We are delighted to introduce the launch of our new Combined Cadet Force (CCF) programme at the school. With 21 cadets already recruited, the programme has made an exciting and positive start, offering scholars the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, resilience, confidence, and self-discipline through a wide range of activities and training experiences.
In preparation for the launch, cadets have already begun taking part in valuable experiences, including attending the Brigade Major’s review — the school’s first official CCF trip. In addition, staff members Ms Kilroy and Ms Trezel completed six days of intensive field training, successfully qualifying as Sergeant Instructors to help support and guide the development of the unit.
This page will serve as the central hub for all CCF news, updates, events, achievements, and opportunities throughout the year. Students, parents, and the wider school community are encouraged to check back regularly to follow the progress of our cadets and celebrate their successes as the programme continues to grow.
Brigade Major's Review - May 2026
8 AGFS cadet recruits attended the Brigade Major’s Review during May half term. This was our first official CCF trip.
The visit gave recruits an early opportunity to experience military standards, discipline, and ceremonial tradition.
Basic Instructor Assessment
Basic Instructor Assessment
On Friday 8th May, Ms Trezel and I embarked on one of the most difficult and most rewarding ventures of our lives. We were lucky to obtain a place on this highly competitive course and arrived at Woolwich Barracks on Friday with equal doses of excitement and dread. We spent two nights in the barracks along with 30 other adult students, followed by 3 nights in the field on a military training ground in Maidstone. Unfortunately, we discovered that the building at the barracks had no hot water! We remained positive and chose to consider this as ultimate character building. This five-day Basic Instructor Assessment was delivered by the most experienced trainers from the Gurkha Regiment — and we are pleased (and slightly relieved!) to say that we both passed and qualified as Sergeant Instructors. This means that we are now officially allowed to teach our 21 new Cadet recruits the rigorous Cadet syllabus. It also means that we will henceforth be known as Sergeant Kilroy and Sergeant Trezel😊
The course was certainly challenging and pushed us well outside our comfort zones. Over the five days we completed teaching assessments, navigation exercises, rifle training, and spent three nights living out in the field under bashers. We also had to wake up during the night to fulfil our sentry duties. This meant cooking our own ration packs, operating in all weather conditions, and discovering that sleep is apparently considered optional on military courses.
While the course was demanding, it was also incredibly rewarding. It tested our resilience, teamwork, leadership, and sense of humour more than once. Passing at the end of the week felt like a genuine achievement, and we are both proud to have earned the qualification.
Thankfully, returning to a proper bed, a hot cup of tea and a warm bath has also been greatly appreciated!
