Study finds cadets gives young people clear advantage at school and work

Lincolnshire is home to the RAF cadets headquarters at Cranwell

Author: Matt MaddrenPublished 13th Apr 2025

A new study has found joining the cadets gives young people a clear advantage at school and work

Lincolnshire is home to the RAF cadets headquarters at Cranwell, as well as twenty-eight army cadet attachments.

The report from the Ministry of Defence shows cadets have improved attendance and behaviour and are more likely to go to university.

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."

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