The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award has three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold – that build upon each other and provide increasingly greater challenges. At each level, there are five activity sections: Volunteering; Physical; Skills; Expedition; and (for Gold DofE participants) Residential.

All Year 9 pupils take part in the Bronze DofE Award and can choose to continue on the scheme as they progress through school. Taking part helps students to push personal boundaries and gain new skills, while also helping to demonstrate sustained commitment.

It’s also worth noting that universities and employers value applicants who have successfully achieved at least one level of the DofE Award.