Everyone in Years 9 and 10 joins the Combined Cadet Force. In years 11 and beyond this is voluntary but many pupils opt to remain with it for the wide and varied programme of activities on offer such as climbing, mountain biking, sailing and power boating.

The emphasis is strongly upon adventure training and self-development. All four arms of service life are on offer, the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Army and the RAF. Training is carried out in school on a Friday afternoon, on termly field days, and on the numerous courses that take place during the holidays. Pupils learn map reading, chart work, navigation, shooting and field craft. They will also use the climbing wall and pool for canoeing and there are opportunities for flying and gliding and to take part in sea training. Details of annual summer and adventure training camps and leadership, sailing, sub aqua, first aid and flying courses are sent out to parents throughout the year.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is equally thriving and the school is one of the few to be awarded the status of an independent operating authority for the scheme. All year 9 pupils are encouraged to pursue the Bronze Award and currently we have some 400 pupils registered, over 100 of them following the Gold Award Scheme.