At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the RAF Section of the CCF, creating engaging training programmes.
- Company: Whitgift School, a prestigious institution with a rich history in cadet training.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, military volunteer allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to safeguarding and promoting youth welfare.
- Why this job: Shape young leaders and make a lasting impact in a dynamic educational environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Cadet forces or military service, ideally at Officer level.
The predicted salary is between 5200 - 5200 £ per year.
Permanent, Part-Time, 6 Hrs per week, Term time only. Salary: £5,200 plus military volunteer allowance for additional training days outside of School hours.
Whitgift School Combined Cadet Force (CCF) established in 1874 is one of the oldest school cadet units in the country and offers Army, Navy, RAF, and Corps of Drums sections and remains one of the largest with over 200 cadets across all three service sections.
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Officer Commanding the RAF Section (OC RAF) to lead Whitgift School’s Royal Air Force Section. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the delivery of a long-established and successful cadet programme, inspire pupils and staff, and contribute to the continued development of the CCF.
We are seeking to appoint an experienced, enthusiastic and suitably qualified individual to:
- Be responsible for the day to day running of the CCF RAF Section
- Create and run an engaging weekly training programme for the cadets
- Organise and complete the necessary paperwork and risk assessments to facilitate trips
- Ensure that CCF RAF training days are coordinated with other co-curricular activities and entered into the school calendar
- Inspire and motivate the pupils and staff in the RAF Section
- Ensure the CCF is a disciplined organisation within the School, which enables students to exercise responsibility and leadership
- Take an active role in promoting the benefits of outdoor education to students in the RAF Section
The role reports to the Contingent Commander and is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, organisation and development of the RAF Section. The successful candidate will have experience in Cadet forces, or Regular or Reserve military service, ideally at Officer level.
The position is available from September 2026. The ideal applicant will possess Cadet, Regular or Reserve Military Experience.
We welcome applications from all sectors of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.
To apply, please visit www.whitgift.co.uk/vacancies. For any queries, please contact CCF Contingent Commander Lt Col. Glenn Hogben G.Hogben@whitgift.co.uk or for general telephone 020 8688 9222 or e-mail the Human Resources Department at SchoolHR@whitgift.co.uk.
We invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a daily basis, and interviews may take place at any time. This vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline if sufficient applications are received, so early submission is encouraged.
Applications will be reviewed daily, and interviews may occur at any stage after applications are received so we invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. The school reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.
Whitgift School (part of the John Whitgift Foundation) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Where applicable, applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service and online media checks. It is an offence to apply for a role at the school if you know that you are barred from regulated activity with children.
All roles within the school involve contact with children and are therefore classed as regulated activity. Child protection and safeguarding are the responsibility of everyone who works or volunteers in our school. All staff must be committed to providing a safe environment for children and supporting the school’s safeguarding ethos.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare all convictions and cautions, even those that are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules, to assess suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to disclose information relevant to safeguarding prior to interview.
For more than 400 years, Whitgift has been transforming boys’ lives through education. Whitgift 2025 was created as a result of the input and imagination of staff and students and the next few years will represent an exciting time of evolution for the school, both in terms of our site development plan and the educational partnerships we are embarking on.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) - Officer Commanding Royal Air Force in South Croydon employer: WHITGIFT SCHOOL
Whitgift School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the Royal Air Force Section of its Combined Cadet Force. With a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture, staff benefit from professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a range of perks including discounted school fees and a health cash plan. Located in a historic institution with a rich legacy, this role allows you to inspire young minds while contributing to the ongoing evolution of a prestigious educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Combined Cadet Force (CCF) - Officer Commanding Royal Air Force in South Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Whitgift School and its CCF programme. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in leading the RAF Section.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've inspired and motivated others. Whether it's in cadet forces or military service, be ready to share how you can bring that energy to the cadets at Whitgift.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Since this role involves organising training programmes and risk assessments, be ready to discuss how you'd handle these tasks. Maybe even come up with a sample training plan to impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Don’t forget to submit your application via www.whitgift.co.uk/vacancies. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen quickly, especially since they’re reviewing applications daily!
We think you need these skills to ace Combined Cadet Force (CCF) - Officer Commanding Royal Air Force in South Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how excited you are about leading the RAF Section and inspiring cadets. Share your experiences that fuel this passion!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experience in cadet forces or military service. We’re looking for someone who can connect their background to the responsibilities of the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the position.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We review applications daily, and early submissions could give you an edge. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at WHITGIFT SCHOOL
✨Know Your Cadet Forces
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Combined Cadet Force and its structure, especially the RAF section. Familiarise yourself with the history, values, and current activities of the CCF at Whitgift School. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Engaging Training Ideas
Think about how you would create an engaging weekly training programme for the cadets. Be ready to share specific ideas or activities that could inspire and motivate the students. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully led similar initiatives.
✨Understand Safeguarding Responsibilities
Since this role involves working with children, it's crucial to understand safeguarding policies and child protection measures. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for the cadets and your commitment to promoting their welfare.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Reflect on your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of the CCF. Be ready to provide examples of how you've inspired and motivated others in the past, particularly in a military or educational context. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the RAF section effectively.
