Combined Cadet Force honours for Exeter School

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Monday, September 26, 2016 - 10:19pm

Exeter School is celebrating an excellent start to the academic year with four Combined Cadet Force (CCF) announcements.

Upper Sixth Former Jenny Herring, Coxswain and senior cadet in the Royal Navy Section, has been selected as one of this year's Lord Lieutenant's cadets for Devon. This means that she will regularly accompany the Lord Lieutenant who is the Queen's official representative, throughout the county on his visits and functions.

This prestigious appointment is testament to Jenny's leadership skills over her three years in the Royal Navy section. Head of the RN Section Annabel James said right from day one Jenny showed herself to be a leader in the making.

"Her organisation, enthusiasm and determination shone through in many of the activities that we did, as did her reliability and adaptability in all situations," said Mrs James. 

"She is a superb role model to the younger pupils in the section, and I am really delighted that her excellent attitude and leadership has been recognised in this prestigious award.

Jenny said since joining in the Middle Fifth, she had always enjoyed being a part of the Royal Navy section on a Friday afternoon, so to receive this award was a huge honour and certainly a big highlight in her CCF career.

"I'm thoroughly looking forward to representing the school, the CCF and the county at events in the future," she said.

Upper Sixth Former James Knowles has won a fully-funded Navigational Officer Cadet Sponsorship with RCL, who run Royal Caribbean Cruises. He will undertake a degree in Marine Operations followed by a BSc in Marine Operations Management. 

Head of RN Section Annabel James said James Knowles had been a member of the Royal Navy section for three years and had always thrown himself fully into all the activities. 

"He has gone from being a complete beginner to a competent sailor during his time in the section and has also been a superb team player, tackling tasks and activities with enthusiasm and endless humour. 

"This year he takes on the role of Chief Petty Officer where he will be in charge of his peer groups and the younger year groups during their training.  James is ideally suited to a life at sea and I am really delighted that he has managed to achieve his scholarship."

James said he felt extremely honoured to have been offered this sponsorship from such an innovative, industry-leading company and could not be more excited about starting his first sea phase on-board one of the many magnificent vessels which make up their fleet.

"The prospect of working with an international crew from such varied backgrounds combined with the opportunity to travel all over the world has been a major attraction to a career in the merchant navy for me."

Upper Sixth Former Maddie Roche has won a highly prestigious Army Scholarship, in the face of great competition.

Head of Army Section Nick Moon said Maddie was an exceptional army cadet who has been a leading light since she joined the CCF in the Middle Fifth.

"The award of an Army Sixth Form Scholarship is well deserved and I am sure she will make the most of the benefits of the scholarship and continue to contribute significantly to the life of the Army during her final year at the school," he said.

Maddie said she was very pleased with what she's achieved and is looking forward to her career in the army.

"I have been with the army section in the school CCF since Middle Fifth and I'm looking forward to using all the skills I've learnt over that time when I join."

Maddie's scholarship follows in the footsteps of six pupils in the last three years - Exeter School alumni Katie Olding, Amanda Herring, Alex Newman, Lucy Swiggs, Nat Newman and Rebecca Glover. This means they will be paid a salary by the army while at university and go on to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst after completing their university degrees.

Contingent Commander Dr Geoff Chapman has been promoted to Commander Royal Navy Reserve (RNR) in recognition of his long service both as a regular and with the CCF.

He said he was very pleased both personally and for the contingent.

"This promotion to a senior rank helps add to the prestige of the contingent and serves to highlight the experience held by contingent staff," he said.

"This year has seen former Head of Design Technology Nick Moon promoted to Major as second in charge of the Contingent and Head of the Army Section; Simon Smale has also been promoted to Head of RAF Section and should be promoted within the RAF in due course. 
"We have also been pleased to welcome new staff including Physics teacher Dan Trim who has previously held a commission in the Army and will help maintain the continuity of Service experience."

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