A secondary school in Sutton has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support the Armed Forces community.

Sutton Community Academy, set up an Army-themed Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in September 2016 to provide another way for students to gain practical skills outside of their academic studies, such as the ability to work as a team and organise activities independently.

Although the school does not currently employ any Reservists, it does have a number of Cadet Force adult volunteers within its workforce.

Academy principal Tim Croft said: “I am committed to supporting the continued growth of our Combined Cadet Force and any other associated opportunities linked to it.

“We recognise the importance of having committed adult volunteers and without this, we would not have had a Cadet Force in the first place.

“This is a way of the school giving back this commitment to the Armed Forces for their support of the school during the last two years.”

ABOVE: Tim Croft is pictured signing the covenant with Lieutenant Colonel Keith Spiers, watched by CCF members.