Combined Cadet Force
Our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Woodbridge School comprises three sections: Army, RAF and Royal Navy, with each section supported and sponsored by the British Armed Forces. Timetabled on a Friday afternoon for Year 9 and above and following a syllabus much like any other subject in School, CCF provides real opportunities for students to develop powers of leadership by means of activities and training that promote responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service.
What does it stand for?
We take CCF seriously at Woodbridge School because the experiences and transferable skills gained in any of our three cadet sections are relevant to so many of the future paths that our students choose to take.
From obstacle courses, low ropes, climbing walls, a zipwire, flight sim, formal dinners and shooting range all on our School site, to field trips, camps, competitions, adventure training and flying planes and gliders – CCF stands for so much more than you think.
Skills for life
Based on the traditions, values, and standards of their parent services, the CCF provides challenging and enjoyable activities for students which enable them to develop fundamental life skills – helping improve self-confidence, preparing them for life and helping them reach their full potential at School and beyond.
Although non-compulsory, almost all students choose to participate as their Seckford Scheme activity; the Seckford Scheme is an integral part of School life on Friday afternoons, and academic lessons finish at lunchtime to enable students to challenge themselves in a non-academic environment. Current CCF numbers are well over 200.
The CCF follows a syllabus, much like any other subject in School, and students can join from Year 9, with an induction taking place towards the end of Year 8 during which students enjoy a taster session of each section, helping them to make their choice as to which section of join.
Training
The CCF syllabus also holds specific criteria that must be achieved and/or met in order for cadets to progress. After their first year, cadets will have completed their basic training and will then have the opportunity to progress to the more advanced specialist service training, tailoring it to their individual interests.
After gaining their advanced syllabus award, senior cadets may become eligible for promotion within their relevant section and become instructors for the junior cadets.
Courses and camps
Cadets are encouraged to attend summer camps, adventure training, and the numerous courses run by the three parent services, all of which contribute to the overall development of the cadet, with many of these courses providing the opportunity for foreign travel.
There are also many opportunities for students to participate in sailing/motorboating/kayaking expeditions and courses, with yacht expeditions which have travelled to Scotland and Biscay and to undertake motorboat cruises to places such as the Channel Islands.
CCF Army camps and courses
Beckingham
Adventure training camp Capel Curig, North Wales
CCF RAF camps and courses
Inskip
Adventure training camp Capel Curig, North Wales
CCF Royal Navy camps and courses
Summer Camp at RHS
Band Camp
Adventure training camp Capel Curig, North Wales
Cadet Naval Wings Flying Course
Overnights
There are a number of opportunities to complete overnight training, camps and courses. Camps run throughout the summer holidays for each service and we also run our own adventure training camp in North Wales.
CCF Royal Navy overnights and camping
June: Local activity days and camping
October: Field Day, Portsmouth
CCF Army overnights and camping
June: Local activity days and camping
October: Field Exercise
CCF RAF overnights and camping
June: Base visit or field exercise, various locations
October: Field Exercise
All three CCF section syllabuses are closely linked with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and many of the activities cadets undertake can be useful in terms of skill and ability.
Activities
As part of CCF, students have access to a wide variety of activities and courses, including:
- Cadet Leadership Courses
- Military Exercises
- Initiative Tasks
- Power Boating
- Rock Climbing
- Navigating
- First Aid
- Flying/Gliding
- Signals
- Sailing/Canoeing/SUP
- Cooking
- Canoeing
- Abseiling
- Parachuting
- Orienteering
- Physical Training
- Target Rifle
- Low Ropes
- Zip Wire
- Paintball
- Bush Craft
- Trim Trial
Meet the staff
Andy Garvie
Contingent Commander
Our Contingent Commander, Andy Garvie, previously served 22 years in the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment. During this time, he worked in countries including North America, Canada, Australia and Croatia, and has taken part in expeditions to Morocco, Nepal and Peru. Andy has also completed an ascent of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina.
Alongside these impressive achievements, Andy also teaches games, mindfulness, is our GAP student co-ordinator, and a Year 7 and 8 tutor.
A keen bird watcher, Andy’s biggest passion is fitness, particularly natural movement, so it will be no surprise to learn he’s a keen cyclist, runner, and a qualified mountain leader, alongside being an L1 mountain bike leader and Pilates instructor.
Kevin Stollery
School Staff Instructor
A former soldier, having served 24 years in the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, Kevin Stollery, our School Staff Instructor (SSI), has served in Germany, USA, Canada, Norway, Australia, Belize and Bermuda. Achieving the rank of Warrant Officer, he’s also completed five tours of Northern Ireland and one in Bosnia.
Born and raised in Capel St Andrew in Suffolk, Kevin joined Woodbridge School in 1999, and alongside his SSI role is also Head of shooting, running the school’s Rifle Club. He also helps with Duke of Edinburgh and senior games and is a tutor for Years 7 and 8.
Unsurprisingly Kevin has a keen interest in target rifle shooting, but also enjoys ball sports, including football, cricket and rugby, as well as running. A dedicated sportsman, he’s completed the Edinburgh Marathon, and achieved a personal best of 3 hours 45 minutes in the London Marathon; this was not only a personal achievement but also a charitable one, as he ran to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund.
CCF Inspection 2025
Army Cadets Awarded ‘Top School’ at Combat Cadet Competition, Beckingham
CCF Army Minden Dinner, 2025
RAF Cadets Fly Grob Tutors at RAF Wittering
Want to see for yourself?
In addition to our open days, we welcome visits from parents and children looking for the right foundation for life ahead. We’ll be happy to show you around and answer any questions you have about our School, staff and the support we offer our students.