The Ten Tors Challenge 2024

News - May 22

Ten Tors is described, by its Army organisers, in the following terms:  

‘There may be many challenging outdoor events in Britain today, but Ten Tors stands alone in its scale, its ambition, and the fact that it is aimed solely at young people. All those who attempt Ten Tors will undoubtedly remember it for the rest of their lives and for many it will be a life-changing experience’ 

Training for our six Colyton Grammar School teams started back in November and has consisted of seven weekends of preparation requiring commitment and resilience, in what were challenging winter conditions. Teams arrived on Friday morning to an impressive camp which had been pitched by Mrs Byron and Mr Glazebrook early on Thursday morning. Students enjoyed the atmosphere of Okehampton Camp and taking part in Army engagement activities, whilst also completing last minute checks of both routes and kit.  

Saturday morning started with an army reveille of ‘Chariots of Fire’ at 0500 and a hot breakfast prepared at 0400 and served by our volunteer chefs in residence, Mr and Mrs Kirwan. The start of the event consisted of an impressive parachute display by the Red Devils, a speech by Ray Mears before a canon fired at exactly 0700. All teams kept to their team plans and despite challenging weather and enforced heat breaks, we are proud to report that all Colyton teams returned in full, with smiles on their faces, on Sunday morning.  

The Ten Tors finish line is an area of great joy and celebration, and it is undoubtedly one of the most memorable events of the academic year. However, Ten Tors is a team challenge, and it is not always possible that a team can finish. To be part of a successful team, all team members need to demonstrate service, humility and resilience.  

We received a letter from Ten Tors command and specifically the Officer Commanding Dinger Tor. This is not a usual occurrence. We are proud of all our Colyton teams, but we are also so very proud to be able to share an excerpt from this letter regarding one of our Year 12 students which demonstrates these values of humility and service.  

‘Annelise is a student at Colyton Grammar School but was supporting, and actually leading, the 55m team at Clyst Vale Community College. After experiencing team challenges, Annelise demonstrated clear moral courage, however painful it was to her personally… The 55 mile event is a truly brutal challenge, and the team’s crash out should not be looked upon as a failure, just a growth opportunity as the conditions were incredibly tough… She was a credit to both schools and you should be very proud of her…’ Officer Commanding Dinger Tor.  

The Colyton teams’ successes are hugely impressive and are a result of the professional and thorough training provided by Mrs Byron. She has provided opportunities for our students to develop their confidence as young adults. A huge thank you to her and her committed team of volunteers who exemplify the Ten Tors spirit.