The Collegiate has its own Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent. Its aim is to promote the qualities of leadership, responsibility, self reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance and to foster a sense of service to the community. The CCF is not a recruiting organisation for the armed forces, but one of its objectives is "to encourage those who have an interest in the services to become Officers of the Regular or Reserve Forces”.
Students can volunteer to join the CCF at the start of Year 9 and recruit training focuses on turnout (looking smart), drill (marching) and skill at arms (weapons training). Learning how to iron trousers can be as difficult as re-assembling the Cadet GP Rifle after it has been stripped, but both demand of the cadet self-discipline and attention to detail. Once cadets wear their uniform with pride they can take part in visits to various military establishments.
Recruit training lasts until Christmas when the recruits decide whether to join the Army or the RAF Section of the contingent. Although the emphasis of training is different in the two sections, both offer training which is varied and exciting and which places great emphasis on self reliance and responsibility. If a cadet enjoys the CCF way of life and stays on beyond Year 9 the emphasis of training switches increasingly to leadership as the senior cadets are encouraged to motivate and train the younger cadets. With this added responsibility comes promotion and the opportunity to attend external courses to develop their leadership potential.
CCF cadets not only learn valuable life skills such as first aid and map-reading but can also gain nationally recognised qualifications including the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.