CADETS took part in a mock battle at a school in Elstree earlier this month as part of their biennial inspection by a senior military officer.

Aldenham School, based in Aldenham Road, welcomed Group Captain Richard Fogden from the Royal Air Force to cast a critical eye over 100 young people.

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which comprises elements of the Army and RAF, paraded before the officer before taking to the field for war games.

He commented on how impressed he was with the commitment of the contingent, which also includes students from Queens’ School in Bushey, and its growth since its last inspection two years ago.

Aldenham’s partnership with Queens’ School began in November 2008, and is one of only six partnerships in the London area giving cadets from a state school the opportunity to participate in CCF activities with a local independent School.

Cadets from Queens’ School visit Aldenham for weekly training afternoons as well as taking part in Field Days and Summer Camps.

Aldenham Headmaster James Fowler said “It was noted by one of our visitors from the Ministry of Defence that this partnership is now recognised on a national level as being an especially successful one.

"We look forward to further growth in the CCF over the next few years.”

Other guests at the event, which was held on October 6, were Chair of Governors Stuart Lewis and Terry James, the Head of Queens’ School.