“I applaud the work of CVQO which offers young people an alternative route to achieving a recognised qualification for their achievements in the cadet force via a combination of leisure activity and learning.  The 20,000 cadets who have achieved qualifications outside school and during their own hobby time are to be commended and I would like to see more of this sort of provision in the future.”
Mr Christopher N Banks, CBE, Chairman of the Learning and Skills Council
 
What benefits do cadets get from these qualifications?
 "I have achieved more in the past year than I have my entire life. I have sailed ships, flown aircraft, learned how to work within a team and gained internationally recognised qualifications. Plus, I have managed to stay on the straight and narrow, keeping myself on the right side of the law.”

“I found both the BTEC and ILM courses useful in helping me prepare for a career at sea, but also giving me the qualifications which will allow me to meet the entry criteria into the Royal Navy.”
 Luke Finnegan, Huyton with Roby SCC
Duke of Westminster Award 2009 – category prize winner
“Unfortunately I did not push myself enough at school therefore gaining a college placement was remote. With my diploma counting as four standard grades, and the confidence I have gained in the public service, I have gained a place at Reid Kerr College doing General Nursing, something I have always wanted to do.”
 Kayleigh Gregory, West Lowland Bn ACF 
“I didn’t want to do BTEC because I didn’t think I would benefit and I didn’t achieve the exam results at school and thought it was too hard to do. Having now completed a weekend course at Nottingham SCC I can’t believe the benefit it really has and I am totally enthusiastic and would encourage all cadets to do BTEC. I had a great weekend and didn’t realise the qualifications I have gained during my time in cadets actually counts towards BTEC. In May I will be 18 years old and thought I would not be able to complete or pass my BTEC but now I realise how easy it is and feel inspired and pleased that I have completed this in one weekend because of all my cadet’s qualifications. GO FOR IT!”
LC Hayward Leeds SCC
“During my GCSE courses, I was worried I wouldn’t achieve the results needed to get into Sixth Form College. Once I’d completed the BTEC with cadets though, I was told I would make it into college with that. This was a huge relief, as it meant I wasn’t just counting on my GCSEs at school.”
Robbie Clark, Northumbria ACF
“The BTEC diploma has proved a very helpful tool for my sons Andrew and John (who managed to achieve distinction in all categories). As we have home educated our children not using the national curriculum this has been a tool to measure their achievements at ATC. Andrew and John are both dyslexic, Andrew moderately, John mildly. For those struggling with academic qualifications the diploma is most helpful.”
Mrs Catherine Sullivan, mother of two BTEC cadets
“By enrolling on the ILM Level 2, it gave me the opportunity to use my skills gained through the cadets to get a fantastic qualification for doing something I had already been doing.”
Chris Horrobin, Hampshire and IOW ACF 
We have many reports from high academic achieving cadets of how their BTEC was instrumental in achieving places at colleges and universities. The diploma made them stand out from the crowd, and provided a breadth and balance to the rest of their highly academic qualifications.
 “CVQO has selected qualifications with curriculum that focuses on communication, leadership and teamwork; these are all important skills that universities look for in potential students. With requirements ranging from sports to interviewing skills, this qualification is impressive to both universities and employers alike.”
Dr Alan Pearson, Principal of St Hild & St Bede, Durham University
 “The qualification is an absolutely brilliant addition to my CV. It has helped to shape me into the person I am today. I have gained many experiences I may not have had and had lots of fun completing it!”
Zak Lee- Green, HQ No 1 Welsh Wing ATC, 1344 Sqn 
 “When I applied to Cambridge University, the admissions tutors were very interested in my BTEC diploma. I feel it helped set me apart as they were impressed to learn that I had earned this qualification completely in my own time outside of school.”
Joanna Woods, Sussex ACF
“Not only was the BTEC just another qualification it has also helped me to gain a place at both College and University in my chosen subject.” 
Claire Loveland, HQ Surrey Wing ATC, 1075 Sqn 
 What’s different about this music qualification?
 “In many respects the varied activities integral to BTEC Music are more comprehensive than the rather narrow, purely musical skills expected in GCSE. The experiences of managing an event from inception to completion are vital to the overall education of a young musician.”
Gad’s Hill School’s Director of Music