Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a youth awards programme founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, that has since expanded to 144 nations.

A voluntary, non-competitive and flexible programme of cultural and adventurous activities for all young people aged between 14 and 25 years old, whatever their background or ability, it is a tool to develop essential skills for life and work and a recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.

The DofE programme is available to 14-24 year olds 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.

The sections at all levels involve:

Volunteering (undertaking services to individuals or the community).
Skills (developing practical and social skills and personal interests).
Physical (improving in an area of sport, dance or physical fitness).
Expeditions (planning, training for and completion of an adventurous journey in the UK or abroad eitherby foot, cycle, horseback, or water).
Residential (a project at Gold level only, which involves staying and working away from home and doing a share activity).

Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award is not 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.

Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.