Combined Cadet Force

About the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Stonyhurst College

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Stonyhurst College is a thriving part of the national youth movement supported by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD). Though MOD-administered, each school’s CCF activities operate under the policy and oversight of the Headmaster.

The CCF is a voluntary, part-time youth organisation based in schools—primarily in the independent sector. Within each school, cadets are organised into Contingents, which may include one to three service sections (typically Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force).

Nationally, there are over 250 schools with active Combined Cadet Force Contingents, involving more than 1,800 officers and 42,700 cadets across the UK.

A Proud History of the CCF at Stonyhurst College

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Stonyhurst College is deeply rooted in the traditions of service, leadership, and national contribution. The broader Cadet movement in the UK dates back to 1860, when cadets formed part of the Volunteer Force with an operational role in defending the country.

Stonyhurst’s own Cadet Corps officially mustered for the first time on Tuesday, 16 October 1900, in the Ambulacrum. Oversight was provided by the First Volunteer Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment, as directed by the War Office. Historical diaries record frequent visits from Colonel Robinson, along with Sergeants McHugh (Blackburn) and Buckley (Clitheroe), who trained the early cadets in drill and musketry.

Originally, cadets wore scarlet uniforms with white piping and a slouch hat. By 1913–14, this had evolved into the standard British Army khaki uniform.

The CCF Experience at Stonyhurst College

At Stonyhurst, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) plays a central role in developing young leaders of character, instilling values such as service, resilience, and teamwork. Supported by the dedication of staff and close links with the Armed Services, Stonyhurst cadets benefit from a rich programme of training, field experience, and access to Ministry of Defence-sponsored opportunities across the UK.

Structure and Training

The CCF at Stonyhurst is organised into two companies:

  • Junior Company (Phase 1 – LG): Pupils join at the beginning of the Easter Term and are introduced to essential skills including campcraft, navigation, map reading, compass use, and basic drill.

  • Intermediate Year (Gr): Cadets continue with a more military-focused programme, developing practical fieldcraft and leadership skills.

Those wishing to continue into their final years may progress into the Senior Company. Each platoon is led by a Junior Under Officer (Rhetoric) and supported by a Platoon Sergeant (Rhetoric) and three Corporals (Poetry). Weekly parades are held every Thursday from 13:50 to 15:35 during term time.

Beyond the Classroom: Camps and Courses

Stonyhurst cadets actively take part in a wide range of camps, competitions, and Service-sponsored courses, including:

  • Adventure Training Camps

  • Military Cadre Camps

  • Cadet Leadership Courses at Frimley Park and Warcop

  • Target Rifle Coaching with the National Rifle Association at Bisley

  • Regional and national shooting competitions

  • Visits to active military units

These experiences help pupils build confidence, technical skills, and leadership under pressure.

Stonyhurst’s connection to the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) stretches back more than a century.

There are seven platoons, each named after Stonyhurst OS awarded the Victoria Cross and a newly created platoon to accommodate the number of pupils joining the College in Higher Line, named after the first commanding officer of the Corps.

The Platoons are:

  • Costello (Lieutenant Edmund William Costello, V.C. (1897), 22nd Punjab Infantry Regiment)
  • Coury (Second- Lieutenant George Gabriel Coury, V.C. (1916), (1st/4th Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment. Prince of Wales’s Volunteers)
  • Dease (Lieutenant Maurice James Dease, V.C. (1914), 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers. City of London Regiment)
  • Ervine- Andrews (Captain Harold Marcus Ervine-Andrews, V.C. (1940), 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment)
  • Jackman (Captain James Joseph Bernard Jackman, V.C. (1941), 1st Battalion, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers)
  • Kenna (Captain Paul Aloysius Kenna, V.C. (1898), 21st (Empress of India’s) Lancers)
  • Liddell (Captain John Aidan Liddell, V.C. (1915), 3rd Reserve Battalion (Attached 2nd Battalion) Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Royal Flying Corps)
  • Pearse (Colonel Lieutenant S.A. Pearse, DSO (1917), first O.C. Stonyhurst OTC, East Lancashire Regiment)

Calendar of Events

Building skills for the future

CCF is not just for those who plan a career in the Forces, it is a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence that helps develop a number of leadership and life enhancing skills.

We enrol pupils automatically into the CCF in their Lower Grammar year (age 13+) and supply each pupil with a uniform, which they are expected to keep in good order for inspection each week.

Training includes drills (marching and manoeuvres); learning how to assemble, clean and shoot weapons; and many useful life skills including teamwork; leadership; tactical planning and discipline.

There’s lots of fun and friendship involved too, so much so that after the annual summer camp which takes place at a military camp, many pupils opt to continue their CCF activities, taking on increasingly responsible leadership roles as they progress through the school.

Legacy and Service

The history of the CCF at Stonyhurst reflects the school’s values of duty, courage, and leadership. Through two world wars and beyond, Stonyhurst has maintained its proud military tradition, forming young men and women committed to serving others.

Today, the CCF continues to offer leadership training, outdoor education, and personal development, honouring the legacy of those who came before.

Lt. Col A Barber
Contingent Commander, Stonyhurst College CCF

Originally from Conisbrough, South Yorkshire, Lt. Col Barber studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and performed with several professional orchestras before beginning his teaching career at Oundle School, where he became Head of Strings and took on roles including Assistant Housemaster, Rugby and Soccer Coach, and involvement with the CCF.

With a long-standing interest in the military, he joined the Territorial Army while at music college, first serving with E Troop 244 Signal Squadron (Royal Signals), later moving to the 3rd Battalion (V) Royal Welsh Regiment to begin officer training.

He joined Stonyhurst College in 2000 as Commanding Officer of the Cadet Corps, and since 2016 has also led the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.

His interests include rugby, kayaking, and hill walking—preferably ending at a good pub. He is married to Kath and has two children, Bethan (OS 17) and Rhys (OS 21), and a much-loved German Shepherd, Lancer.

Links with military families

Our robust CCF programme is an attractive offering for pupils who would like to follow in their families footsteps. With a long tradition of welcoming armed forces families, Stonyhurst encourages individuality and the opportunity for children to become all that they can be.

Learn more

Where do you want to go next?