Combined Cadet Force

CCF programmes have been shown to make a real difference to young people, helping them to develop the life skills and self-confidence they need to take charge of their lives so that they can reach their full potential at school, in employment and beyond.

Cadet units within schools provide a unique range of activities and opportunities for personal development for both learners and staff, developing self-discipline and improving social, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills. Headteachers often cite the positive impact the unit has across the entire school and the improvements in leadership, confidence, resilience and discipline within their cadets. Annual camps and field days are also part of the experience which all sit alongside the core learning of drills, how to wear uniform, rope work, recognition of ships, submarines and aircraft, map and compass work and developing individual leadership skills.

The transformative power of the CCF programme has been researched in detail by the University of Northampton, which found benefits including enhanced communication skills and increased confidence, resilience and leadership. They also found that participants gained a greater respect for diversity, there was an improvement in their health and wellbeing and an increase in educational performance and improved behaviour.

Northampton International Academy is very proud of its Royal Navy CCF Section and the cadets who have become part of the Senior Services Cadet Force.

Afloat training is the defining activity of the Naval Cadet Forces. The Royal Navy proficiency syllabus bases its training emphasis on leadership, afloat activities and adventurous training. Annual camps are held at Britannia Royal Naval College (Dartmouth), HMS Bristol (Portsmouth) and the Garelochead Training Area (Scotland). In addition to these camps there are over a hundred courses to choose from throughout the year, many leading to nationally recognised qualifications.

As well as the afloat activities, cadets can do scuba diving, mountaineering, mountain biking, rock climbing, leadership, first aid, NPLQ, ice climbing, skiing, flying, shooting, and there is even a band course for budding musicians. These courses are sponsored by the Navy and therefore cost a fraction of the civilian equivalent.