What is the 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 uni and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.

How old do I need to be

• Bronze – for those aged 14+ years
• Silver – for those aged 15+ years
• Gold – for those aged 16+ years

If you aren’t 14 yet but are in the school year in which your peer group turn fourteen, you may be able to start a Bronze DofE programme – check with your DofE Leader.

Similarly, if you aren’t 15 yet, but are in the school year in which your peer group turn fifteen, you may be able to start a Silver DofE programme – check with your DofE Leader

Where can I do the DofE

The DofE charity licenses thousands of organisations that work with young people, including schools, colleges and youth groups, to run the DofE across the UK.

If you’re interested in doing your DofE:

• Ask your school, college or university – if they don’t already deliver DofE, they might consider setting it up.
• Join a national youth group that runs the DofE for its members, such as the Scouts or Girlguiding.
• Get in touch with your local youth club and see if it has a licence.
• If you’re over 18, do your Gold with DofE Direct.

Through a Licensed Organisation, you’ll be supported by a Leader who offers advice and encouragement throughout your whole DofE programme.

How much will it cost

The DofE endeavours to keep the costs of participation down. The cost of the current Welcome Pack, which includes the participation fee can be found here

There may be additional costs for activities and Licensed Organisations that deliver the DofE, such as schools, may add a small fee to cover administration costs etc. If a school, club or other operator charges you more than this, it is because they include additional costs to them, such as transport or expedition etc. They must tell you of any additional costs and what they cover.

Funding is available to support some young people. Your Licensed Organisation may be able to apply for funding from the Resilience Fund to support with some of the costs.

Everyone receives a DofE Card to get discounts on things like expedition kit, and there are lots of different types of expedition, to suit everyone, so expeditions don’t need to be expensive.