This weekend (3rd-5th October 2025), a group of determined Wellingborough School students will travel to the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Exmouth, to take part in the prestigious Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy. Known simply as “Pringle”, the annual national contest is one of the most respected and demanding events in the cadet calendar. Designed to push participants to their limits, the competition tests cadets’ military and physical skills through a variety of exercises, including the gruelling endurance run, precision drill displays, and complex command tasks.
For our students, the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy represents far more than just a competition. It is a rare opportunity to experience the intensity of Royal Marines training, where teamwork, resilience, and discipline are key to success.
Our Journey at the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy
Our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) has a growing tradition of competing at the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy, with this year marking the third time in six years the school has entered. Each visit has provided valuable lessons, shaping the development of the cadets and strengthening the school’s CCF programme.
Year 12 student Martha, who is part of the team competing this weekend, reflected on last year’s return:
Last year was the first time the school participated in the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy in a few years, and we used that time as an experience that was very important to all of us who went. We were placed in tier two to understand the feel of the competition and to learn the expectations from the more advanced tier one teams.
That valuable insight has given our cadets a renewed sense of confidence as they return to Lympstone this year, better prepared to take on the challenges ahead.
What the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy Means for Us
The prestige of this competition extends beyond the competition itself. It reflects the ambition of our CCF and highlights the opportunities available for students who want to push themselves in new and demanding ways.
As Martha explained:
Pringle is a very prestigious national competition, and it can be a real pull factor for the school – especially for the CCF. It teaches many skills that can be important for the military. By having last year as a practice run, we are hoping this year we have more experience and will do better in some sections, which will hopefully set us up for next year to win some of these specific exercises.
Pringle not only develops endurance and physical capability but also encourages leadership, quick-thinking, and teamwork under pressure, qualities that extend well beyond the field. For our cadets, these lessons build resilience and confidence that will benefit them in school, university, and their future careers.
Looking Ahead
As the team heads into this year’s competition, there is a strong sense of determination and optimism. Win or lose, their participation is another important step in our CCF journey. Most importantly, each student will return with experiences and achievements that will stay with them long after the weekend is over.
If you would like to find out more about the opportunities offered through Wellingborough School’s CCF programme, or about any of our other Co-curricular activities, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Contact us today to learn more about life at Wellingborough.
