On one of the hottest days of the year, so warm that cadets were excused from wearing their CCF uniforms, Trent College’s Combined Cadet Force welcomed back a very special guest for its annual awards.  Flt Lt Rob Thomas (OT, Class of 2001), RAF Fast Jet Pilot and currently Red 2 with the world-renowned Red Arrows, returned to school to present the prizes and deliver a powerful message about perseverance, passion, and following your dreams.

It was a “pinch me” moment for Rob, standing back at his old school, where his dream of flying first took flight, quite literally! As a CCF cadet at Trent Rob experienced the thrill of aviation, sparking a lifelong ambition: to become a Red Arrow.

After studying Aeronautical Engineering at Loughborough University and joining the East Midlands Universities Air Squadron, Rob was eventually selected into the RAF in 2006, it having taken four attempts to join.  Following almost two decades of flying and instructing, becoming a ‘Creamie’ and achieving the accolade of ‘above average’ in his flying role, he was now eligible to apply to the Red Arrows.  He told the cadets that once again it took four attempts to secure a place, but he spoke openly about how each setback shaped him.

“Failure makes you stronger” he told cadets. “Each time I didn’t succeed, I worked on myself. I became a better person.”

Rob’s RAF career has taken him across the globe. He has flown Typhoon FGR4 jets on the front line, instructed new pilots, and completed a secondment with BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia. But his proudest moment came when he was selected to join the Red Arrows, a long-held dream which he told the cadets he realised through patience, perseverance and dedication.

He explained that becoming a Red Arrow is no easy feat. Around 30 fast-jet pilots apply each year for just two places. Seven are shortlisted and travel to Greece for a demanding week-long assessment that includes flight tests, media interviews and diplomatic engagements, all reflecting the team’s dual role as elite pilots and global ambassadors. Those selected begin winter training in September, flying up to three times a day. Once they demonstrate the precision and reliability needed for public displays, they’re awarded the coveted red suit as authority to join the summer display team, for the season which runs from June to September.

The Red Arrows, Rob explained, are much more than a flying display team. With over 500 shows in 57 countries since their formation in the 1960s, they represent the very best of British innovation and excellence. The team consists of 146 people.  Not just pilots, but engineers, logistics experts, weapons technicians, PR staff, and the famous 'dye team' responsible for the smoke trails that are so iconic to their displays. “It’s about everyone pulling together to make one Red Arrows team” Rob said.

Flying at speeds of up to 400mph with just four feet between aircraft, displays last around 23 minutes and are followed by detailed debriefs. "Owning up to errors is really important” Rob told the cadets. “That’s how we improve.”

He shared glimpses into the team’s recent highlights, including a flyover just days before his visit, at Glastonbury Festival while Pulp performed and upcoming visits to Malta, Poland, France and the USA in 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. Inspiring the cadets who were listening intently, Rob told them: “This job can take you anywhere in the world”, adding that one of the most rewarding aspects is engaging with young people in schools and promoting STEM subjects through fun and accessible activities.

The cadets were full of curiosity, asking a range of questions and Rob was generous with his answers. When asked about whether the Hawk will be replaced, he spoke about how future aircraft for the Red Arrows will depend on technology and affordability, noting that the current Hawk is efficient and easy to maintain, but that change is likely on the horizon. When asked about his favourite RAF base, he named RAF Coningsby, where he spent a decade flying the Typhoon, as a standout though he also highlighted the “exciting stuff” taking place at RAF Waddington.

On the physical side, when one cadet asked specifically about neck pain during flying, and Rob explained that as Red Arrows pilots must endure 9G forces during flight, strength training is an essential part of the job.  Asked about whether women fly in the RAF, Rob spoke passionately about increasing diversity in the RAF, expressing his hope that the next Officer Commanding the Red Arrows will be a woman. “I’ve worked with incredible female fighter pilots, we need more women in the military” he said.

Cadets were fascinated to learn that there are no reserve pilots; if one of the core nine is unwell, the team adapts and flies with eight. Each pilot is trained in a specific formation position, and the display routines leave no room for improvisation. Pilots typically serve for three seasons before moving on to new roles, sometimes returning to front-line squadrons, instructional duties, desk jobs or leadership posts. The team’s leader, Red 1, is a position Rob now aspires to: “I love it, and one day I hope to become Red 1.”

Rob concluded his talk with a personal reflection, and spoke honestly about the highs and sacrifices of service: “I missed my child’s sports day last week” he said, “but I did manage to fly over it!”

CCF Awards Presentation

Congratulations went to Hukam, who received the Trident Cup, sponsored by the Old Tridents Society, for overall Best Cadet in Year 10, and to Millie, the first recipient of the brand-new Gale Trophy, named in honour of long-serving CCF leader and much loved teacher Julie Gale, and awarded for commitment and effort in Year 9.

Congratulations also to award recipients, Cadet Charlie (Y10) recognised for outstanding effort, Warrant Officer Morganne (Y13) and Sergeant Kareena (Y13) awarded for their continued excellence and dedication, and Sergeant Darsh (Y12) celebrated for leadership and commitment. When he returns to school in September, Darsh will be leading the Senior Prefect team as Head of School for the next academic year, a position most recently held by Sgt. Kareena Gandhi (class of 2025).

The day was not only a celebration of cadet excellence but also a powerful reminder of where early dreams can lead. As Rob left, he took time to speak personally with the award recipients who told him that Trent’s cadets are already looking forward to their visit to RAF Waddington this October, where they hope to see the Red Arrows in action.

When Old Tridents return to Trent College and inspire the next generation

Rob’s visit was a powerful reminder of how alumni stories can ignite ambition and show current pupils what’s possible. Every shared journey has the potential to inspire the next generation.