Value of the Cadet Force in UK

Between 2016 and 2020 the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact at the University of Northampton carried out research to identify the social impact and value of the Cadet Forces in the UK. This study covered both community cadet units and CCF contingents. The current research seeks to build upon this evidence base, to identify and describe the impact and value of the CCF and other school-based Cadet Force units to stakeholders within schools (and outside). This project was given the following seven research objectives by the Ministry of Defence Youth and Cadet Team and the Combined Cadet Force Association.

1. To identify the impacts of school-based Cadet Forces on school outcomes as measured by Ofsted, Education Scotland, Estyn (Wales), the Education and Training Inspectorate (N. Ireland), and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (England only),
2. To identify the impacts of school-based Cadet Forces on pupil attainment,
3. To identify the impacts of school-based Cadet Forces on pupil participation and leadership in wider school activities
4. To identify the impacts of school-based Cadet Forces on the career aspirations and intentions of pupils
5. To identify the impacts of school-based Cadet Forces on teacher – student relations
6. To identify the impacts of school-based Cadet Forces on teacher confidence and competence
7. To identify the potential value for money of the impacts of school-based Cadet Forces.

This document presents the final report for this evaluation, demonstrating the strong impact that CCF and other Cadet Force units bring to young people, schools and society more widely.