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<p>World-class education is not only about having the highest standards in academic
and technical education, it also means ensuring that education builds character. The
government wants children and young people to believe that they can achieve; to have
the tenacity to persevere with a task; to be able to recover from adversity; and to
link their efforts with uncertain or distant rewards. Developing these character traits
means children and young people are more likely to have positive education and labour
market outcomes. The department supports young people to participate in a range of
activities that can help develop character, such as the National Citizen Service,
the Cadet Expansion Programme, and competitive sport.</p><p>Almost 500,000 young people
have taken part in the National Citizen Service since it was launched in 2011 and
we want all young people to have the opportunity to take part in this life changing
programme. The Cadet Expansion Programme was launched in June 2012 with the aim to
deliver 100 new Cadet units in English state‐funded schools by September 2015. This
target was achieved ahead of schedule, with 100 approvals by March 2015, and led to
a commitment to grow the total number of cadet units parading in schools to a total
of 500 units across the UK by April 2020. We are on track to meet this target and
there are currently 471 approved units.</p><p>Additionally, we are investing £22 million
in an Essential Life Skills programme in the 12 Opportunity Areas to enable disadvantaged
children and young people living in some of the most deprived parts of the country
to participate in regular extra-curricular activities and develop their character
and to further drive social mobility.</p><p>Ofsted is currently developing proposals
for new education inspection arrangements, and plans to consult on these in January
2019. This will include a proposal for a graded judgement on pupils’ personal development.
The department is engaging with Ofsted as it develops its proposals, including in
relation to coverage of pupil character.</p>
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