What is it?
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of practical, cultural, and adventurous activities, designed to support the personal and social development of young people aged 13 -25. It offers an individual challenge and encourages young people to undertake exciting, constructive, and enjoyable activities in their free time, with a well-recognised award at the end.
More information about the DofE award and the different activities can be found here.
Enrolment
We offer the following awards to the following year groups:
- Bronze at Year 9
- Silver at Year 10
- Gold at Year 12
Students will receive assemblies explaining the award. This will be followed by an Information Evening explaining the intricacies of the award, prices (along with financial support where appropriate) and allow for questions to be asked in person. This takes place between September and November.
Duke of Edinburgh 2025/26 Information
Activating DofE accounts and using eDofE
Students will be reminded in form time and parents/carers will receive an messages home confirming when their child has been enrolled. They will be sent an email (to their school email) with a username and password.
Before activating your account please watch the video below. If you are doing Silver or Gold you may wish to skip to 8mins 30secs as the initial part of video explains the Bronze award.
It is really important that students watch this video and use their eDofE as it is the way that Mr Orchard and Kirsty will check on their progress. This will include:
- Approving student activities to make sure they are appropriate
- Approving the evidence students have collected (including their Assessor Reports)
- Approving and verifying their award
If students do not use eDofE effectively then they will not gain their award as they will not have enough evidence. They can re-watch the video above or come and find Mr Orchard (213) or Kirsty (PSU) if they have any queries.
It is worth reminding parents/carers that it is up to the students to complete their award and I would encourage all parents/carers to encourage their child to take ownership of all aspects of this. For example, I would expect to see a student asking questions in school rather than a parent/carer sending an email as a first port of call. Queries are much easier to answer in person and can be responded to immediately.
Karos Adventure (our expedition provider) have a great information to help prepare students for the expedition part of DofE. This can be found on their website by clicking here. (https://www.karosadventure.com/home).
The most useful document might be the expedition walking kit list which can be found here. (https://www.karosadventure.com/online-dofe-expedition-training/accommodation-equipment-hygiene/equipment-walking-expeditions)
Key Dates in 2026
Bronze Award
Bronze Training, Practice and Qualifying (Final) Expedition:
Wednesday 22nd until Friday 24th April in Leicestershire.
Parents/carers are responsible for dropping-off and collection.
Silver Award
Silver Training Day and Practice Expedition:
Thursday 14th May until Saturday 16th May in the Peak District.
Silver Qualifying (Final) Expedition:
Thursday 9th July until Saturday 11th July in the Peak District.
Parents/carers are responsible for dropping-off and collection.
Gold Award
Gold Training Day and Practice Expedition:
Tuesday 9th June until Friday 12th June in the Peak District.
Parents/carers are responsible for dropping-off and collection.
Gold Qualifying (Final) Expedition:
Monday 13th July until Friday 17th June in the Yorkshire Dales or Lake District.
Rushcliffe will provide transport to and from school for this expedition.