King’s College CCF Praised in Glowing 2026 Biennial Inspection

King’s College, Taunton, is celebrating an extremely positive report following its Biennial Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Inspection in February, carried out by Lt Col Richard Thurstan RM. The inspection highlighted the contingent’s strong leadership, enthusiastic cadets, and the high quality of activities offered across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Army sections.

A Motivated and Well‑Led Contingent

The Reviewing Officer described King’s CCF as “a motivated and well-led organisation” with strong investment from its adult volunteers and enthusiastic, confident cadets. In the inspection ratings, both Leadership and Engagement and the Quality of Activities were formally assessed as Above the Standard, the highest grade available. The report concluded that “King’s College should be rightly proud of their Cadet Contingent.”

Outstanding Support From Across the School

The report praised the central place the CCF holds within school life. Lt Col Thurstan noted that “The CCF is an integral element of the School,” reflected in the fact that many members of the school’s senior pupil leadership team are also cadets.
He observed an “evident feeling of pride in ‘their CCF’, demonstrated by students and staff alike.”

The inspectors also highlighted the commitment of the School Senior Leadership Team, praising their personal engagement “The staff clearly appreciates the value that the CCF provides to King’s pupils, and is supportive of its Contingent Staff.”

Cadets Impress with Enthusiasm, Teamwork and Professionalism

Cadets across the contingent were praised for their confidence, conduct and clear pride in their service. During the full parade, the Reviewing Officer noted that “the cadets spoke well, and were clear of the benefits and enjoyment that they gain.” He observed impressive moments throughout the afternoon’s programme, from the Royal Marines’ excellent drill display to the Royal Navy cadets’ Field Gun training, which he described as “a joy to watch” for its energy, teamwork and physical challenge. The Army Section’s tactical exercise also stood out, with cadets “diving between cover” in a lively and determined mock battle. Across all activities, the Reviewing Officer remarked that training was “well delivered and being enjoyed,” with cadets showing enthusiasm, confidence and a strong sense of shared purpose, and senior cadets were recognised for actively shaping weekly training.

The contingent was praised for the dedication of the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who support the CCF. The Reviewing Officer noted that the staff team is “well presented and very committed,”  providing “a very good base upon which the CCF can operate.”

A Report to Celebrate

The 2026 Biennial Inspection reinforces just how central and successful the CCF is within King’s College’s wider co‑curricular offer. As one of the school’s flagship programmes, the CCF provides structure, challenge and leadership development for pupils across a wide age range, with particularly strong foundations built through the Third Form Chindits programme, in which all pupils participate as their introduction to outdoor education, teamwork and service activity. This universal early engagement helps cultivate the confidence and enthusiasm later observed so clearly during the inspection.