Torquay Academy received permission to form an Army Section on 25 Feb 2022 and only 5 months after their first parade (11 May 22) they were ideally staffed, equipped and qualified to safely deliver the APC syllabus to the cadets.
From the outset, the school fully engaged with the CTT, staff followed all advice provided and with the total co-operation of the RQMS and proactiveness of CSgt Holliman achieving this unprecedented timescale was the result.
Even before the first parade 8 courses had been attended and completed by staff. The speed of application and completion of training has not waned with a further 11 courses being undertaken; 3 commissioning interviews, affiliation to 156 P&M (RLC) confirmed, a Benweld safe has been sourced and additional staff recruitment has kept the rollercoaster ride moving.
In addition, the SSI has established a relationship with 3 other contingents within the HQ SW AOR (Trinity, Exeter and Redruth) and weekly parades are always well attended by c40 cadets.
2023 looks set to continue at pace with bids already made for 3 further training courses, April brings the Ten Tors Challenge with 2 35 mile teams and one 45 mile team and fingers are crossed for confirmation of attendance at Ex WYVERN CADET in the summer.
This is exactly what can be achieved when a devoted Principal and CCF team commit to delivering the cadet experience ensuring that many of their young people can benefit from gaining access to military-themed activities so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond.
