The Highest Honour: Three CCF Cadets Announced as First Sea Lord Cadets

Every year, around 11 cadets are chosen from amongst 22,000 across the country. Those chosen will act as ambassadors, representing the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at national events, allowing them a rare glimpse into the careers of senior Royal Navy Officers. The selection process to be chosen as a First Sea Lord is extremely competitive, with each CCF Contingent only allowed to nominate one cadet for consideration.

We are delighted to announce that three CCF Cadets have been chosen to be First Sea Lord Cadets for 2026. The CCF Cadets that have been selected are:

• Cadet Corporal Rosanagh Arbuthnott, Sherborne Girls School CCF

• Cadet Warrant Officer Georgia Manton, Northampton International Academy CCF

• Cadet Petty Officer Eleanor Pritchard, Churchers College CCF

Becoming a First Sea Lord Cadet is one of the highest honours within the CCF Royal Navy and Royal Marines sections, and their selection has placed them amongst an exceptional group of young leaders, where they will also work together to help raise the profile of Naval Cadets.

We spoke to Cadet Corporal Arbuthnott, Warrant Officer Manton and Cadet Petty Officer Pritchard to find out more about this prestigious prize and what they hope for the year ahead.

Sherborne Girls School CCF

Sherborne Girls School are extremely proud of Cadet Corporal Arbuthnott and commented that her ability to “consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication and the ability to represent her fellow cadets with integrity and pride” helped her achieve this prestigious appointment.

Like Warrant Officer Manton and Cadet Petty Officer Pritchard, Cadet Corporal Arbuthnott will hold the national role from 1 January to 31 December 2026. Throughout the year, Cadet Corporal Arbuthnott (along with her fellow First Sea Lord Cadets) may be invited to gatherings with senior members of the Armed Forces, and even Royalty. This is an extraordinary opportunity for any young cadet.

Cadet Corporal Arbuthnott’s formal Investiture will take place aboard the HMS Victory in January 2026, where she will be joined by her immediate family to mark this special occasion, and exceptional achievement.

Northampton International Academy CCF

Northampton International Academy CCF are delighted by Warrant Officer Manton’s fantastic achievement.

Warrant Officer Manton adds “Being awarded the prestigious title of First Sea Lord Cadet for 2026 has come as a wonderful surprise and I am thrilled to take on this opportunity. I’m really excited to represent my CCF Contingent, and I can’t wait to interact with senior leaders from across the Royal Navy and learn from their experiences. Likewise, I’m looking forward to meeting my fellow First Sea Lord Cadets and attending a diverse range of events with them.

If I was to give any advice to CCF cadets wanting to apply for this role in 2027 or any future years, then it would be to take any opportunity that comes your way and work hard, stay committed. Show enthusiasm and leadership in everything you do - be confident and have a positive mindset!

I hope to take away from this experience a confidence in representing others and I also hope to learn more about leadership at the highest level. These are skills that can help me in my future career, and they are great life skills overall.”

Churchers College

Cadet Petty Officer Pritchard from Churchers College is looking forward to the new challenges and experiences that being a First Sea Lord will bring.

An adventurous student, Cadet Petty Officer Pritchard has been a part of her school’s CCF for around four years; after signing up because of its adventurous activities offering. Cadet Petty Officer Pritchard chose the CCF Royal Navy because of her ambitions to learn how to sail. Through the CCF, she has achieved her Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Dinghy Levels 1-3 and Seamanship; with further notable achievements including cycling down the South Downs Way and completing the Ten Tors 35 Mile Challenge. Cadet Petty Officer Pritchard is now looking forward to the next adventure of being a First Sea Lord Cadet and comments “I am looking forward to the added challenges and new experiences that my time as a First Sea Lord Cadet will bring!”

We will be following Warrant Officer Manton, Cadet Petty Officer Pritchard and Cadet Corporal Arbuthnott throughout their time as First Sea Lord Cadets and we’re excited to see what they will get up to over the next coming year!