The Pioneer Cadet Awards | The Education Bridge

What this company offers

Want to boost self-confidence and build the character of children in your school? We offer a unique approach. Children discover new strengths, develop their identity, and experience a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.

Pioneer Cadets is a three-stage award programme that promotes self-confidence, personal responsibility and improved attitudes to learning for children in Years 5 and 6.

Schools are provided with all materials and resources to deliver the Pioneer Cadet Awards. Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards are each delivered over seven weeks and Cadet Leaders deliver a new challenging element each week. Each award provides opportunities for children to:

- engage in challenging activities;

- develop a sense of pride and belonging;

- acquire knowledge and develop their core skills;

- and improve self confidence and self esteem.

By partnering with the Skills Builder Partnership, The Pioneer Cadet Awards has worked closely with the team to ensure the Skills Builder Universal Framework supports children in building their core skills.

Throughout each session, children working on cadet challenges are guided to reflect on explicit skills and how these transfer to other areas of their learning and wider life. Reflection against the framework through their Cadet Achievement Book also supports tracking progression through self-assessment and discussions with adults.

Why Us?

- In-school Staff Induction and an Engagement Assembly for Children.

- Equipment, Teaching and Learning Resources for Each Session.

- Children’s Pioneer Kit and Achievement Resources

- Pupil Voice and Impact Reports for Each Cohort

- A Friendly Keep in Touch Service

Trusted by Headteachers, loved by staff and children and valued by adults at home.

Reviews from the sector

We were introduced to Laurence and the Pioneer Cadets programme early last academic year and were immediately impressed by his enthusiasm, passion, and the thoughtful theory underpinning the initiative. It was clear from the outset that this would be a powerful and meaningful experience for our children, many of whom come from deprived backgrounds and have had fewer opportunities than their peers. Following an excellent staff training session—succinct, insightful, and well-resourced—we embedded the programme with our Year 5 cohort. The impact was immediate and sustained. Our children were consistently engaged, excited for each session, and eager to learn more. Over time, we observed significant positive changes: improved teamwork, greater empathy, and most notably, a marked increase in resilience that translated into better attitudes toward learning and school life. Our pupils proudly completed their Bronze Award and celebrated their achievements in a memorable ceremony. This year, they are continuing their journey with the Silver Award, and we’ve been so inspired by the outcomes that we’ve extended the programme to our current Year 5s, with the aim of completing both the Gold Awards by the end of the academic year. Laurence has been an absolute pleasure to work with. His dedication goes far beyond his role as the creator of Pioneer Cadets—he has shown genuine care and commitment to our school community. From attending our end-of-year showcase to generously providing resources and treats for the children, his support has been invaluable. We wholeheartedly recommend Pioneer Cadets to any school looking to nurture character, resilience, and teamwork in their pupils. It has made a lasting difference in ours.

Washwood Heath Primary

The Pioneer Cadets Award gave my child valuable skills which he uses in his everyday life. He extremely enjoys attending his Cadets session every week and he is looking forward to starting the next level which is the Silver Award. Thank you to SJHN school in Peterborough for their continued support in this programme.

Ewa Kaminska