There are annual field days, a four-day training camp in March, competitions and plans for an ambitious new amphibious assault day involving boats, beach landings and reconnaissance exercises. There are also competitions to prepare for such as the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy, the premier national competition for Royal Marines CCF units, testing navigation, tactics, physical robustness, teamwork and problem-solving.

Cadets join in Year 9 and begin a two-year programme rooted in core Marines skills but broadened for teenagers: fieldcraft and campcraft, navigation and map-reading, camouflage and concealment, patrolling, rigorous weapons-safety instruction, leadership and communication. Older cadets in Years 11–13 take on leadership roles, supporting lessons, mentoring younger recruits and applying the skills they’ve learned. The programme is shaped by the Royal Marines values — Excellence, Integrity, Self-Discipline and Humility. Alongside them sits the Commando Spirit: Courage, Determination, Unselfishness and Cheerfulness in adversity. The atmosphere is focused but warm — unified, purposeful and proud — reflecting the ethos at the heart of the Royal Marines Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Dame Allan’s: self-reliance, discipline, teamwork and cheerful determination in adversity.

 Since its creation in May 2017 the CCF has gone from strength to strength. The CCF has welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Mrs Susan Winfield, CVO, OBE, to the Schools to inspect the CCF Royal Marines Contingent. Recently, Dame Allan’s secured permission to train on the Town Moor, giving pupils space to practise navigation, pacing, camouflage and fieldcraft in a realistic outdoor environment.

National research suggests that cadet programmes significantly boost confidence, resilience, teamwork, behaviour and academic engagement.