Here at Bury Grammar School we take immense pride in our Combined Cadet Force (CCF), a remarkable programme that stands as one of the largest voluntary CCF in the country and boasts a rich legacy as one of the oldest.

Our CCF programme unites an Army Section affiliated with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and an RAF Section, providing students and pupils with unparalleled opportunities for growth and development.  

In this academic year alone, our CCF has much to be proud of. 

Master Cadet Course 

In August, Sarmad from the Class of 2024 became our very first CCF Army Cadet to successfully complete the prestigious 'Master Cadet Course' at Frimley Park. This intense, week-long course is known for pushing cadets to their limits and shaping them into future leaders. Sarmad, you've made us all incredibly proud with your hard work, determination, and leadership!

CADSAM Competition 

In September, a team of 10 cadets travelled to Altcar Training Camp, near Liverpool, to compete in the Northwest Cadet Skill at Arms Competition.  This annual competition sees cadets from all over the North of England go head-to-head.  This year cadets from numerous other CCFs, Army Cadets, Air Cadets and Sea Cadets battled to be the champions.  After a gruelling two days of different competitions testing the cadets’ skills, aim, fitness and teamwork, we were victorious!  The cadets won an amazing six different trophies including the best team overall in the 'Fire and Control', 'Attack and Reorg', 'Rifle Pairs' and the 'Advance to Contact' competition.  A special mention to Chloe (Year 10) and Carter (Year 12) who won Gold in the pairs-competition and Adam (Year 13) and Will (Year 13) closely winning Silver.  Thank you to all the staff who helped train the cadets over the weeks leading up to the competition and congratulations to everyone involved!

Meritorious Service Medal 

We are proud that in October Mrs Mehta, our CCF Contingent Commander, received the Greater Manchester Lord Lieutenant’s Award for Meritorious Service to the Cadet Forces and her service within Bury Grammar School's CCF! 

The award, presented by Lord Lieutenant Diane Hawkins, was part of a wonderful evening at Gorton Monastery, where over 43 cadets and volunteers were honoured for their contributions to young people across the county. 

Huge congratulations to Mrs Mehta and thank you for your dedication and leadership within our CCF.

CCF RAF Section Regional Competition 

In December, 14 CCF RAF Section cadets attended the North Region Air Squadron Trophy (RAST) Competition held at Inskip Cadet Training Centre.  Over 20 of the top schools in the North competed in difficult weather conditions over the two days.  Cadets took part in 6 different competitions.  First up was the group teamwork, led by Sophie.  Cadets had to complete a mission in timed conditions using the RAF leadership technique of SMEAC.  The cadets then completed a test on their knowledge of the RAF's space programme, ASTRA.  Following this, groups of four cadets split up to compete in first aid, cyber and air rifle target shooting.  The first aid team applied their knowledge of essential life saving techniques to four different scenarios.  The Cyber task involved recognising 50 different military aircraft and decoding radio messages, the quickest time won the race!  Finally, all members ironed their uniform, polished their shoes and performed a flawless inspection and drill sequence routine led by Mykola (Year 13).  The cadets scored very highly in all areas, in what was their first competition and are looking forward to honing these skills to compete again next year.  Well done the RAST team! 

Contingent Dinner 

In January, our Combined Cadet Force hosted their Contingent Dinner at The Fusiliers Museum to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Year 13 Senior Cadets.  The King's Coronation Medals were presented to members of staff with over five years’ service to the Cadet Forces, and the Kevin Hill Trophy for Outstanding Cadet 2025 was awarded to Adam in Year 13. 

CCF Year 10 Field Day

In March, our CCF cadets in Year 10 visited Fulwood Barracks, Preston for their annual Field Day.  The day gave our cadets the chance to experience a working military base and take part in a range of activities as part of their training this year.  Cadets also had the chance to practise their 'skill at arms', teamwork and leadership skills. 

RAF Section Flying Day 

On Tuesday, 7 RAF cadets from the CCF in Years 9 to 10 attended RAF Woodvale near Southport for a day of 'Air Experience Flying'. This was an opportunity for cadets to visit an operational RAF station and undertake a flight with an RAF pilot. Cadets flew in a Grob Tutor, the RAF's trainer aircraft.

They learned the principles of flight and got to handle the aircraft themselves during the 30-minute flight. Some cadets were even brave enough to have a go at some aerobatics!

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our CCF, the dedication, discipline, and leadership skills shown are exemplary, and we know that our cadets gain benefits that will last a lifetime.