The Combined Cadet Force at City of London Academy Islington was formed in 2012 under the Cadet Expansion Programme. The cadets is voluntary and provides unique opportunities and experiences for students in Year 9 and above.
The CCF is a unique educational partnership that operates in schools across the UK. Through enjoyable military themed and adventurous activities, cadets have the opportunity to take responsibility, develop skills such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance. Some contingents have Naval and Air Force sections. However our CCF contingent has only an Army section, of which we promote the aims and values of the service it represents.
The CCF has one of the longest histories of all the cadet forces sponsored by the MOD, dating back to the 1850s. Since the 1950s, however, the CCF has been recognised as a voluntary youth organisation, the aim of which is to provide an opportunity for young people to exercise responsibility and leadership in a disciplined environment.
Today the CCF contingents form a vibrant, inclusive youth organisation for pupils aged between 13 and 18, offering significant developmental opportunities in a unique educational partnership with the schools in which they are based. Through the use of military-orientated and adventurous training, cadets also have the opportunity to develop their sense of responsibility and the qualities of self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance and a sense of service to the community. The acquisition of these personal attributes at a formative stage will remain of value throughout the cadets’ lives and will be relevant in whatever career they pursue.
We are incredibly proud of the support we receive from our affiliated Regiment, The Honourable Artillery Company. As well as the support given by the Honourable Artillery Company charity.
CCF 2025 EVENTS
Lord Mayor’s Show
The City of London Academy Islington (HAC) CCF were once again delighted and proud to take part in the 2024 Lord Mayor’s show. As is now traditional, the COLAI (HAC) Cadets and staff paraded as part of the Honourable Artillery Company float, supporting the members of the regiment on parade and escorting the new Lord Mayor as part of his Guard of Honour.
The presence of the cadets, in impeccable turnout, delighted the crowds who lined the streets of the City of London, and all those parading were honoured to have been invited to take part in such a prestigious occasion.
The COLAI (HAC) CCF looks forward to continuing with this tradition and representing both the Academy and the Company with such aplomb.
Remembrance Sunday
On Sunday 10th November, the COLAI (HAC) CCF took part in the Remembrance Sunday parade in which services were held at Islington Green and Spa Green to commemorate those who died in armed conflicts since the First World War.
Thirty cadets from both City of London Academy Islington and City of London Academy Highbury Grove were present and marched with serving members of the Honourable Artillery Company, Volunteer Police Cadets, and other veteran and community organisations. Wreaths were laid at each of the memorials in memory of the fallen by two of our senior cadets: Cadet Ozdemir at Islington Green and Sergeant Boezalt at Spa Green.
The cadets marched with pride and purpose and were cheered on by the local residents of Islington who were delighted to see them paying their respects.
The Garden of Remembrance Service
As part of the suite of Remembrance Day events, the cadets of the Colai HAC CCF were asked to take part in the Garden of Remembrance service at St Pauls. This poignant, moving service allows the representatives of the City of London, and associated youth organisations, to lay wreaths and crosses as an act of remembrance.
Six of our cadets were also chosen to read acts of remembrance and prayers, something they were delighted to be able to do. All those present were taken by the professionalism and seriousness with which the cadets approached the task. We later received this commendation from the chair of the City of London Academies Trust and the Master of the Worshipful Company of Educators, Ms C McGuiness CBE:
‘I was very impressed by the members of the CoLAI CCF who came. Their reading of the prayers was perfect, they were very personable to speak with, and truly were excellent ambassadors for CoLAI, CoLAT and the CCF. Do please pass on my congratulations.’
As part of the National Remembrance Sunday service at St Pauls, Cadet Ojuope was invited to read, to the nation, a lesson to open the service. He took on the role with a view to representing the youth of today.
He was also able to bring his family, who were given reserved seats in the front rows. He spoke clearly and with confidence, representing the contingent and the Academy excellently. In turn we received many positive comments about “that wonderful cadet from the Academy”.
