What is the Combined Cadet Force?
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and delivered in partnership with schools across the United Kingdom. It provides young people with exciting opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, leadership and teamwork through a wide range of challenging and rewarding activities.
Although the CCF follows many traditions of the Armed Forces, it is not a recruitment organisation. There is no obligation or expectation for cadets to join the military. Instead, the CCF uses military values and adventurous training as a proven framework to help young people develop the skills, character and self-discipline that employers, colleges and universities value.
Within the Matrix Academy Trust, our CCF is open to students of all backgrounds and abilities. Cadets are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another and strive for personal excellence in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
Throughout their time in the CCF, cadets can take part in a wide variety of activities, including:
• Leadership and teamwork training
• Emergency First Aid qualifications
• STEM and Space education
• Flying and aviation experiences
• Fieldcraft and navigation
• Adventure training and camps
• Drill and ceremonial events
• Shooting (where authorised)
• Community and charitable events
• Nationally recognised qualifications and awards
Above all, the CCF is about helping young people become self-disciplined, resilient and confident individuals, preparing them for success in education, employment and life.
Our Vision: To develop self-disciplined, resilient and confident young people through challenge, teamwork and leadership, preparing them for the world of work and service to others, guided by respect, integrity and aspiration.
What Cadets Actually Do.
Cadets take part in a wide range of exciting and rewarding activities throughout the year, designed to develop confidence, teamwork and leadership. These include drill and ceremonial, first aid, leadership exercises, fieldcraft, STEM and space education, flying and gliding opportunities, target shooting, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, day and residential camps, adventure training, community and charity events, and supporting local and national Remembrance services.
Every activity provides cadets with the opportunity to learn new skills, challenge themselves, make lasting friendships and create experiences that will benefit them well beyond their time at school.
Benefits of Joining
Being a cadet is about much more than taking part in activities—it is about developing the skills, qualities and experiences that will last a lifetime. Through regular training and challenging opportunities, cadets grow in confidence, learn to work effectively as part of a team and develop the resilience to overcome obstacles. They build leadership and communication skills, learn to take responsibility for themselves and others, and gain practical qualifications that enhance their education and future career prospects.
The experiences gained through the Combined Cadet Force are recognised and valued by colleges, universities and employers alike. Whether a cadet chooses to pursue higher education, an apprenticeship, employment or simply wishes to become a more confident and capable young person, the skills developed within the CCF provide a strong foundation for success. Above all, the CCF encourages cadets to challenge themselves, support others and strive to achieve their personal best in everything they do.
Parade Nights & Weekly Training
The Matrix Academy Trust Combined Cadet Force meets weekly during term time at each school. Parade nights begin at the end of the school day and run for approximately two hours, providing cadets with regular training and development in a structured, enjoyable and supportive environment.
Each parade night follows a varied training programme, which may include drill, leadership, first aid, fieldcraft, aviation studies, STEM, physical training, ceremonial preparation and team-building activities. These sessions form the foundation of the cadet experience and allow cadets to work towards promotions, qualifications and awards throughout the year.
Cadets are expected to attend regularly, arrive punctually and wear the correct dress as directed by their contingent staff. Parents will be notified in advance should parade nights be cancelled or amended.
Monday
- Wednesfield Academy
- Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School
- Turves Green Boys’ School
Tuesday
- Etone College
- Smestow Academy
- Etone College
- Smestow Academy
Wednesday
- Barr Beacon School
- Bloxwich Academy
Weekend & Holiday Activities
In addition to weekly parade nights, cadets have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of voluntary activities held during weekends and school holidays. These events provide additional opportunities to develop skills, gain qualifications and take part in experiences that cannot be delivered during a normal parade night.
Activities throughout the year include leadership camps, first aid courses, fieldcraft training, STEM and Space education, sports competitions, shooting, adventure training, flying and gliding opportunities, ceremonial events, museum visits and the Matrix Cadet Challenge. Participation in these activities is strongly encouraged as they contribute towards cadet progression, qualifications and personal development.
Parents will receive full joining instructions before each activity, including timings, location, dress requirements, equipment lists and emergency contact information.
Camps & Residential Experiences
Residential camps provide cadets with some of the most memorable experiences during their time in the Combined Cadet Force. Depending on age, experience and qualifications, cadets may attend both one-day and multi-day camps throughout the academic year.
