CCF-The Combined Cadet Force

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) has a long and proud tradition of transforming Birkenhead School students into future leaders. We conduct training in outdoor pursuits and military skills, adopting a military ethos and culture.

The CCF is an MOD sponsored voluntary youth organisation based within the School. There is a full time ex-regular Army School Staff Instructor (SSI) supporting the Officers to conduct training. Typically the CCF Officers are members of the School staff, assisted by a number of additional staff from outside the School.

The CCF meets on a Wednesday afternoon, from 3.50-6.00pm and Students can join the CCF at the age of thirteen (year eight). All of our Cadets choose between the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force sections, but the training and activities that they take part in depends on which of the three Services they choose to represent, although all students will initially follow a common military syllabus. Some of the activities Cadets can take part in include:

Campcraft
Self-reliance Training
Fieldcraft
Drill
Competition Shooting and Marksmanship
Flying and Gliding
Sailing and Seamanship
Adventurous Training (including kayaking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and more!)

Programme – 2011-2012

For a programme of activities and events for the coming year click here

Recruitment 2011/12

Recruitment into the CCF is now open and all Students aged 13-18 are welcome to join us! Feel free to turn up throughout May to take part in our recruit training.
Remember- there’s no obligation to join the CCF, so come along and if it’s not for you then there’s no problem with that. However, if you come along and enjoy it, then you’re welcome to stay for as long as you want!
The training programme for the Contingent is available on this page, with the recruits’ section available for you to see some of the exciting opportunities we have to offer!
If you want any more information, do not hesitate to pop into the CCF office at a break or lunchtime, Tuesday to Thursday.

News Articles

Congratulations to Allen Lowey on his recent promotion to Cadet Corporal. Allen Lowey has served with the CCF for nearly three years and has demonstrated a great commitment and enthusiasm towards his training and other CCF activities.In addition to his recent promotion, Cpl Lowey has also applied to attend the prestigious Cadet Leadership Course at the National Cadet Training Centre. This arduous course tests Cadets in their leadership, military skills and fitness during a week in July, and successful completion earns him an award from the Insitute of Leadership and Management.
On a lovely Sunday morning in March, nine CCF cadets along with Captain Joseph and 2Lt Barnes, went on a walking expedition through part of Snowdonia, led by Lt Higginbottom. Starting the day in a lovely, warm car park, we went on through wooded pathways, perilous scree and slippery rock faces as we battled our way up the steep slopes of Moel Wnion (no, it’s not pronounced onion!) and up to the summit, battered by high winds and tired from the 1800ft change in altitude! A quick walk back down and a stop at McDonald’s made for a quiet bus ride home and an early night in bed