CCF
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Merchant Taylors’ offers Sixth Form pupils a unique opportunity to develop leadership, resilience, and teamwork through a wide-ranging programme of military-themed training and adventure. As one of the largest and most active voluntary contingents in the North West, the CCF is open to pupils from Year 9 upwards, with Sixth Formers playing a vital leadership role. These senior cadets take on responsibility for mentoring younger pupils, planning and delivering training sessions, and representing the School in a variety of events and activities.
The CCF comprises three sections, Army, Navy, and Royal Air Force, each offering its own specialist training and syllabus. Weekly training sessions take place every Thursday afternoon and cover a broad range of skills including navigation, fieldcraft, first aid, and drill. In addition to these sessions, cadets have the opportunity to participate in a wide array of adventure activities such as mountaineering, sailing, flying, camping, and shooting. A calendar of national and international camps, leadership courses, and specialist training events further enriches the experience.
Sixth Formers are encouraged to lead by example, developing their communication, organisation, and decision-making skills in real-world contexts. Their involvement in the CCF fosters a strong sense of service, discipline, and community, while also providing a valuable edge in university and career applications. Participation in the CCF is not only a source of pride and personal achievement but also a powerful way to build confidence, character, and lifelong friendships.
Helen Dipple is our Contingent Commander of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Merchant Taylors’ School, having served within the contingent for over a decade. She previously led the RAF Section as Officer Commanding for around nine years before taking overall command.
Under Helen’s leadership, the CCF continues to provide outstanding opportunities for cadets to develop confidence, resilience and leadership through training, challenge and teamwork. Recent highlights include the RAF Section’s Air Squadron Trophy team finishing runners-up to Loughborough School in 2025 by a single point, and the mentoring of a Cadet Warrant Officer who went on to win the Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword, awarded to the top cadet across the CCF.
Helen’s extensive experience and specialist qualifications support the delivery of a varied and enriching programme, and her commitment has helped inspire a number of cadets to pursue Service careers, including former cadets currently training as fast-jet pilots with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
