CCF, Adventure & Leadership
The co-curriculum is key to developing a boy’s character. Through A&L we will purposefully create opportunities for boys to develop virtues such as resilience and empathy.
At Sherborne Boys, adventure and leadership are woven into the fabric of School life. From the CCF to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and from climbing walls to the wilds of Dartmoor, boys, often together with pupils from Sherborne Girls, are encouraged to explore their limits, grow in confidence, and discover the value of teamwork, perseverance, and self-belief.
These opportunities help shape well-rounded young men – adventurous in spirit, grounded in character, and ready to take the lead.
Leading Through Challenge —
Whether navigating Dartmoor, leading a CCF section, or climbing a cliff face on Portland, Sherborne boys grow through challenge. These experiences help shape young men who are not only physically capable, but also emotionally intelligent, team- minded, and ready to lead with integrity.
Leadership at Sherborne is not just taught – it is lived.In these adventurous settings, boys learn to support others, take responsibility, and persevere when things get tough. The results are profound: confidence, character, and a lifelong appetite for growth. |
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
Sherborne’s CCF is a thriving, tri-service contingent that develops leadership, teamwork, confidence and personal discipline. Open from the Fourth Form to boys and Sherborne Girls, cadets train across three sections: Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Army. The programme includes weekly training, termly field days, and summer camps – both in the UK and overseas. Highlights include glacier walking in Norway, mountain biking in Transylvania, and joint exercises with Sherborne Girls.
The CCF is built on the following key values:
- Courage
- Discipline
- Integrity
- Selfless Commitment
- Loyalty, Respect
- Humility
- Determination
- Cheerfulness
The CCF seeks to:
- Develop personal responsibility, self-reliance, and resilience.
- Encourage leadership and teamwork.
- Promote citizenship and community awareness.
- Provide insight into the Armed Forces and public service.
Participation in the CCF is open to students of all backgrounds and career ambitions (there is no obligation to join the Armed Forces after leaving the CCF). Cadets take part in a varied programme that includes:
- Leadership and teamwork training
- Fieldcraft and outdoor activities
- Adventure training and expeditions
- First aid and life-saving skills
- Drill and ceremonial events
- Shooting and marksmanship (conducted safely and under strict supervision)
Cadets may also have the opportunity to attend camps, competitions, and courses alongside other CCF contingents and cadet organisations. These include:
- National Field Gun Competition
- Pringle Trophy
- Rifles Cadet Cup
- Parachuting
Each section delivers training aligned with its service, while sharing the same core values and standards.Through the CCF, cadets have the opportunity to:
- Build confidence and self-discipline.
- Gain nationally recognised qualifications
- Develop leadership and communication skills.
- Make lasting friendships.
- Enhance university, apprenticeship, and employment applications.
The CCF is more than just an activity – it’s a transformative experience that instils resilience, camaraderie, and lifelong values.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is one of the most popular and rewarding programmes at Sherborne.
Open to all boys and pupils from Sherborne Girls, it encourages leadership, independence, and resilience through a blend of physical activity, volunteering, skill development, and outdoor adventure.
Boys can complete the Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels, including the additional Residential section at Gold. Activities range widely – from scuba diving and horse riding, to helping at Forest Schools or supporting the National Trust.
Expeditions are a highlight of the programme:
- Bronze: 2 days, 1 night
- Silver: 3 days, 2 nights
- Gold: 4 days, 3 nights
Each boy is supported to organise and track their progress across all elements. Assessors guide each section, and evidence may include logbooks, photos, or reflective reports.
The experience is pupil-led, flexible, and non-competitive – fostering growth at each individual’s pace.
Each year, Sherborne enters three teams: two Fourth Form teams complete the 35-mile route, and one Lower Sixth team takes on the 45-mile challenge.
Ten Tors & Outdoor Adventure
The Ten Tors Challenge is one of the toughest youth events in Britain – and one of the most rewarding.
Over 36 hours, teams of six navigate Dartmoor’s wild terrain, carrying all they need to survive and camping overnight without adult support.
An intensive training programme prepares our boys and puils from Sherborne Girls for the event, developing advanced navigation, stamina, and teamwork. The challenge builds friendships, confidence, and unforgettable memories. Selection is based on attitude and commitment – open to any boy willing to push himself.
Beyond Ten Tors, boys also take part in coasteering, surfing, kayaking, caving, and mountaineering. These activities are offered through the CCF, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and other adventure trips throughout the year. They provide the chance to disconnect, test limits, and build lasting resilience.
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