Combined Cadet Force

The Combined Cadet Force is a uniformed youth organisation for students in Years 8 and above.

Many of the activities offered by the CCF are focused on developing personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline through a broad range of challenging, adventurous and educational activities outside of the classroom.

There are many reasons to join CCF, even if you’re not from a military background. Becoming a cadet gives students life skills in first aid and navigation, as well as improving their teamwork, confidence, leadership and self-reliance skills.

Residential Training Opportunities in Combined Cadet Force

Training weekends are always one of the highlights for our Cadets. Staying at a camp gives them the chance to make new friends, complete training qualifications and to try exciting activities in a safe environment. 

Yorkshire Regiment and Royal Air Force

Queen Ethelburga’s CCF has an Army Section (Yorkshire Regiment) and a Royal Air Force Section.

Students training in the Army Section will focus on soldiering skills such as weapon handling, patrolling, navigation at night and learning to operate outside overnight. Whereas RAF cadets will have the option to study the principles of flight, communicate via radios and learn how to fly.  

Pearson BTEC Vocational Qualification

Queen Ethelburga's Combined Cadet Force offers students the opportunity to enrol on vocational qualifications led by the education charity CVQO. The qualifications are nationally recognised, providing cadets with support when applying for university and jobs.

From age 13, students can qualify for the Pearson BTEC Level 1 Certificate in Teamwork, Personal Skills, and Citizenship. This qualification recognises basic CCF skills, e.g. drill, teamwork and fieldwork.

At 16, cadets can enrol in the Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community. Students develop a wide variety of skills, including effective communication, career planning and leadership. The Level 2 Award is an ideal qualification to help strengthen applications to higher education or future jobs. 

Hannah’s CCF Journey

"Through the CCF programme, I gained new experiences which I would not have been able to participate in otherwise. I have spent nights in the forest tucked into a sleeping bag whilst my closest friends are next to me, and owls are howling above, cooking my ration packs in the morning and trading an all-day breakfast for a bowl of muesli.

Being in the QE CCF Regiment and serving as Sergeant, has provided me with fantastic opportunities above and beyond what most cadets get to experience. 

It led me to become the first Combined Cadet Force representative appointed to the role of Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire. This appointment meant I could represent our Cadets and Queen Ethelburga's at events and support the Lord Lieutenant in his duties. Serving as a Sergeant also led to me being selected to attend amazing events, such as the King’s Coronation concert at Windsor Castle. On another outing, I met Their Majesty’s King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort, at York Minster.  

As a Cadet Sergeant for CCF, I had the opportunity to enrol on a CVQO Diploma in Teamwork & Personal Development. The course led Cadet staff to nominate me for the CVQO Westminster Award 2022! 

All of these opportunities and experiences stem from the dedication of the CCF volunteers. They always ensured we had fun and got the best out of a Monday night activity. I would definitely encourage others to get involved with all the opportunities at Cadets."