Students visit military academy

The full cohort of Sandhurst cadets was accompanied by the Band of the Coldstream Guards in an incredible display of pomp and ceremony.

Highlights included a march past in both slow and quick time by the whole complement, concluding with the iconic sight of the Adjutant riding up the Old College steps on his horse

The event formed the final rehearsal for the Sovereign’s Parade, the last parade for the cadets before they “pass out” as commissioned army officers.

Twenty-eight members of the School’s Combined Cadet Force took part in the visit to the academy.

“The students are used to being the ones watched while on parade, so it provided a nice change to observe the professionals! They were amazed at the precision and discipline of the officer cadets, and I think a few House Marching Captains have returned to school with inspiration for how to improve the quality of their Houses’ own marching.

“Some of the students are thinking about military careers and the parade gave them new motivation to pursue their goals”, commented Lieutenant Alistair Goddard who accompanied the trip.

The Combined Cadet Force provides a fun, varied and challenging co-curricular programme in leadership, military and adventure training. It aims to develop important skills for later life including leadership, responsibility, self-reliance, endurance, determination and service to others. It is one of a number of extra-curricular activities provided at Horsham-based Christ’s Hospital.

Report and picture contributed by Christ’s Hospital.