Duke of Edinburgh Awards

What is DofE?

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. 

14-24 year olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity. 

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.

Skills developed through DofE

• Teamwork: Participants work with others on activities and expeditions.

• Problem-solving: They must overcome challenges during the program, especially during the expedition section.
• Communication: They learn to communicate effectively with peers and supervisors.
• Resilience and commitment: The program requires participants to work through difficult and time-consuming activities and persevere to completion.
• Confidence: Overcoming challenges and achieving goals boosts self-esteem and confidence.