As well as boosting morale and building a sense of personal achievement, the awards bring cadets and instructors together to celebrate the skills and achievements of the past year, including leadership, problem solving and communication and encourage a sense of community spirit and support for one another.
Inspiring excellence with esteemed alumni
CCF Contingent Commander Ben Hayton was honoured to welcome Old Trident Captain Will King RN, OBE (Class of 1996) to present year’s annual awards.
With a long career with the Royal Navy, Captain King’s first command was of the patrol vessel HMS Trumpeter. He qualified as Principal Warfare Officer in 2010 and after commanding HMS Grimsby and HMS Penzance in 2013 and completing an MA in Defence Studies at King’s College London, Will took command of Type 23 Frigate HMS Monmouth, escorting the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth on her maiden deployment to the USA.
In March 2020, Will was awarded the OBE in the Operational Honours List for assuming command of HMS Montrose, East of the Suez, in defence of UK shipping during the Iranian taker crisis in the summer of 2019. In 2022 he was promoted to Captain and joined the Operational Planning Team in the Permanent Joint Headquarters (British Tri-Service). An illustrious career so far, rewarded with taking command of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship, aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in July 2023.
Sharing insights and encouragement
With capacity to carry 40 aircraft and a crew of over 1,600 (including aircraft), with responsibilities which include being the command-and-control centre for the entire Royal Navy, carrying senior naval staff and receiving foreign dignitaries in addition to assigned military activity, hearing about Captain King’s experience was a highlight for Cadets.
Will spoke to cadets about pursuing a career in the military and explained how the tri-service efforts offer a wide variety of opportunity. His advice to the cadets was “to enjoy life, live life and always say yes” when an opportunity presents itself. He also spoke about the value of the CCF and DofE (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award) offered at Trent College, which offer pupils the chance to take on leadership roles and encourages camaraderie. Will continued with encouragement to the cadets “It’s so important and gets the best out of the people around you and really stands you in good stead for the future”.
Recognition for exceptional contributions
Before moving on to the awards presentation Sqn Ldr Hayton reflected on the past year and commended the cadets for their enthusiasm, commitment, and leadership. One highlight for him was the Biennial Review which took place during September Field Day. Inspecting the contingent was Lt Col Keith Spiers, and he commented in his report “The CCF is thriving with the senior leadership support and the wider support of the parents. The calibre of senior cadets is nothing but inspiring, the new RSM (promoted in the final parade) is probably one of the best young cadets I have encountered.”
During the awards presentation, cadets were first recognised for achieving the Cadet Vocational College qualification, BTEC Level 2 in Personal Development and Teamwork in the Community. Congratulations to Year 13 students Hattie, Erin and Rebacca, plus Year 12 students Kareena, Jack and Frederick. Taking on this qualification provides the cadets with the equivalent of an extra GCSE qualification and contributes towards UCAS points for higher education.
Then followed the CCF Awards and Trophy presentations:
Army Prize: Francesca (Year 11)
Awarded to the Main School Cadet who best embodies the Core Values of the Army.
RAF Prize: Daria (Year 11): Recipient of Fleet Air Arm Officers’ Association Gliding Scholarship and Air League Flying Scholarship
Awarded to the Main School Cadet who best embodies the Core Values of the RAF.
Harris Trophy: Max (Year 10)
Endeavour Award for CCF Army and RAF Cadets in Year 10
Junior NCO Prize: Daniel (Year 12)
Awarded to the Year 11 or 12 Cadet who demonstrated outstanding leadership potential.
Regimental Sergeant Major’s Award: Joint honours to Alice (Year 13) and Helen (Year 13)
Awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution to all aspects of the Combined Cadet Force
The Trident Cup: Abigail (Year 10)
Sponsored by the Old Tridents Society and awarded to the overall best Cadet in Year 10.
In September 2024 Sqn Ldr Ben Hayton is stepping down as Contingent Commander and will hand over to Flt Lt Miriam Watson (soon to be Squadron Leader).
The importance of a strong alumni network
To have a distinguished member of the military return to Trent College to present the CCF awards to cadets is testament to the strong sense of community and values of the school; Captain Will King’s presence was a great source of inspiration for cadets and instructors. It served as a reminder that the connection between the school and Old Tridents, whose shared experiences of walking the same halls, sitting in the same classrooms, and participating in similar programmes makes Trent College pupils’ aspirations relatable and within grasp.
The unique perspectives of the alumni experience at Trent College enriches their academic and extra-curricular opportunities and highlights the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for them, encouraging pupils to pursue their own path with confidence and determination.
Captain Will King RN, OBE: “Anything is possible. The opportunities are out there – you just have to go and look for them”.