To me the most important product of the VGS system is (was) the ability to send kids solo.
The Canadian Air Cadet glider program not only sends Air Cadets solo but every year 230 to 250 air cadets get Transport Canada (ie the Canadian equivalent to the CAA) issued glider pilot licenses after completing the Air Cadet glider training program.
Suitably proficient Air Cadet Glider pilots have the opportunity to fly other younger cadets on glider experience flights.
I think the key elements of this record of success are as follows.
1) The gliders and tow planes are owned by the Air Cadet organization and are civilian registered and operated under civil gliding regulations.
2) All of the flying qualifications including those of the instructors are civilian licenses
3) No flash glass ship flash, just the simple all metal just about un-bustable SW 2-33, is the only type operated. It's extremely benign flying characteristics make it the perfect first glider for new young pilot.
4) Air Force direct involvement is mostly on operational flight safety matters and providing a relatively stable core funding stream to the Air Cadet organization.
The Canadian Air Cadet program has its problems too but after watching the slow motion Shyte Show that is the present and future UK Air Cadet flying program it seems a shame that the flying "pause" was not used to transform the program to a civilian based operation which has been so successful else where........