New cadet units in schools aim to boost social mobility

The government has announced that new cadet units are being introduced in a number of state schools in a bid to boost social mobility.

Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, has today announced the approval of 4 new cadet units in state schools in the north east. A new independent report shows that cadet units increase social mobility and help disadvantaged children reach their full potential.

The schools involved are:

  • Acklam Grange School, Lodore Grove, Middlesbrough, TS5 8PB

  • Manor Church of England Academy Trust, Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 6PA

  • Scarborough UTC, Ashburn Road, Eastfield, Scarborough, YO11 3UY

  • The King's Academy, Stainton Way, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough TS8 0GA

The government say they are committed to increasing the number of cadet units to 500 by 2020 through the Cadet Expansion Programme.

The new units are focused on schools in areas of high deprivation and high ethnic minority representation as part of our plan to build a country that works for everyone.

Cadets from the 1333 (Grangemouth Spitfire) Squadron Air Training Corps throw their berets in the air after a replica Spitfire was unveiled as a memorial to 71 trainee pilots who lost their lives during the Second World War.

Speaking at the Albion Academy, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

The independent report, compiled by the University of Northampton, undertook research across the entire cadet programme and found:

· Cadet Forces contribute to increasing social mobility and decreasing social disadvantage

· Children excluded from school who join the Cadets are more likely to have improved attendance and behaviour on their return to school.