Combined Cadet Force

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

Matravers was one of 100 schools that successfully joined the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP), introduced in 2012. The Contingent was formally established in 2017 following a period of partnership with Warminster School. Since its inception, the Contingent has grown rapidly and is now recognised as one of the largest and most successful CEP contingents, with over 100 cadets.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Matravers offers a unique opportunity for all members of the school community. Every student is encouraged to think differently about the opportunities available to them. Through participation in the CCF, cadets are expected to develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Several cadets have gone on to achieve remarkable success as a result of their involvement in the Contingent:

Cadet Under Officer Bradbeer received the British Citizen Youth Award for her outstanding leadership.
Regimental Sergeant Major Gainey was awarded a highly prized scholarship from the Army, recognising his exceptional potential.
Regimental Sergeant Major Slarke served with distinction as the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Wiltshire, a prestigious appointment reflecting her exemplary service and conduct.

The Contingent Headquarters is located onsite and serves as a multifunctional space, including offices, a classroom, and storage facilities. The school grounds provide a large and versatile training area, featuring:

An indoor air rifle range;
A climbing wall with five lines of graded challenges, enabling cadets to work towards certification through the National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme (NICAS);
A field classroom;
A self-designed fitness and obstacle course, tailored to challenge cadets physically and promote teamwork and resilience.

Contingent Termly Newsletter

2023 - 2024

2024 - 2025

2025 - 2026

Spring Term

Summer Term

Accolades

Despite our youthfulness, the CCF has quickly established itself as a recognisable part of the Westbury community. Our achievements include:

Mayors Cadet of the Year 2018 – Cdt SSgt K Bradbeer;
Westbury Young Persons Awards Young Leader 2018 – Cdt SSgt J Cannings;
Regimental Sergeant Majors Award Best cadet at Central Camp Okehampton 2018 – Cdt SSgt J Cannings;
Exercise Tiger Venturer Matravers – Snowshoe expedition in the Mercantour National Park, France;
Regimental Sergeant Majors Award Best cadet at Central Camp Longmoor 2019 – Cdt Cpl B Bell;
88 % Duke of Edinburgh’s Award completion of those eligible to enrol;
35 mile Ten Tors Challenge Bronze Medal 2019;
Westbury Young People Awards 2019 – Young Sports Team of the Year;
The Prince of Wales Best Cadet Unit expedition - Exercise Tiger Venturer Matravers;
British Citizen Youth Award – Cadet Under Officer K Bradbeer.

The Army Section

The CCF Army Section at Matravers is proudly affiliated with 1 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC), based at RNAS Yeovilton. This affiliation was established shortly before the Contingent became a standalone unit in May 2017.

Matravers is honoured to represent the Army Air Corps in Wiltshire - particularly meaningful given that the Corps originated in the county. This affiliation has provided cadets with a unique connection to a frontline aviation regiment and has significantly enriched the cadet experience.

We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support from 1 Regiment AAC, which has included:

Two helicopter visits to the school, offering cadets a rare and inspiring close-up experience of Army aviation;
A station tour of RNAS Yeovilton, providing insight into the operational environment and careers within the AAC;

This strong partnership continues to inspire cadets and strengthen the identity of the Contingent within both the school and the wider community.

The RAF Section

We established an RAF Section in 2022, offering cadets a distinct and enriching experience alongside the Army Section. The RAF Section follows a different syllabus, focusing on aviation, aerospace, and air-minded leadership development.

Cadets in the RAF Section have the opportunity to take part in:

Air Experience Flying at MOD Boscombe Down;
Gliding at Upavon Airfield.

These activities provide cadets with hands-on exposure to flight and aviation, helping to broaden their skills and aspirations within the wider cadet programme.

Corps of Drums

In 2019 we launched our Corps of Drums, to provide an additional unique opportunity for our cadets. The Corps of Drums meet weekly to rehearse and revise their repertoire, to perform for school and community events. Our Corps of Drums will also respond to requests for performances and parades, should you wish to enquire about this please email ccf@matravers.wilts.sch.uk

Our Ethos “To be the Best”

Our Contingent ethos defines everything we do, we expect every cadet to ask themselves “Am I being the best version of me” in uniform and out of it. We believe that by our cadets constantly challenging themselves to meet this ethos, we will produce strong, capable leaders and individuals as they leave us and move forward in life.