Brentwood School Celebrates Historic National Cadet Achievement
Brentwood School is proud to announce that, for the very first time, one of its cadets has won the prestigious Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword, awarded annually to the very best CCF (RAF) cadet in the country.
Cadet Warrant Officer Jonathan Dedman, was selected earlier this year as the East Area Representative, securing his place among the top five cadets nationwide. This past weekend, at the iconic RAF College Cranwell, Jonathan competed in the national finals, where each candidate faced a challenging ‘Dragon’s Den’-style interview panel designed to test their leadership, knowledge, and commitment.
Following intense questioning and assessment, Jonathan was announced as the winner and presented with the Sir John Thomson Memorial Sword at a special ceremony at RAF College Cranwell, the historic home of the Royal Air Force.
The award commemorates Sir John Thomson, a distinguished military leader and dedicated supporter of the RAF Air Cadets, who regularly flew cadets on Air Squadron Day and on Air Experience Flights (AEFs). The Sword is presented each year to the cadet judged to be the very best within the Combined Cadet Force (RAF). Winners are recognised not only for their dedication and achievement within the CCF, but also for their leadership, service, and standing within their school or college.
A delighted Jonathan said he was ‘truly honoured’ to have received such a distinguished award:
“I am so grateful to the Brentwood School CCF RAF Section, which has given me so many unique opportunities – from learning to fly, taking part in events such as the International Air Cadet Exchange, the finals of the CVC Westminster Award and teaching me leadership skills through Cadre courses and ACLC. It has been a fantastic experience, and one which I will always treasure.”
Brentwood School Contingent Commander, Wing Commander Sarbjeet Singh, said: “We are incredibly proud of Jonathan’s achievement. To be recognised as the best CCF (RAF) cadet in the country is an outstanding honour, and reflects his commitment, leadership, and the high standards of our CCF programme here at Brentwood School. We have had a couple of cadets in the top 5 before, but this is the first time we have had a winner.”
Jonathan is no stranger to accolades. Earlier this year he was selected to take part in the International Air Cadet Exchange which saw him spend two weeks with the Belgian Air Force. He was also named as one of the 12 individuals who reached the final expedition stage of the 2025 Cadet Vocational College Westminster Award. His latest success marks a historic first for Brentwood reflecting the excellence of the cadet programme which will be celebrating its 165th anniversary next year.
