Last weekend, eight senior cadets from Wellingborough School participated in a demanding regional Combat Cadet competition. The team included Lauren R, Will W, Oliver H‑S, Oscar C, Oli H, and George M, alongside two additional senior cadets. The wider Combat Cadet team also included Elliot W and Cameron C. Competing from Friday to Sunday against Army Cadet Force (ACF) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) teams, the pupils, all aged 16 and above, faced a challenging and highly demanding weekend.
They faced an intense 36‑hour competition made up of 18 challenging stands. It was a tough and physically demanding weekend, with very little rest.
Conditions were hot and exhausting. Cadets slept out overnight and lived on military rations throughout the exercise. With minimal preparation time and no reserve cadets available this year, every member of the team was required to give their all at every stage.
Despite these challenges, the team performed exceptionally well and were awarded Gold, placing them in the top category out of 18 teams. This marks the first Gold result for Wellingborough School since returning to the competition.
This achievement continues an impressive upward journey. Three years ago, the team earned Bronze. Last year, they progressed to Silver. This year, they completed the climb with a well‑deserved Gold group placing.
The weekend tested a wide range of skills and personal qualities, including teamwork, leadership, initiative, fitness, and resilience. Cadets took part in demanding activities such as:
- A fitness stand, including a 1,800‑metre run in boots and combats while carrying rifles
- Section Attack
- March and Shoot
- Close Quarter Battle (CQB)
- Ambush exercises
- Patrol lanes
- Weapon handling and shooting
- Casualty evacuation scenarios
“A special mention must go to Will , who served as Section Commander. Will was outstanding throughout the weekend, showing calm leadership under pressure and guiding the team through each challenge. His composure and decision‑making played a key role in the team’s success.” – Thomas Blakey, CCF School Staff Instructor
Every cadet worked extremely hard and supported one another throughout an arduous weekend. Their determination and professionalism were clear in every stand they completed.
We are incredibly proud of the cadets’ efforts and attitude. Progressing from Bronze to Silver to Gold over three years is a tremendous achievement. With dedicated training time planned for next year, there is real excitement about how far this team can go.
