Major Benest Awarded Contingent Commander of the Year

Enormous congratulations to Major Scott Benest on being awarded CCF Contingent Commander of the Year by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Greater London.

This award is an incredible and thoroughly deserved achievement for Major Benest who has served as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer for the last 16 years, five of which have been at Alleyn’s.

Each year the RFCA publicly recognises hardworking and dedicated Contingent Commanders from the Combined Cadet Force. The award, which will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of London, Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE on 24 June, comes after a particularly challenging year as the impact of Covid-19 has caused the suspension of face-to-face CCF training and activities. Despite this, Major Benest has kept Alleyn’s Cadets thoroughly engaged through creative and inventive means.

On receiving the news of the award, Major Benest said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive this award for Contingent Commander of the Year. Over the past 16 years, I have had the pleasure of working with many outstanding Cadets and staff members. This has never been truer during the past five years at Alleyn’s School CCF. Thank you to my wonderful team, SMT and the late CSgt Granger for the nomination. I am greatly looking forward to receiving my award in June.”

Major Benest’s input into CCF life at Alleyn’s has been hugely significant. CCF is the largest single co-curricular activity offered by the School. Pupils can choose to join CCF at the beginning of Year 9 and many continue to Year 13, by which time they are leading and instructing the younger members of the Contingent.

Not only is Major Benest an outstanding Contingent Commander at Alleyn’s, but he also teaches Computing, Games, PSCHE and leads Enrichment activities, as well as being an Alleyn’s Tutor.

To find out more about CCF at Alleyn’s visit the CCF section of the website.