Plans to cut funding for cadet schemes in schools risk "stripping away opportunities" for young people, critics have said.
The Labour government's move to cut additional funding for Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) in state schools to save nearly £1m a year has been met with a growing backlash from senior education leaders in Norfolk.
The measure will affect hundreds of youngsters in the county, prompting fears some children will miss out on the opportunity to take part.
Dr Catherine Richards, principal of East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston, said: "Being in Great Yarmouth, we try and make sure our students can do absolutely everything regardless of personal background and finances.
"But this cut will mean we will not be able to do as many activities as we may have been able to do.
"It is a real shame. We will continue with our plan to expand but this will make it more difficult."
Dr Richards said that since 2018 the school has seen more than 100 cadets taking part in activities such as camping trips, military drills and shooting competitions.
The teacher believes these ventures can help young people build confidence, become better team players and learn mutual respect.
More than 200 schools and academies around the country have received additional funding through the cadet expansion programme (CEP), launched in June 2012 by then Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Other schools in Norfolk with CCF schemes include Langley School near Loddon, Gresham's in Holt, Wymondham College and Iceni Academy in Methwold.
Bob Price, chairman of the Great Yarmouth Conservatives said: “Labour promised to break down barriers to opportunity for young people but instead are creating new ones.
"This shows Labour are not serious about setting our young people up for success."
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