Dorset | Posted on October 16th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset girl crowned UK’s top Army Cadet

17-year-old Charlotte Bedford from Wimborne beat thousands of cadets to take home the 2025 Cadet Vocational College Westminster Award.

A cadet from Dorset has beaten thousands of competitors to win a prestigious award marking her as the nation’s top cadet.

17-year-old Charlotte Bedford from Wimborne, who is part of Dorset Army Cadet Force, was named the overall winner of the 2025 Cadet Vocational College Westminster Award at an exclusive ceremony held at the House of Lords in September.

The Westminster Award is the highest honour presented by Cadet Vocational College, recognising exceptional young people who have gone the extra mile in their cadet service, education, and wider community.

Charlotte triumphed following a rigorous, multi-stage selection process involving cadets and uniformed youth members from across the UK.

CV College Principal and Chief Executive Guy Horridge praised Charlotte as a “worthy winner” of the award. He said: “I’m delighted for her, her family and Dorset ACF. The competition was tough, as it always is with so many excellent candidates, but Charlotte just had that extra something that means she is our winner this year.

“At a time when many young people are viewed less than favourably for many reasons, Charlotte epitomises what is good about young people, with her selfless commitment to her cadet organisation, and other community activities.”

Charlotte said: “This is amazing and I’m delighted to be the winner. Being a finalist was a great experience but winning is an incredible feeling. This has helped me feel more confident and I’m going to throw myself into things even more. If an opportunity turns up and I’m not too sure about it, I’ll just give it a go. Worst case scenario, I don’t like it but if I’ve given it a try, I’ll know I did my best, and that’s all you can do.”

Reflecting on her journey through the selection process, Charlotte embraced the challenge of meeting new people and stepping into unfamiliar activities. She added: “I didn’t know anybody at the start, but I thought it would be fun to try different activities and get to know other people. That’s been one of the best parts. A huge thank you to Cadet Vocational College for this amazing opportunity.”

As a cadet, Charlotte has demonstrated leadership, compassion and selflessness. She has supported and mentored younger cadets, volunteered for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, and helped to raise nearly £4,000 to take part in an international community project with Camp International. She has also excelled academically despite living with dyslexia, achieving top GCSE grades.

Charlotte revealed that her ambition is to become an officer in the British Army Medical Corps, and she hopes to build on her passion for first aid, developed through cadets, by pursuing a career in nursing or paramedic science.