The Positive Impact of Cadets in Schools

The study was requested by the Department of Education, who wanted to ascertain the impact that the CCF has on cadets in terms of educational engagement, personal development and wellbeing.

42 CCF schools responded and provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, with no negative responses received.

Positive Changes in Pupil’s Educational Engagement

The study asked schools whether they had noticed any changes in pupil’s educational engagement (this included attendance, readiness to learn, classroom participant and their relationships with teachers and staff) as a result of having a CCF cadet programme at their school.

The study found that the CCF cadet programmes are strongly associated with improved pupil engagement, behaviour and school relationships. Respondents noted that those students who were previously persistent absentees/school refusers, began to attend school regularly due to wanting to go to cadets. Schools also noticed an increase in punctuality and overall discipline improved, with cadets showing more focus in the classroom and a significant reduction in exclusions. One school described its contingency as being ‘the best disciplined class in the school.’

Responses also showed that relationships with teachers and staff improved. It was noted that cadets seeing their teachers as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) helped to foster trust, respect, cooperation and enhanced classroom relationships. The study found that cadets became more confident in lessons and extracurricular activities, often volunteering to take on leadership roles, with many progressing on to becoming prefects within their schools. There are aspirational benefits too, with cadets gaining access to opportunities such as Cyber First Defenders and the Ten Tors Challenge, as well as being able to be nominated for awards. The study also recognised that cadets became more ambitious, looking into possible careers within the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) industry, public services and military careers.

Those schools that have a CCF contingency provided inclusion and belonging, pride and structure for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) disadvantaged and disengaged students, acting as a leveller across diverse groups.

Improvement in Pupil’s Personal Development and Life Skills

The study has shown that the CCF cadet programme has a profound effect on confidence, resilience, teamwork and leadership whilst consistently equipping pupils with essential life skills.

Students that were previously withdrawn or anxious became confident, public speakers and leaders, with one school mentioning that 7 out of 9 volunteers for a school poetry recital were cadets.

Cadets in schools have shown great perseverance, with a ‘keep going’ attitude when faced with challenges, as well as an improvement in exam preparation. The study also suggested that cadets were better equipped to handle the changes presented to them during and after covid, in comparison to their peers.

Those students who become cadets have demonstrated a greater cohesion and an instilled sense of empathy, with SEND and disadvantaged students particularly benefiting from this. Many cadets engage in volunteering and peer mentoring once they are a part of the CCF.

The study showed that cadets excelled in public speaking, drill and leadership roles. Cadets were overrepresented in head student and prefect teams, with some cadets leading hundreds of peers in wider cadet units.

Pupils displayed courtesy, maturity, and independence, often remarked on by parents. Some cadets demonstrated real-world courage and life-saving calmness in emergencies, thanks to the skills and lessons they had been taught at cadets.

Some schools provided case studies on how their CCF contingency had benefitted their student body and school, with examples including:

• Students who were previously at risk of exclusion becoming senior cadet leaders

• Autistic pupils responding better to cadet peers than they did to their teachers

• Anxious students becoming leaders and teaching training sessions

Increase in Pupil Wellbeing 

The study consistently referred to the CCF programme as ‘life changing’ for pupil wellbeing, with some schools recognising that the benefits extended to teachers and staff.

Improvements were seen across the board, with mental and emotional wellbeing improving – students reported reduced loneliness and less time feeling anxious whilst being able to regulate their emotions more. School refusers and socially isolated students became team players and confident participants.

Being a part of the CCF meant that cadets had a sense of family and acted as a safe space, particularly for SEND and vulnerable students as it acted as deterrent to negative influencers.

Physical health improved through adventure, outdoor training and CCF camps. Overall, cadets saw an increase in their fitness and a reduction in stress, especially for those who are usually disengaged from traditional sport.

Cadets were often cited as role models throughout the study who challenged toxic behaviours and supported their peers. They also readily engage in community service.

Teachers who volunteer as CFAVs reported an improvement in themselves, with some responses noting an increase in the teacher’s wellbeing, skills and friendships, whilst observing the cadets as being more positive, respectful, and hardworking for them.

Overall, students who become CCF cadets have shown to overcome school refusal, serious mental health difficulties or disabilities, with the benefits being felt by those teachers who are CFAVs as well as the rest of the staff and student body.

The study has shown that the CCF programme is a proven driving force behind student and staff wellbeing. Cadets are shown to be happier, healthier, more resilient and more socially connected, with lifelong benefits for mental and emotional wellbeing.

The CCF offers life changing experiences that no other extracurricular activity can match. Establishing a CCF contingent in your school provides your students with a multitude of opportunities for them to challenge themselves, develop their skills and work as part of a team.

For more information or to register your school’s expression of interest, please click here.