Cadet Expansion Programme

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Cadet Expansion Programme

The UK’s Cadet Forces are among the most successful youth organisations in the world, with a long history of developing young people’s skills and attributes, and helping them grow into responsible young adults.

In 2012 the government announced its cadet expansion plan, which aims to have up to 100 more cadet units in state-funded schools in England by 2015. This target was reached 6 months early in March 2015 and following this achievement, the government committed an extra £50 million from LIBOR fines to further increase the number of cadet units in schools across the UK, bringing the total number to 500 by 2020.

While the first 100 new CEP units were demand-led, the current phase of expansion running up to 2020 has a more targeted approach, with priority given to those in less affluent areas and in areas where there is currently limited access to the cadet experience.

The Government’s objective is to see more state schools have access to a cadet unit, as this would significantly increase the number of young people able to access the cadet experience in a way that is likely to have significant benefits to schools and young people.

Cadet units provide a stimulating environment of challenging, adventurous and activities within the framework of a progressive training structure.

“Cadet units provide a stimulating environment of challenging, adventurous and activities within the framework of a progressive training structure. ”

Benefits to young people include:

  • Increased confidence, self-esteem and resilience
  • Development of self-discipline, self-reliance and leadership
  • Greater aspirations, along with opportunities to gain qualifications
  • Sense of service to others, to the community and team-work Action, adventure, fun and friendship

However, it is not only young people who benefit. Schools which have set up cadet units have seen significant benefits to the school itself, to the staff who have got involved, and to the local community.

Benefits to the school and community include:

  • An observed improvement in student behaviour and discipline
  • Improved relationships between students and teachers
  • Positive role modelling by cadets for other young people
  • Wider opportunities for staff development as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
  • Increased visibility and reputation of the school and its students in the community
  • Practical cadet support of community activities and event

The interim findings of an independent report, compiled by the University of Northampton, who undertook research across the entire cadet programme (including the CCF), has found that joining the cadets offers a range of benefits to individuals involved and the wider community.

You can read the findings here. 

“It is not only young people who benefit. Schools which have set up cadet units have seen significant benefits to the school itself, to the staff who have got involved, and to the local community. ”

The Schools Cadet Engagement Officer in the East Midlands is Iain Bulloch.

Please feel free to get in touch with Iain and he will be able to tell you more about the initiative, discuss your particular situation and advise on the next steps you could take.

Iain Bulloch,
Schools Cadet Engagement Officer

07885 965809

em-sceo@rfca.mod.uk

“Please feel free to get in touch with Iain and he will be able to tell you more about the initiative. ”