Our Association is proud to work with Combined Cadet Forces across our six counties, supporting their growth and championing the value and benefits that they can bring to young people.
One Combined Cadet Force – The Phoenix Collegiate CCF based in West Bromwich – is an example of a CCF that has thoroughly embraced the development opportunities available to its staff and students. Following a successful few years their Combined Cadet Force now boasts three thriving sections with over 180 Cadets. Impressive!
Read on to find out how the school has grown in leaps and bounds.
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The growth of our CCF: a school perspective on embedding Armed Forces values in education
“When our Headteacher Mike Smith took up post in 2016 the school had already began its application to become one of the 500 Cadet Expansion Programme schools, which began taking its first cohort in 2017 following the appointment of our initial School Staff Instructor.
“When Sergeant Horobin (now Squadron Leader) first became involved with our school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Royal Navy section back in 2017, they were a small team with a modest number of Cadets, but the Headteacher had big ambitions.
“18 months later Mike Smith, having just completed a speech at the CCF annual Headteacher conference, took the opportunity to corner the Air Commodore and Regional CCF expansion lead on his ambition for an RAF sectioned to be added. It worked – and in 2019 we began parading with both a Royal Navy and Royal Air Force section at the school. Being an ex-ATC Cadet and RAFVR(T) Officer, Mike knew the transformational impact that the Cadets can have on a young person.
“Today, we are proud to say we’ve grown into a thriving contingent of over 180 Cadets, supported by 13 dedicated staff, and operating across three sections: Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and since 2023, a Royal Marine section.
“This journey has been one of purpose, perseverance, and shared belief in the value of what cadet forces can bring to young people—and to a school community.
“From the start, our Headteacher, senior leadership team and governors showed an unwavering support for the vision of what the CCF could become. Thanks to a combination of school investment and successful grant funding, we’ve developed facilities that rival some full-time training environments, including:
- An internal climbing wall, which has been used for a charity climb equivalent to Everest. These funds went to the local British Legion.
- An external Assault course, built to develop resilience and team spirit.
- A dedicated fieldcraft and training area on school grounds for structured lessons and outdoor leadership
- Mountain bikes to support expedition training and personal challenge
- A Formula 24 electric race car, engaging Cadets in STEM and engineering in real-world contexts
- A fully operational Corps of Drums, which I’ve had the privilege of developing and leading, drawing from my background as a Royal Marines musician.
“Beyond the facilities, the real success lies in the impact on our Cadets. Over the last few years, we’ve seen remarkable achievements:
- Two Lord-Lieutenant Cadet
- One Duke of Westminster Award Winner
- An International Air Cadet Exchange representative
- A First Sea Lord’s Cadet
“These achievements speak volumes about the quality of talent we nurture, but also about the environment we’ve created—one that fosters ambition, character, and leadership.
“Our CCF has become more than just an extracurricular option. It’s embedded in the curriculum, part of our school’s ethos, and plays a key role in shaping our culture of high expectations, responsibility, and service. The cadet programme supports wider school priorities—from student leadership and personal development to curriculum enrichment and community engagement.
“This year, our school was formally recognised with the Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. For us, this recognition reflects not only our commitment to Cadet Forces, but our broader support for ex-forces personnel, Reservists, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers—many of whom, have been given the opportunity to thrive and lead in education.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and one the school is exceptionally proud of. The support from the school has been consistent and meaningful, but it’s taken hard work from our CCF staff, dedication, and a shared vision to get to where we are today.
“Looking ahead, we’re not standing still. We’re continuing to expand opportunities for our Cadets, building local junior partnership schools, and integrating even more of the CCF ethos into school life. The journey from a small contingent in 2017 to the school becoming a Gold Award-winning organisation in 2025, shows just what’s possible when schools truly believe in the power of the Cadet experience.”
Find out more about the Combined Cadet Forces in our region.
Published 04/12/25
