Cadet Corporal Rosie Arbuthnott, Sherborne Girls School CCF (Royal Marines), is one of only three CCF cadets to have been chosen to be a First Sea Lord Cadet throughout 2026.
Every year, only 11 cadets are chosen from amongst 22,000 across the UK to represent the CCF at national events and offering those selected a rare glimpse into the careers of senior Royal Navy and Royal Marines Officers. Rosie’s selection places amongst this exceptional group of young leaders chosen, with Sherborne Girls School commenting that “Rosie’s ability to consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication and the ability to represent her fellow cadets with integrity and pride helped her achieve this prestigious appointment.”
Representing the CCF with Pride
Rosie is most excited to be representing the CCF and her peers, as well as looking forward to meeting and working alongside her fellow First Sea Lord Cadets and getting her Blues Uniform! The position will also offer the opportunity for all First Sea Lords Cadets to meet the First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, which Rosie is extremely excited about.
Rosie is a capable and determined CCF Royal Marines Cadet who takes every opportunity offered, but her best advice is to always make sure you help your fellow cadets and the wider community. Rosie comments “learn to act as a leader and work hard in all aspects of life, so that you can discover and develop important life skills – discipline, initiative, kindness and perseverance. You can do anything with passion and determination! I believe I will take so much from this incredible opportunity, and I hope to learn how to be a true leader from the front and be able to represent my school and CCF contingent nationally. I’m also excited to expand my perspective of the world and grow my self-confidence whilst learning more about the military itself, in which I would like to join in the future.”
Beyond her cadet achievements, Rosie is an accomplished student who is currently studying for her A Levels in Geography, Drama and Business, alongside AS Level French. As well being a Vice Head of House, Rosie is a keen sportswoman and regularly plays hockey and football as well as competing in English Schools cross-country events. A naturally creative individual, Rosie shines on the stage through her music and drama – she plays electric guitar in a school rock band and drums and piano in her spare time whilst also pursuing a Grade 8 acting qualification alongside her drama scholarship.
Outside of school, Rosie enjoys adventurous activities such as mountain biking, skiing and helping on her family farm in Northeast Scotland. Looking ahead to the future, Rosie plans to take a gap year to travel the world and broaden her global perspective before beginning her Geography degree at Edinburgh University. Her ambition once she graduates is to pursue a career in the British Army, and in the longer term, Rosie would love to own and run an animal rescue centre.
Congratulations, Rosie! You are a true inspiration, and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings for you.
Photography: Tom Soper Photography