Exeter School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) gives pupils the chance to build leadership, initiative and self-reliance from Year 10 through to Year 13. As part of the school’s Friday 8 programme, the CCF contingent now numbers around 250 pupils, making it one of the most popular co-curricular activities on offer.
What Is the Combined Cadet Force?
The Combined Cadet Force sits at the heart of Exeter School’s commitment to developing well-rounded young people. Pupils join the CCF in Middle Fifth (Year 10), where they complete a term of common training. This introductory term gives every cadet the opportunity to experience all three sections before they choose a path.
Once common training is complete, pupils select the Service they want to join:
Royal Navy
Army
Royal Air Force
Each section offers its own distinct activities, skills and challenges, giving cadets a genuine taste of military life and structure.
Building Leadership, One Term at a Time
Whichever Service a pupil chooses, the CCF’s core aims stay the same. Every activity is designed to develop:
Leadership skills that pupils can apply both in and out of school
Initiative, encouraging cadets to think on their feet
Self-reliance, building confidence to tackle new challenges independently
A solid knowledge of the Armed Services and how they operate
Cadets progress through structured training as they move up the school. This isn’t just about following instructions — it’s about pupils growing into the kind of young people who can guide others with confidence.
