The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a tri-service Ministry of Defence sponsored youth organisation based in schools and colleges throughout the UK.

Its aim is to "provide a disciplined organisation within a school so that pupils may develop powers of leadership by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance."

Bournemouth School CCF runs after school each Thursday and has over 300 members, recruited from our school and Bournemouth School for Girls.  Our CCF has three sections: Army, Navy and RAF.  It is a purely voluntary and highly popular activity; students are able to join their chosen section after Remembrance Sunday in Year 9.

Each section has links with its regular branch of the armed forces and field days, flying days and visits are organised to help develop the Cadet’s resourcefulness, leadership and self-reliance.  During Thursday CCF training the cadets may undertake activities such as fitness training and testing, drill, patrolling, fieldcraft, flying theory, skill at arms, rope work and command tasks.  There are also annual camps run in various locations all over the country.  These camps can be based on both military skills and adventurous training; they help prepare Cadets for future challenges as well as helping to foster self-discipline, determination and personal integrity.  Individual cadets are also able to attend other courses which help to broaden their leadership and communication skills, and life experience.

Annual highlights

September - December
Adventurous Training, Field day, Remembrance Parade, new recruit intake, various residential training courses.

January - March
Adventurous Training, Ten Tors Training, Annual Inspection Day, Dorset Challenge.

April - August
Ten Tors Expedition, CCF Central Camp, RAF Section Camp, National Radio Network Competition, Adventurous Training.