Congratulations to our Upper Sixth student and CCF Cadet Nova on completing the advanced Gold Wings flying course at RNAS Yeovilton in August as part of the Royal Navy Cadet Naval Aviation Team's 2026 Naval Wings Programme.

The Cadet Naval Wings Programme is a competitive, merit-based aviation initiative in the UK designed for cadets aged 15 and older who are interested in naval aviation and careers within the Fleet Air Arm. Following a highly competitive selection process involving over 250 initial applicants, Nova was one of just six exceptional cadets nationally from the Combined Cadet Force and the Sea Cadets to qualify for this final phase through rigorous aptitude assessments and practical flying grading.

During the course, under the guidance of the pilot instructing team from 727 Naval Air Squadron, cadets executed extended flights in the Grob Tutor 115 — a training aircraft used by the Army, Navy, and Air Force for elementary flying training and to assess future pilots. Building upon instruction from volunteer Cadet Force instructors, the candidates managed challenging flight operations, air navigation, and aerobatic manoeuvres while demonstrating exemplary teamwork and peer camaraderie.

The training week concluded with a formal visit from Captain Terry Tyack Royal Navy, Deputy Commander Royal Navy Youth and Cadets. After meeting with the candidates and staff, Captain Tyack presented the cadets with their prestigious Gold Wings, highly commending the enthusiasm, dedication, and effort displayed by all participants throughout the programme.

Nova's success in such a competitive environment is a testament to her outstanding capability and determination, and we are proud of her remarkable achievement.