Young people who join school-based cadet forces are more likely to achieve better educational outcomes, improved attendance and behaviour, and greater access to higher education, according to a new study published by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the University of Northampton.
The report, The Impact and Value of School-based Cadet Forces in the UK, highlights the wider social and economic value of cadet programmes, particularly in relation to social mobility and employability. It also suggests that cadets benefit from improved mental health and increased resilience—attributes noted by 98.9% of headteachers surveyed.
The report was launched at Frimley Park Cadet Training Centre in Surrey, where Defence Minister Alistair Carns joined serving cadets and supporters of the scheme. Activities at the event included an obstacle course, a rope-tying challenge, and an immersive virtual reality experience led by cadets from the Army, Navy, and RAF contingents. Cadets who took part in the King’s Coronation in 2023 were also awarded commemorative medals.
In remarks shared at the launch, Carns said: “Joining the cadets is more than just an opportunity—it’s a transformative experience. It empowers young people to build character, resilience, and teamwork. They learn to lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and grow with honour.”
The research argues that cadet forces—open to young people aged 12 to 18—can provide a strong return on public investment. It estimates that if just 1% of cadets each year go on to better life outcomes as a result of their involvement, the programme pays for itself. In terms of health and wellbeing alone, the report values the annual return at around £120 million, while the vocational qualifications gained by disadvantaged cadets are estimated to offer a lifetime value exceeding £130 million.
Adult volunteers are also reported to benefit, gaining new skills and qualifications that can be applied in their civilian careers.
While the report offers a largely positive assessment, it also serves to reinforce ongoing government messaging around national youth development schemes under the wider Plan for Change policy platform.
Though the study was commissioned by the Ministry of Defence, it contributes to a growing body of evidence suggesting that structured, uniformed youth programmes can provide tangible long-term benefits to both participants and the wider community.
Well that’s reassuring!
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Oh, go away!
George, has any progress been made on fixing the spam problem?
It would sure be nice to have an article explaining what’s going on, because we are all in the dark down here below the line.
Do one you sap
Not at all surprising really.
I did cadets in the noughties and after being raised in the utterly smothering and infantilising nanny culture of the time, where children couldn’t be trusted to play in bushes let alone climb trees, being trusted with actual responsibility and consequences probably saved me from being a passive observer of my own life.
It taught me that trust and responsibility, for both ourselves and others, are inseparable. Something the current leaders of the West need to learn quickly.
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I agree with the report…. but can someone tell me why the Government, fully aware of the benefits of Cadet service, have chosen to cut funding – while, at the same time, attempting to get more young people and adult volunteers to join? Somewhat muddled thinking eh?
I enjoyed my (compulsory)Cadet year in South Africa 1966, but the one thing that spoiled the experience was our uniform headgear which made us look like Hitler Youth!! There were members of the Nationalist Party government that had supported the Germans during WW2, some even having being interned during the War including Prime Minister BJ Vorster! It must be said though that many Afrikaans people joined up to fight against the Nazis even though the minfluence of the Anglo Boer War were still strong having been passed down by their parents and Grandparents.
..influence of the Anglo Boer War was…
My daughter is in the air cadets,she is wanting to join the RAF. Attendances/drop our rates are fairly high. This I put down to lack of motivation or inspiration from the instructors. Mondays and Thursdays are the nights in which the unit is opened. There was promises of shooting/outdoor experiences leadership and visits to RAF bases. None of these things have happened in two years. Also the uniforms are a joke,shirts 3 sizes too big,buy your own boots buy your own camo uniform,how can this be ? Why aren’t the RAF handing out good fitting gear from the leavers to the units ?
Despite this,she still wants a career in the RAF,it’s just a shame that other kids who might have been swayed to go down the forces path are disillusioned by some (not all) instructors lack of inventiveness in keeping the kids “entertained”.