A North East teenager is aiming to become the first woman to complete the Royal Marines’ gruelling Commando training programme.
Sixteen-year-old India Ridley, a sixth-former at Dame Allan’s Schools, hopes to pass the 32-week course at Lympstone, one of the world’s toughest military training programmes.
No woman has completed the course since female applicants were admitted in 2019.
North Easdt teenager India Ridley, 16, hopes to become the first woman to complete Royal Marines Commando training after leading Dame Allan’s cadets (Image: Supplied)
India said: "No woman has passed the Royal Marines Commando training yet.
"But someone will be the first—and there’s no reason why it can’t be me."
She joined Dame Allan’s Royal Marines section of the Combined Cadet Force in Year 9.
In three years, she has become a Cadet Sergeant, leading parades, mentoring younger cadets and running field exercises.
Last year, she led Dame Allan’s team at the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy competition at the Commando Training Centre in Devon, where it finished third in the Normandy Tier.
Military staff awarded Ms Ridley the Commando Spirit Medal for her leadership, composure and cheerfulness under pressure.
Dame Allan's CCF Contingent Commander and Chemistry teacher Owain Jones and India Ridley (Image: Supplied)
She said: "Personally, the biggest life skill I’ve gained from cadets is realising that I can be strong, brave and powerful while remaining entirely feminine.
"You don’t have to surrender your femininity to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the boys and perform at the exact same level."
Her ambition was shaped by her family.
Her mother, a former Royal Artillery member, was among the first women in Britain trained to operate FH70 155mm field guns.
A serious horse-riding accident at 17 stopped her serving full-time, but she remained in the Territorial Army.
India said: "My mum has always been a fierce advocate that girls can achieve anything boys can.
"Having that support at home set the standard for me."
She found the same attitude at Dame Allan’s.
Dame Allan’s CCF programme includes one of only a few school-based Royal Marines sections in the UK and gives senior cadets growing responsibility.
India has learned fieldcraft, navigation, camouflage, first aid and communication skills.
She has used those skills outside cadets, too.
Over the summer, she planned and led an 80km trek along the Pennine Way with two friends.
When severe weather changed their plans, she found shelter in a farmer’s barn on the first night and a remote bothy on the second.
India said: "That is the core of what CCF teaches—practical decision-making when things go off-script.
"You learn a skill, but more importantly, you learn how to apply it under pressure."
She has applied to become First Sea Lord Cadet, representing the CCF at major national events.
After her A-levels, she plans to travel, join the fire service and serve in the Royal Marines Reserve before seeking Commando selection.
India draws inspiration from trailblazers including the late Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, the Royal Navy’s first female Commando, and former RAF fast-jet pilot Mandy Hickson.
Captain Owain Jones, commander of Dame Allan’s CCF contingent, praised her progress.
Capt. Jones said: "In just three years, India has grown into an extraordinary leader who commands the respect of the entire contingent.
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"What sets her apart is her absolute self-discipline.
"She identifies a benchmark, sets her mind to it and puts in the relentless work required to achieve it.
"Whether leading on the parade ground or competing on Woodbury Common, she exemplifies the Commando Spirit."