Pioneer Intervention  Reviews 45

Review of Pioneer Cadets and Laurence’s Contribution
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.

We’ve worked with Pioneer Cadets for over two years and have seen a clear, lasting impact on our children. The structured Bronze–Silver–Gold programme builds confidence, teamwork and resilience, helping children apply these skills both in and out of the classroom. Sessions are engaging and well organised. Our staff are well support by committed staff who genuinely care about each child’s growth. The change in motivation, attitude and pride among children is very clear. It is a brilliant, high-impact programme that I would highly recommend to any school.

The Pioneer cadets awards helped our children to develop unique skills for their personal development. Children showed leadership, teamwork and resilience throughout the programme which was excellently designed by the founder, Laurence, who was very supportive throughout the whole process. Couldn't recommend Pioneer Cadets highly enough in a school setting.

My 10 year old thoroughly enjoyed pioneer cadets and achieved his bronze award.

It has helped my son to have a better understanding of the value of teamwork most importantly my son as gotten more self confidence and resilience. I would love to say a big thank you for the organiser of pioneer cadets

The Pioneer Cadet Awards have been a truly fantastic addition to our school, and we couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead. Completing the Bronze Award has been a wonderful achievement for our cadets, and we’re looking forward to seeing them progress through Silver and Gold. The programme has had a profound impact on their confidence and self-esteem, fostering growth and pride in ways that are evident to all. We are immensely proud of their achievements so far. A huge thank you goes to Laurence, whose unwavering support and dedication have been exceptional. We can’t recommend the Pioneer Cadet Awards highly enough and are thrilled to see the positive difference they continue to make in our school community.

The children are fully immersed with being Proud, Happy and Confident Pioneer Cadets. They love doing the challenges and helping each one another. Pioneer Cadets has added great value to all the children's learning journey at primary school.

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.

The Pioneer Cadet Awards gave my son a bronze for his participation in the activities organised. He loved the activities and he is excited to be moving to the next stage -The silver award.

The Pioneer Cadet was a wonderful and enriching experience for my daughter. She is keen to continue it to learn more.

The Pioneer Cadet Award has been a joy to deliver at St John Henry Newman Catholic Primary School. As the cadet leader, it has been fantastic to see the children develop their self-confidence and self-esteem throughout the award. Sessions are challenging, engaging and well planned. The award is fully resourced and the session presentations and staff handbook made delivery of the award as smooth as it could be. Laurence is always contactable and provides great aftercare. I would highly recommend the awards.

The pioner cadet awards are so exiting! The recent sessions have been so much fun and I dont want to stop going. I am always happy to come, as i know there will be some interesting time.

My daughter having a very good experience, she is happy to be a pioneer cadet. Hadiya Mohammadi

I really enjoyed it all because my teamwork improved because I helped people and listened on my team to the ideas when it came to jenga, the message and the card flip. I really enjoyed all of the activities my favourite was the darts because we all had a laugh and fun. Im so thankful that I got to do pioneer cadets. KW

The introduction of Pioneer cadets at St John Henry Newman Catholic Primary school has been an excellent addition to the school's provision. It is very clear that the children enjoy the range of activities and the opportunity to grow in lots of ways within the sessions. During the sessions there has been some really great moments for the children often which have been unexpected but hugely positive. Children with self confidence and self esteem issues, have really thrived when given the chance to express themselves and learn through the positive values of the cadet scheme. Being their class teacher, I have witnessed the growth in confidence, positive behaviour and maturity in the short period they have been attending cadets. The support/resources received have ensured the sessions have been challenging, purposeful and enjoyable which is reflected in the feedback from the children and parents alike.

JW STM
The Pioneer Cadet awards were very good, and I would recommend this to other people. You learn life skills and you improve you're teamwork skills. You get a badge for bronze silver and gold.

As a pioneer cadet leader, I have so much enthusiasm for this after school club. I believe there aren't really any other after school programs like pioneer cadets. It gives children valuable life skills such as basic first aid, the countryside code, and teaches the importance of resilience and teamwork through games and fun activities. I have been fortunate enough to run many sessions and I can honestly say that all the children who have attended have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have always received wonderful comments from parents, and it speaks for itself that children who attend the bronze award sessions want to go on to achieve their silver and gold awards too.

My daughter loves pioneer cadets and has learnt a lot of new useful things, she is very proud of what she has achieved and so am I, the customer care when in direct contact is very helpful also

My colleague and I have been running Pioneer Cadets since it started, we have run both bronze and silver awards and are looking forward to running our first Gold. We get a lot off support when running the club but we feel very appreciated.
I can honestly say its very rewarding. The children get very involved in every session and they have a massive sense of pride. They improve themselves so much and it is such a joy to watch them grow in such a sort amount of time. I enjoy running the club and hope to be running it for many years to come

My child took part in bronze silver and carried it through to complete his gold award. Each week he was excited and looked forward to attending the session, which with the core skills he learnt came on and developed In confidence so much.
Would recommend for any child if given the opportunity to take part, and as a parent is lovely to hear the skills they learn from first aid, to protecting wildlife to strong communication and teamwork skills.
After each award the time and effort that went into the presentation that as parents saw was amazing. Mr Davis & Mrs Davis time, patience and knowledge is impeccable.