It was a day of celebration as our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) students proudly took part in their annual presentation day – highlighting their commitment, resilience, and achievement.
The event showcased an impressive range of accolades awarded across multiple disciplines, shining a spotlight on the dedication and skill of our cadets.
This year’s accomplishments reflected not only academic and practical excellence, but also outstanding personal development. Among the highlights:
First Aid Excellence:
Five cadets achieved the prestigious First Aid at Work certification, a rigorous three-day course, while ten others earned Youth First Aid qualifications, demonstrating vital lifesaving skills.
Communications and Technical skills:
Ten cadets were awarded Basic CIS (Communications and Information Services) certificates, with a further six achieving One Star CIS, recognising their competence in professional radio communication.
Marksmanship Achievements:
Our cadets demonstrated exceptional focus and discipline on the range, all achieving exceptional accomplishment reflecting outstanding precision and consistency:
- Nine achieved GP Trained Shot status
- Four earned GP Marksman recognition
- Two reached Advanced Marksman level
Academic and Leadership Development:
Nine cadets passed their Basic Army Cadet Syllabus (ACS) assessments, while eight progressed further with Two Star ACS qualifications, evidencing strong knowledge across all CCF subjects.
National Qualifications and Awards:
Four cadets successfully completed the Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community, a testament to their dedication beyond the classroom.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Success:
We are proud to celebrate:
- Eli Pearce for completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- Grace Thomson for achieving the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award
The day also recognised leadership and progression within the ranks, with several students receiving promotions:
- Promoted to Lance Corporal:
- Cdt Niamh Hallinan, Cdt Sophie Robinson, Cdt Amelie Jones, Cdt Prakat Sunuwar, and Cdt William Liu
- Promoted to Staff Sergeant:
- Sgt Grace Thomson
Captain Kat Wilson, School Staff Instructor, reflected on the day:
“Our unit’s presentation day is one of the highlights of the year for me, a day to celebrate our cadets hard work and achievements throughout the year. Their resilience shines, not only with CCF but also in balancing their A Level studies, and we are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished. I am proud of the commitment they show each week and the relationships our unit form is truly inspiring.
This year’s presentation was especially poignant as we welcomed our new Contingent Commander into our CCF family, and we were able to show him just how fantastic our cadets and CCF programme are.”
The day was a powerful reminder of the confidence, discipline and teamwork our CCF programme fosters. We are incredibly proud of all our cadets and look forward to seeing their continued success both within the CCF and beyond.
Combined Cadet Force is just one of many enrichment opportunities available to students at QE outside of their academic studies. With over 60 to choose from, there’s something for every interest and ambition.
Find out more here – Enrichment Programme – Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
