Welcome to Duke’s Secondary Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

CCF is a youth organisation based in schools around the UK.

There are CCF contingents in over 500 secondary schools all over the UK, offering young people a broad range of challenging, exciting, adventurous and educational activities.

Our aim is to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline.  Each CCF is an educational partnership between the school and the Ministry of Defence.  A CCF may include Royal Navy/Royal Marines, Army or Royal Air Force sections.

This after school club runs every Monday straight after school at 3pm until 4.50pm ( excluding schol holidays).

For your child to attend this club you must complete the attached google form found in this link – https://forms.gle/B7pFfSfgkiN4PaqY7

Contingent Commander Osman, K

I’ve been teaching for 18 years in a range of different schools.  I attended military boarding school when I was younger and have a strong connection to the Armed Forces through my dad and my husband’s family too.

I’ve been a science teacher for 18 years and am currently in charge of data and assessment within the Science faculty. 

I volunteered for the CCF as it’s an extracurricular activity that I feel I have a lot to offer.  I have such a rich experience and great memories from my own youth in a military setting I feel I have a wealth of advice and guidance I can share with a new generation of cadets 

I have worked with cadets in the past and have found that speaking with and working alongside them allows me to see a whole new side to many of our students.  I believe it instils a good work ethic and promotes organisation, whilst the values that cadets have to work by are similar to our own school rules.

I love being outdoors and active, as well as problem solving and dealing with mentally challenging scenarios.  I have various skills that I can share with our attachment, including first aid, navigation, skill at arms and fieldcraft.  I especially enjoy weapons handling and marksmanship. 

In my free time I volunteer for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, working closely with the coastguard and animal charities to deal with marine mammals who need rescuing or monitoring along our coastline.  I recently got to meet a very large walrus and coordinate crowd control and veterinary professionals as part of my work with them which was fantastic, if a little cold overnight! 

SGT Jordan McCann

I moved from Northern Ireland 6 years ago for work which was only due to the last 6 months, not knowing just how much the North East would come to mean to me. What started as a step for work quickly became something far more meaningful. The strong sense of community, friendly people, and unmistakable character made it feel like home sooner than I ever expected.

A major part of my life here has been my involvement with the Army Cadets. As an instructor, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with young people, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and practical skills that will stay with them for life. From delivering training in fieldcraft, first aid or navigation to mentoring cadets through challenges, I take real pride in helping them grow both individually and as part of a team.

The role goes far beyond instruction; it’s about leadership, responsibility, and setting an example. Whether it’s on exercise, on the range, or during weekly training nights, I aim to create an environment where cadets feel supported, challenged, and motivated to push themselves. Seeing them progress, achieve qualifications, and build resilience is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.

Colour SGT Langan, J.

From a career built on service, discipline and commitment to the community,  I have dedicated decades to supporting others across military, policing, local government, and youth development roles.

Beginning service with the Royal Corps of Signals from 1970 to 1976, I developed strong foundations in communication, teamwork, and leadership. Following this, they served with South Yorkshire Police between 1980 and 1996, contributing many years of public service and community support within policing.

After continuing a career in public service with Newcastle City Council until retirement in 2017, I remained committed to mentoring and supporting young people. Since 2023, they have been involved with the Combined Cadet Force at Duke’s CCF, continuing to share their experience, values, and dedication with the next generation.