Following seven months of intense training CCF(RAF) cadet Katie is now a Qualified Junior Leader (QJL). The Air Cadet Junior Leaders Course is one of the most physically and mentally challenging courses available to cadets in the UK, with training taking place over several weekends and two half-term camps between October and April. This year’s course culminated in a 10-day camp and field assessment at Stanford Training Area, Norfolk, which tested her ability to lead in complex environments.

With a 33% drop out rate from the initial 82 cadets on the course, Katie, a Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO), not only completed the course but was awarded the Cross Plate as the highest-scoring overall section commander through test week.  

Presenting the award, Air Commodore Keeling, Head of the Royal Air Force Air Cadet organisation, said that Katie "delivered a clear and well-structured set of orders, addressing all aspects of the brief … decisive and unquestionably in control of the scenario. She approached the task with a high-level of enthusiasm and positivity, which undoubtedly had an impact on the team's performance."

As part of the course, CWO Katie also organised a Kimbolton CCF funfair that raised £520 for The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation, which will be used to provide further opportunities to young people.

Katie joined Kimbolton as a boarder in Third Form and is currently studying for A Levels in Maths, Economics and Politics. She is a key member of our thriving Philosophy Society and also plays percussion in the School orchestra. Reflecting on her time in White House and CCF, she said: “Boarding has taught me independence, organisation, and the ability to get on with all sorts of people – great life skills. The CCF has helped me to develop as a person and as a leader, helping me to better understand myself and others. I’ve enjoyed being part of a team and planning activities for younger cadets.”

Katie has been accepted onto the International Air Cadet Exchange this summer, one of only three CCF cadets in the whole of the UK, and she will represent the RAF Air Cadet organisation in Sweden in August. In September, she plans to swap the skies for the sea and take up a place on Initial Officer Training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

Flt Lt Alex Bradshaw, OC RAF Section, Kimbolton School CCF, said "These are outstanding achievements for Katie and I wish her well for the future. I have no doubt she will continue to encourage and inspire our younger cadets to aim high, and I look forward to seeing her lead the school's CCF(RAF) contingent during the Annual General Inspection on 4 May."