CCF Staff Profiles

Contingent Commander – Worked with the Downside CCF since 1991. Was a cadet at King Edwards School, Bath and St Brendan’s College in Bristol. Regularly takes part in both Easter and Summer Camps. Neill became OC in September 2004, having previously been OIC Army Section for many years.

SSI – Enjoyed a 27-year career within the Army and Royal Navy. Joined Downside as the SSI in 2012. Former Royal Navy CCF Area Instructor. Runs shooting activities and is a qualified Mountain Leader, Canoe Coach, Sailing Instructor and Power Boat Instructor. He coordinates the 160-pupil DofE scheme and is Ten Tors team manager.

Naval Section – She recently retired from the CCFA after 10 years as Honorary Secretary, whilst in this role she set up the Grants Award process that continues to benefit many cadets each year. Sue runs Leadership courses, having assisted with them since they were first set up 18 years ago; she also assists HQ CCF with policy writing, especially in areas connected to child protection and residential issues. Sue runs CCF RN residential courses every Easter and Summer Holiday

Naval Section

SLt O'Neill is a Naval officer. She ioined Downside in 2018 and is a teacher of PE and Mathematics. She has been a member of the Cadet Forces for 20 years, reaching the rank of Petty Officer Cadet in the Sea Cadets and is now Commanding Officer for Glastonbury and Street Sea Cadet Unit. She is also a DofE Assessor and Paddlesports Instructor, currently OiC of the Third Form recruit section.

Army Section – Has worked at Downside since 2012. Lt Simper runs the Fifth Form programme and Silver DofE. His interests include: travel, hiking, skiing, running and country sports.

Army Section – Joined Downside in 2015 as Head of Classics. He is a qualified Mountain Leader, Cave Leader and Kayaker, is a former member of the Royal Marines Reserve. He was previously a teacher, Assistant House Master and CCF Contingent Commander at Ardingly College and before that taught at Sherborne School.

Army Section