Combined Cadet Force
All pupils from Year 9 can join the CCF although it is not compulsory.
Our aim in the CCF is to develop the six core values of the Combined Cadet Force;
• Courage – we must have the moral courage to do always what is right.
• Discipline – to be effective we must be disciplined.
• Respect for others – show tolerance and understanding.
• Integrity – we are always to be honest and sincere.
• Loyalty – so that others may rely on us.
• Selfless Commitment – we must do our best at all times
Our CCF was founded in 1901 and has continued to provide pupils with a wide variety of challenges, opportunities, skills, leadership training, military knowledge and teamwork. We have three sections RN, Army and RAF as well as a strong and active ‘Corps of Drums’. In January 2026 the CCF will welcome a newly formed Royal Marine Troop. The Corps of Drums lead the Wellington Town Remembrance Sunday march through the town, perform at the St George’s Day Parade in Taunton and lead the Wellington Carnival in late September.
We pride ourselves in producing well-rounded and confident cadets. In recent years, a number of our cadets have been chosen as ‘Lord Lieutenant Cadets’, where they assist the Lord Lieutenant for Somerset with their duties.
The Contingent parades once a week on Friday afternoons, with a 48 hr exercise each term on Field Weekend. Cadets join for one year, initially, to gain experience and undertake basic training, and a number then remain for four years, ending up leading sections of younger cadets. To begin with, cadets work towards completing the “Cadet Proficiency Certificate” in Year 10 and the “Advanced Proficiency Certificate” in Year 11. In the Sixth Form, the cadets join a Leadership Cadre and begin their development as junior leaders. Senior Cadets in Year 12 can also enrol for a BTEC in Public Services.
We currently have over 300 cadets in our CCF, supported by teachers and volunteers.
