Permission
to expand
Permission to Expand sets out the case for scaling up the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in state schools as part of a wider mission to rebuild pride, purpose and belonging among young people.
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The report shows that cadet programmes improve attendance, behaviour, and wellbeing - but access remains limited, with just 1 in 13 state secondaries currently offering cadets and dozens more stuck on a waiting list.
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Polling for The New Britain Project by More in Common finds strong public support for expansion across political lines, with a clear belief that cadets help instil national duty, resilience and confidence in teenagers.
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The report calls for cadets to be available in every state secondary school that wants one over the next decade - starting with a push to double current provision by 2029.
“As Britain faces the lasting scars of the pandemic and a fraying social fabric, rebuilding must be about more than just economics. It must mean restoring pride, purpose, and opportunity in every school and every community - not just repairing the damage, but creating something stronger and fairer in its place.”
Our Recommendations
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1. Double the number of CCFs in state schools by 2029
Commit to reaching 500 state secondary schools with CCF units by the end of the next Parliament.
Prioritise areas with low current provision and high levels of disadvantage, where the programme can make the greatest difference to attendance, behaviour and engagement.
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2. Launch a Cadet Accelerator to unlock access
Build on the Cadet Expansion Programme by establishing a Cadet Accelerator Grant a flexible support package for schools with demand but limited capacity.
This would fund the critical start-up costs of training staff, securing equipment, storage, and transport, and offer a faster route into the programme for priority schools.
The aim is not to duplicate CEP, but to strengthen and streamline it, especially for schools facing the greatest barriers.
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3. Make cadets a mainstream offer in schools over the next decade
Set a long-term ambition for the CCF to become a normal part of school life - available in every state secondary school that wants one, as a core enrichment option alongside music, sport, art and Duke of Edinburgh.
This will require sustained support, strong cross-sector partnerships, and a clear recognition, especially from DfE, that character and belonging matter as much as a knowledge-based curriculum.
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4. Invest in recruiting and retaining high-quality School Staff Instructors (SSIs)
The availability of experienced instructors is one of the most significant constraints on expansion.
The Ministry of Defence, working with education partners, should explore new pathways to recruit, train and support SSIs - including targeted outreach to veterans, flexible roles for retired personnel, and incentives to attract new entrants into cadet leadership roles.
“The CCF isn’t a silver bullet. It can’t replace investment in teaching, mental health, or youth services. But it is a practical, proven tool, already in use in hundreds of schools, that could be scaled to support thousands more pupils, especially those who stand to benefit the most.To meet growing demand and make cadets a core part of school life, especially in areas of disadvantage, the next phase of CCF expansion must be more ambitious, properly targeted, and jointly owned across government.”
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