three sections, the Army, Royal Navy, and Pipes and Drums which are open to all years. We have links to the regular services including HMS Example and the Duke of Lancaster.

At Sedbergh, the origins of what is now the CCF unit can be traced back to the formation of the Rifle Corps in 1901. The Rifle Corps formed a Company of 2nd (Westmorland) Volunteer Battalion of the Border Regiment. School records show that the First Commanding Officer, the Headmaster, Capt Lowry held the first ‘Drill’ on November 9th 1901. At Sedbergh we now have contingent sections of the army, pipes and drums and navy.

The CCF is a popular choice for pupils who join for a range of reasons. Heritage is a prime motivator, some of the boys are second and third generation of military families, whilst some are looking forward to learning shooting and marksmanship. Others can’t wait to start on fieldcraft and survival skills. Although the CCF is clear that it is not a recruiting proposition for the defence force, a select few pupils, including Alex and Marcus, are looking to build experience ahead of applications to the military after leaving Sedbergh. A couple of Sedbergh pupils apply each year.

“I enjoy learning new skills every week and opportunities that CCF brings like our yearly summer camp.

I also love everyone’s perseverance and determination within our section ( whether that comes from being part of Sedbergh School or Sedbergh CCF I’m not sure) this was most recently highlighted at our 2023 summer camp were we won the Altcar Cup (we were judged on a whole range of criteria over our time at Altcar, and also had a day specifically designed for earning points, during which our section composed completely of year 9 pupils managed to beat some sixth form sections.

Being a part of the CCF has taught me some really important life skills. I’ve become a better leader, learned how to stay organised by keeping my gear in check, and developed discipline through regular routines like boot cleaning. I have also gained other skills such as: Being able to fully strip, clean and reassemble a rifle, understanding and being able to teach others about camouflauge & marksmanship principles, being able to teach – as an NCO (non commissioned officer) you are expected to teach principles and skills you’ve learnt to cadets. I’ve learnt basic first aid (tourniquets, slings etc), survival skills (making fires and shelters) and many more interesting skills.”

Sedbergh Senior School - CCF

ABOUT OUR COMBINED CADET FORCE

Pupils are encouraged to continue in the CCF throughout their School career and may be able to change sections in order to broaden their experience.  As Cadets progress, they will be promoted on merit, encouraged to take part in the instruction and training of new recruits and to contribute to the training programme.  This type of experience carries weight on CVs and UCAS (University) applications.

There is a great variety of opportunities available to members of the CCF, including sailing, powerboating  and  leadership opportunities, largely funded by the Ministry of Defence. The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme can be followed by members of the CCF and contributes to their Volunteering sections, may provide opportunities for their Gold residential section and trains Year 10 cadets for their expedition section.

The Shooting Team is one of the most successful teams in the country, regularly competing and winning prestigious prizes with team members representing Great Britain in International competitions.  Those cadets who shoot have to remain active members of the CCF attending routine training on Thursdays.

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Sedbergh Senior School - CCF