The 2025 King’s Cup Combined Cadet Force (CCF) competition brought together students from across the Great Schools Trust for a memorable day at Altcar Training Camp in Formby. Now in its third year, the King’s Cup has established itself as one of the key highlights of the CCF calendar. The competition provides a chance for the Trust’s schools to come together at the end of the academic year and put their CCF training to the test in an exciting contest for the prestigious King’s Cup.
The cadets competed in a series of challenging events throughout the day, showcasing their training in First Aid, Leadership, Fieldcraft, and Drill. Each competition tested their technical knowledge and discipline as well as putting their confidence and teamwork to the test. All of the students gave their best throughout the day and demonstrated a great deal of respect for their peers. After a demanding series of challenges, King’s Leadership Academy Hawthornes proudly emerged as the overall winners.
One of the standout stories of the day came from George Hardaker, a cadet from King’s Hawthornes. George took on the vital role of Drill IC and was delighted to be part of the winning team. Reflecting on the experience, George said: “On the day I was part of a few teams including the Drill and Fieldcraft. In Drill, I was the Drill IC—this is the person that gives the commands. I was nervous as this was the first time I had done this as part of a competition. I have been training with Lt Rowlands for a number of weeks. I am very proud of the King’s Hawthornes team for coming first and proud of myself for winning the Best Drill IC award on the first year of doing this.”
Michael Rowlands, King’s Adventure Leader at King’s Hawthornes, expressed his pride in his students’ achievements, saying: “Today, 14 of our amazing students represented our school at the Annual CCF King’s Cup Competition. I am proud to say… we only went and won it! We picked up first place for all of the below categories: Drill (Marching), First Aid, and Best Drill IC. A fantastic effort from all involved.”
George Pennington, King’s Adventure Leader from King’s Leadership Academy Warrington, praised the success of the event: “This was my first King’s Cup with the Great Schools Trust and it was great to see the cadets and staff come together to compete in a number of areas of the CCF syllabus. The students had a great time and it was brilliant to see each school winning at least one area of the competition. Well done to King’s Hawthornes for winning the King’s Cup 2025. Very well deserved and shows the hard work that has been put in over years of training.”
The day was a celebration of dedication and achievement, with cadets rising to the challenge and representing their academies with pride. The King’s Cup continues to embody the values and spirit of the CCF across the Trust, and this year’s competition will be remembered for the outstanding effort and teamwork on display.