On Saturday 28 February, we were delighted to welcome OKS back to King's for the annual CCF Mess Dinner. The dinner is a highlight of the year for our CCF pupils. It gives them a chance to enjoy themselves and reflect on the past year while learning the traditions and etiquette of a formal black-tie occassion. This year, we extended the invitation to OKS for the first time and were joined by 15 OKS.

A two-course dinner was served by candlelight and the School was lucky to have musical entertainment provided by the Fanfare Trumpeters and Band of the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, the School’s affiliated regiment.

Cadet Under Officer Pani Cochrane (6a) delivered a heartfelt speech about the importance of the CCF to her, highlighting some of the many accomplishments from the past year. This was followed by a short address from OKS Brigadier Paul Dupuy (BR 1988-93), who spoke about how special it was for OKS to be invited, concluding with a toast to all OKS in the room.

We would like to thank all the OKS who joined us this year and to Major Alistair Goddard (CCF Contingent Commander) for organising a wonderful dinner. 

The CCF at The King's School Canterbury offers challenging and adventurous activities that aim to prepare young people for future success.

Cadets first paraded at King’s with the establishment of the Officers Training Corps in May 1909. Cadets quickly became an important part of School life.

Particular successes this year include cadets completing the SCIC command course, the advanced cyber-security course and the 4-Star First Aid course. Two NCOs also completed the weeklong Master Cadet course, the CCF’s toughest and most prestigious course qualifying for promotion to Cadet RSM and above. The Contingent currently numbers around 120 cadets.