Tory Party Conference: Fallon announces new cadet units
Adam Offord
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced 150 new cadet units for state schools, with the first 25 due to launch in the next 12 months.
Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Fallon said that the first new unit to launch would be at Rockwood Academy, formerly known as Park View School, in Birmingham, which was at the centre of the "Trojan Horse" investigation.
The move to create more cadet units follows a government commitment in the Summer Budget last year to spend £50m to expand the number of cadet units in state schools to 500, with schools in "less affluent" areas being prioritised.
"Today I am announcing the first 25 of 150 new units we are creating in state schools," he said.
"They include one at Rockwood Academy - in this city - which I will be visiting this afternoon."
Operation Trojan Horse was an organised attempt by a number of associated individuals to introduce an Islamist ethos into several schools in Birmingham.
Fallon said Rockwood Academy is "a phoenix from the ashes" that is now instilling British values, "instead of promoting religious segregation".
The school was rated "good" by Ofsted in an inspection that took place in March this year.
Visiting Rockwood Academy to meet new cadets following his speech, Fallon said: "Our cadet forces are some of the largest and most successful youth organisations in the UK, offering young people the chance to develop essential life skills and helping them prepare to play an active part in the community."
Fuzel Choudhury, principal of Rockwood Academy, added: "The response from both pupils and their families to the launch of our combined cadet force unit has really been overwhelming and we are confident that the students will benefit significantly, as will the teaching staff.
"Since the day I set foot across the threshold of this academy my sole drive has been to improve the education of our students - they are what it is all about. Initiatives such as these will undoubtedly help us achieve our vision."