Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced the next wave of 25 school cadet units, taking the government closer to its target of 500 in schools across the UK by 2020.
Research shows children who have been Cadets increase their academic achievement and decrease anti-social behaviour through an improved attitude, improved school attendance and classroom behaviour, and have higher self-esteem, self-confidence and organisational skills.
Amongst the schools included in the 25 schools is Rockwood Academy in Birmingham - a former so-called ‘Trojan Horse’ school that has been turned around, removed from special measures and is now a rated a good school by inspectors.
The school, previously called Park View Academy, is one of a number of state schools to open a cadet unit, under the Government’s Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) backed by £50 million of additional funding. The programme is targeting schools in less affluent areas to ensure everyone has access to the full cadet experience.
Fallon said: “These new school units will help young people to get on in life, raising their aspirations and motivating them to succeed in their education. With the schools approved today focused in areas of high deprivation, this is part of our plan to build a country that works for everyone.”
