DEFENCE Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has announced the approval of 31 new cadet units in state schools - including one at York’s Manor CE Academy.

The announcement came as a new independent report showed that such units increased social mobility and helped disadvantaged children reach their full potential.

The report, compiled by the University of Northampton, also found that children excluded from school who joined the cadets were more likely to have improved attendance and behaviour on their return to school and that joining the cadets helped to develop an individual’s communication, confidence and leadership skills.

Speaking at a local academy during the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Sir Michael said:“I want more young people from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to be cadets. Cadets help instil values of discipline and loyalty. They develop leadership skills and confidence.

“For too long cadet units have been the preserve of independent schools but thanks to this Conservative Government more children in state schools will reap the benefits.”

A Government spokesman said the units were focused on schools in areas of high deprivation and high ethnic minority representation

Manor Academy principal Simon Barber said that while this did not apply to his school, it did take some children from less privileged backgrounds.

He said its cadet force was only launched at the start of term and uniforms had not yet arrived, but it was already proving very successful, with 85 children applying to join.

He said the cadet force which would offers camps and training exercises, was likely to attract pupils who were less attracted to existing extra-curricular activities.

Sean Rescorle, head of Year 7, said he and three other members of staff - Year 8 head Elaine Stephens, former serviceman and trainee teacher Kyle Alexanders and lettings manager Rachel Snowden - had set up the unit.

He said the cadets would go on a camp next summer and during the year would take part in other actvities including shooting practice, physical training and first aid.