Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

We offer students from Year 8 onwards the opportunity to be part of the Combined Cadet Force. We have an Army Section which follows the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) syllabus. The syllabus is progressive and allows students to take part in Drill, Skill at Arms, Shooting, Fieldcraft, First Aid, Navigation and Expedition. Parade will be on Thursdays at 4-6pm in the CCF building by the school Science block.

Students also get the chance to go on Field Days/Weekends and Camps to put their skills into practice.

Cadets are able to be promoted based on syllabus progression and merit and senior cadets are able to teach basic APC subjects to junior cadets.

There are also opportunities to attend other courses and gain qualifications whilst part of the CCF. Many of the CCF activities can also be used to pass sections of Duke of Edinburgh.

Meet the Staff:

Contingent Commander – Mr James Gasson-Hargreaves
School Staff Instructor (SSI) – Mr Paul Sainsbury

Mr Sainsbury spent 24 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers before becoming an ACF instructor with Somerset ACF. In 2016 he became a CCF School Staff Instructor for a contingent of 200 Cadets. He holds numerous cadet qualifications, is a Mountain Leader, Climbing Wall Instructor, Archery Instructor, and keen cricketer and skier.

To enquire about places, please email Mr Sainsbury on psainsbury@sexeys.somerset.sch.uk . Adult volunteers are also always welcome!

Army Cadet Force

We also provide the opportunity for students from school to parade at the Castle Cary platoon on a Monday night. The platoon is open to all pupils aged 12 and over and transport is provided to and from Castle Cary for all boarders. This can be in addition to taking part in CCF or as a standalone activity.

The parade night officially starts at 7:00pm and ends at 9:00pm and evenings involve many of the activities and skills as part of the  Army Proficiency Certificate scheme.  These include drill, map reading, weapon handling, shooting, military knowledge, First Aid and outdoor activities. Cadets are able to participate in numerous weekend camps during the year as well as a 2 week Summer Camp at one of the larger Army camps around the country.  There are also many extra activities such as the Ten Tors and the National Rifles cup competition that cadets can get involved in and they also play a large part in the local community by supporting local charities and attending Remembrance day parades.

See more about Somerset Army Cadets here

For further information please contact school reception or complete the enquiry form here .