During camps, cadets take part in a variety of activities including leadership exercises, adventure training, fieldcraft, navigation, sport, first aid, STEM, team challenges and ceremonial training. Camps also help develop independence, resilience and teamwork while allowing cadets to build lasting friendships with students from across the Matrix Academy Trust.
All camps are delivered by appropriately qualified and DBS-checked staff in accordance with Ministry of Defence and Matrix Academy Trust policies. Comprehensive risk assessments are completed for every activity, and parents will receive detailed joining instructions, kit lists and emergency contact arrangements well in advance of each camp.
Uniform Expectations
In the Combined Cadet Force (as in school) we have a uniform standard which requires to be enforced. Please be vigilant to ensure the cadets are wearing uniform correctly. Army Cadets will only be issued MTP. The standards are as follows.
In all cases uniform is to be clean and ironed, shirts should be worn tucked in, and boots or shoes polished. Berets are not to be worn within the classroom, however, must be worn on the corridors of the school.
Cadets will be given a security brief on how they transit to and from school. They are only permitted to wear No 2a and 2c to and from school providing they wear a civilian jacket over the top.
No 3 (Greens/MTP) cadets are to come into school wearing civilian clothing, they will then get changed before form time into the correct standard.
Forecast of Events
The Matrix Academy Trust Combined Cadet Force publishes an annual Forecast of Events (FOE), providing parents and cadets with advance notice of training activities throughout the academic year.
The FOE includes parade events, leadership courses, first aid qualifications, weekend training days, camps, competitions, flying opportunities, community engagement activities and ceremonial occasions such as Remembrance events. While every effort is made to deliver the programme as published, dates and activities may occasionally change due to operational requirements, weather or external factors.
Parents are encouraged to retain a copy of the Forecast of Events and support their child in attending as many activities as possible. Regular participation enables cadets to develop their skills, progress through the cadet syllabus and make the most of the many opportunities available.
Recognition & Awards
The Matrix Academy Trust Combined Cadet Force believes in recognising commitment, effort and achievement.
Throughout the year, cadets may receive recognition through promotions, qualification badges, classification awards and certificates presented during parade nights and special events.
In addition to service-specific awards, Matrix Academy Trust celebrates achievement through Trust-wide competitions and events, where cadets compete in leadership, first aid, drill, shooting, teamwork and other military skills.
Cadets may also be recognised for exceptional attendance, leadership, service to their contingent, community involvement and outstanding personal development. These achievements reflect the dedication shown by our cadets and the values that underpin the Matrix Academy Trust CCF.
Voluntary Contributions
The Matrix Academy Trust Combined Cadet Force is committed to providing high-quality opportunities for every cadet. While participation in the CCF is free of charge, we invite parents and carers to make a voluntary contribution of £35 per cadet, per academic year to help enhance the experience we are able to offer.
These contributions are paid into the contingent’s Non-Public Funds (NPF) account and are used solely for the benefit of cadets. They help to fund activities, purchase additional training equipment, subsidise resources and support events that fall outside the funding provided through the Ministry of Defence and the school.
Families whose child is eligible for Free School Meals will have this contribution covered by the school and are not expected to make a payment.
Payment details will be provided separately by each contingent.
As this contribution is entirely voluntary, no cadet will ever be disadvantaged through an inability to contribute. We are also grateful for any fundraising ideas or offers of support from parents and carers. If you have any suggestions, please contact: cadets@matrixacademytrust.co.uk
Meet The Team
Welcome to the Matrix Academy Trust Combined Cadet Force.
I am delighted that you and your child are considering joining our CCF community. The Combined Cadet Force offers far more than military-themed activities; it is a programme centred on developing confident, resilient and responsible young people through cHenge, teamwork and leadership.
Within the Matrix Academy Trust, our vision is to develop self-disciplined, resilient and confident young people who are prepared for the world of work and service to themselves, guided by respect, integrity and aspiration. Every activity we deliver is designed to help cadets grow as individuals, whether that is through leadership, first aid, adventurous training, community service, STEM, or ceremonial events.
This handbook has been created to answer the questions parents and carers commonly ask and to explain how our CCF operates across the Trust. We believe that the support of parents and carers is fundamental to every cadet’s success, and we hope this guide provides reassurance and insight into the opportunities available.
Whether your child is looking to build confidence, make new friends, develop practical skills or simply try something new, we look forward to welcoming them into the Matrix Academy Trust CCF family.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to meeting you throughout your child’s cadet journey.