Defence Secretary Michael Fallon MP has today visited Rockwood Academy CCF, one of the 25 newly approved school cadet units launched as part of the Cadet Expansion Programme. The Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) was launched in June 2012 by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister with the aim to deliver 100 new cadet units in English state-funded schools by September 2015. Following the success of these new units, the government has now committed to grow the total number of cadet units in schools across the UK to 500 by 2020.
Rockwood Academy is one of the first 25 schools to launch a cadet unit in this new round of expansion. The school, which has launch a CCF(Army) section, has received an overwhelming response from pupils and their families.
The minister, who presented pupils taking part with their new berets and cap badge, 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."
You can read more about Rockwood Academy's Combined Cadet Force on their website, or find out more about how your school can get involved in the programme.