Funding for 100 school cadet units

One hundred new cadet units are to be set up in state schools in England at a cost of almost £11 million.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Department for Education (DfE) announced the plan on Armed Forces Day on Saturday (June 30).

The cadet units will be established by 2015 and will be a mixture of completely new groups and partnerships with existing units.

There are currently 324 cadet groups based in schools and the funding of £10.85 million will buy equipment and help pay for staff training in the new units. 

Schools interested in setting up a unit will need to show that they can provide the adult volunteers and third-party funding to maintain the unit.

A joint statement from the MOD and DfE, said: This will give thousands of children the opportunity to learn leadership skills, volunteer in their communities and build their self-confidence.

“Research has found that cadets tend to have high levels of respect for authority and high levels of self-esteem. They are likely to be committed citizens with high aspirations and a greater sense of community.”

The DfE said priority will be given to “good” and “outstanding” schools with high numbers of pupils on free school meals. 

The first of the new units is to be based at the City of London Academy in north London and will launch in September with funding from the Honourable Artillery Company.

Education secretary, Michael Gove, added: “Cadet forces provide an exciting and challenging way for young people to learn teamwork, self-discipline and respect. They have made a hugely positive impact, especially in boosting standards and discipline. We know many schools with cadet forces have a partnership or collaboration arrangements with neighbouring schools to allow more young people to take part.”

Interested schools can apply before September 30 by visiting http://education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/cadetforces.