Last week, King’s marked a significant milestone in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) calendar with the annual Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCO) Dinner. The special evening recognised the dedication and achievements of this year’s Heads of Section, who are preparing to leave King’s at the end of Sixth Form.
The dinner honoured Alistair F (WO2 RM, Contingent IC), Sophie M (WO2, Army Section Commander), Marcus L (WO, RN Section Commander) Isobel N (C Sgt RM), Darcie C (Sgt RM), Vlad L (Sgt RM), Alex B (Cpl RM) and Kate B (Cpl RM), who have each played a leading role within their respective sections. As SNCOs, they have shown commitment, resilience and leadership throughout their time in the CCF, helping to guide and support younger cadets while upholding the highest standards.
A highlight of the evening was a series of speeches delivered by the Contingent Commander and the three Heads of Section. Each cadet reflected on their journey through the CCF, sharing personal anecdotes, challenges overcome and the friendships formed along the way. Their words captured both the spirit of the organisation and the valuable life skills it fosters, from teamwork and discipline to confidence and responsibility.
The evening brought together cadets from across the sections, alongside members of staff, in a formal and celebratory setting. The atmosphere was one of pride and camaraderie, as those present recognised the contributions made by the departing leaders and wished them well for the future.
The SNCO Dinner remains an important tradition at King’s, offering a moment to celebrate not only individual achievements but also the collective strength of the CCF community. It is a fitting send-off for those who have given so much to the Contingent during their time at the school.
As Alistair, Sophie, Marcus, Isobel, Darcie, Vlad, Alex and Kate prepare to take their next steps beyond King’s, they leave behind a lasting legacy and set a strong example for the cadets who will follow in their footsteps.