New study finds that the cadet experience gives youngsters a clear advantage at work and further education.
Young people who join the cadets do better at school, have improved attendance and behaviour and are more likely to go to university, a new report has found.
The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the University of Northampton, launched its latest report, The Impact and Value of School-based Cadet Forces in the UK. It highlights the transformative impact of the Cadet Forces on social mobility, employability and mental health, demonstrating the immense value cadets bring to wider society, but particularly schools.
Having a cadet unit in school also has a positive impact on the resilience of pupils that are cadets according to 98.9% of head teachers surveyed.
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair 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.
“This new report unequivocally demonstrates that being a cadet gives pupils an ‘edge’ in applications for college, university, apprenticeships and employment. This Government has a Plan for Change, and that includes an unwavering commitment to investing in our youth with programmes like the Cadet Expansion Programme.”
As publicly funded national youth organisations for 12–18-year-olds, the Cadets Forces’ goals and values are reflective of the Government’s aims, as laid out in the Plan for Change. That includes breaking down barriers to opportunity for all and making the country fit and secure for the future.
Clear benefits
The report findings build on previous research which found that if every year the cadet experience helps just one percent of cadets change their life outcomes so that they’re in employment, education or training, the annual costs of the cadet forces is completely covered. In terms of health and wellbeing alone, participation in the Cadet Force produce an annual return on investment in the region of about £120 million each year.
It has been estimated that each year a lifetime value of vocational qualifications gained by the most disadvantaged cadets is well over £130 million. Adult volunteers also see significant benefits from supporting the cadet forces by gaining confidence and additional skills and qualifications that are transferrable to their wider workplace.
From Yorkshire and the Humber
Alex Johnson-Summers, Schools Cadet Engagement Officer for Yorkshire and the Humber says, “The recent University of Northampton study confirms what we see every day in the Cadet Forces: profound life transformation. As someone closely involved with cadets, I’ve witnessed and experienced, first-hand, how this programme builds resilience, confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.
“This academic validation matters tremendously. It transforms our anecdotal experiences into quantifiable social impact, showing that cadet programmes deliver real returns through better educational outcomes, mental wellbeing, and community cohesion. The research demonstrates that cadets achieve higher school attendance, improved behaviour, and greater university prospects – especially benefiting those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is particularly vital in Yorkshire and the Humber, where some of the UK’s most deprived areas are found.”
More information
If this report interests or inspires you, please get in touch to discuss how the Combined Cadet Force could work in your school. (Email: Mrs Alex Johnson-Summers [email protected])