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Cheney Cadets (Combined Cadet Force)

Cheney CCF logo 2026 sm The Cadet’s is considered one of the UK’s leading youth organisations. With a strong focus on adventure, skills and leadership, Cadets are empowered to challenge themselves, build confidence, and make lasting friendships.

Cheney is the only state school in Oxfordshire to have a dedicated Combined Cadet Force (CCF)—a school leadership and personal development programme, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). This allows us to provide a high level of training based on a structured syllabus around preparing Cadets for future success. This teaches students the soft skills that employers look for, whilst taking advantage of access to MOD training facilities and equipment across the country and abroad.

From field trips to a week long Summer Camp there will be something new and exciting for all students in the Cadets. This includes the many skills of fieldcraft to weapons handling, professional first aid training and radio communication, to kayaking, archery, climbing and more.

Year 9 and 10 students can find out more by visiting Ms Ametorwodufia in F3 or Mr Jethwa in R2. Captain SL Clark, founder of Cheney CCF and former Royal Green Jackets Officer, is a physics teacher at Cheney. Under his direction, adult volunteers work together with the Senior Cadet NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) to guide and support new Cadets. NCOs act as role models and lead on delivery of acquired skills as part of their Rank. The School Staff Instructor Sjt Maj Ansell is also involved in training and developing Cadets alongside running all of the logistics and administration of the Contingent.

For all enquiries about Cheney School CCF, please email ccf@cheneyschool.org

Cheney CCF at Bicester Field Day

Why have Cadets at Cheney?

Benefits to Cadets

Clear and confident communication skills
Leadership and teamwork experience
Greater resilience and perseverance
Improved mental and physical wellbeing
Stronger employability and career readiness
Increased potential for higher lifetime earnings

Benefits to Cheney

Higher school attendance rates
Fewer GP visits
Decreased reliance on mental health services
Greater chances of students progressing to further or higher education

Cadet Opportunities

Each year Cadets take part in overnight camps and field trips such as Bovington Tank Museum, plus an action packed week long Summer Camp. These involve countless activities and help forge lifelong friendships. Curated day trips to local places, such as Brize Norton and Benson RAF bases, further expand military knowledge and experiences.

Beyond school, Cadets also have access to a wide variety of subsidised MoD camps which provide training for nationally recognised qualifications (Junior Cadet Instructor's Cadre JCIC, Senior Cadet Instructor's Cadre SCIC, cyber security and first aid at work).

Over their years with the CCF, Cadets will learn many skills and build on what they previously learnt (such as how to navigate using the stars). Provided they show the capabilities and values, they will progress up the ranks and further expand confidence and leadership skills.

A Typical Parade Night

Mondays after school during term-time

15:00 - School day ends. Cadets change into uniform
15:30 - Assemble at the Playground by the Gym
15:45 - Parade and Drill
16:00 - Activity A
16:40 - Break
16:45 - Activity B
17:25 - Parade
17:30 - End for Juniors
17:40 - End for Seniors

For further information on Cadets: