Duke of Edinburgh

Duke of Edinburgh Award

In year 9 and 10 students have the opportunity to follow the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh first considered the idea of a national programme to support young people’s development in the autumn of 1954 at the request of his inspiring former headmaster, Kurt Hahn.

What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh Award or ‘DofE’ as it is popularly known, is a personal development programme that sees young people between the ages of 14-24 engage in hobbies, sports, and volunteering as well as complete an ‘expedition’ involving following a pre-planned route and camping in order to achieve a DofE Award.

DofE Awards are offered in three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold.

There are four different sections to complete at Bronze and Silver Award level and five at Gold Award level.

The four sections needed to complete a Bronze and Silver Award level are:

· Volunteering – helping people, community action, coaching, teaching, helping a charity or community organisation

· Physical – complete a specified number of hours doing a chosen sport or fitness pursuit

· Skills – complete a specified number of hours pursuing a skill of your choice

· Expedition – Expeditions can be completed on foot, on horseback, by bicycle, boat, canoe, kayak or wheelchair.

It is a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.

The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.

Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.

Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and university and job applications. 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a registered charity, funded by donations, Participation Places and licences. The charity works with LOs across the UK to increase opportunities for young people to gain the benefits of doing their DofE.

DofE - The Duke of Edinburgh's Award