Principal Tim Croft and Lt Col Keith Spiers with cadets from the schools cadet unit 1

CCF school signs Armed Forces Covenant

A secondary school in Sutton in Ashfield signed the Armed Forces Covenant today, pledging to support the Armed Forces community.

Sutton Community Academy set up an Army CCF in September 2016 to provide another way for students to gain practical skills outside of their academic studies such as the ability to work as a team and organise activities independently.

Although the school does not currently employ any reservists, it does have a number of cadet force adult volunteers within its workforce who help to run the contingent.

The Armed Forces Covenant has been signed by thousands of public and private sector organisations across the country, with each making a pledge to support current or former members of Armed Forces personnel in the workplace.

Explaining why the school wanted to sign up, Tim Croft the school’s Principal, said: “I am committed to supporting the continued growth of our Combined Cadet Force and any other associated opportunities linked to it. We recognise the importance of having committed adult volunteers and without this, we would not have had a cadet force in the first place. This is a way of the school giving back this commitment to the Armed Forces for their support of the school during the last two years.”

Catherine Suckling, the Ministry of Defence’s Assistant Regional Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands, explained: “We are delighted that Sutton Community Academy signed the Covenant. Signing the Covenant means that Armed Forces personnel, veterans or their families will not be disadvantaged by their military life when accessing goods and services, compared to other citizens.

“Signing the Covenant today is particularly relevant given the school’s cadet unit and Forces families who live locally, the children of which may attend the school.”

The Covenant was signed by Principal Tim Croft and Lieutenant Colonel Keith Spiers from 7th Infantry Brigade during a public signing event within the school grounds.

Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant here.