The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is about having a go. You take part in a variety of activities, but they are not exams and you can’t fail. Taking part is a great way of making friends and experiencing new and exciting things.
You can learn lots of new skills, improve your fitness and take part in expeditions and adventure activities. An Award also looks good on your CV and can be useful when applying for educational courses and jobs.
Who is the Award for?
The Award is open to anyone aged 14–25 years old. You don’t need special qualifications, just a bit of enterprise and determination.
Young people in canoes taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What does it involve?
You complete a choice of activities under four headings, on average for about an hour a week:
- service – helping people in the community
- skills – hobbies and interests
- physical recreation – sport, dance and fitness
- expeditions – training for, planning and completing a journey on foot or horseback, by boat or cycle.
There are three levels:
- bronze -14 years old and over
- silver – 15 years old and over
- gold -16 years old and over.
At gold level you also chose a residential project. It’s up to you what you do. It could be something entirely new or you could continue with an activity you already enjoy, you decide.
It takes at least 6 months to do a Bronze Award, at least 12 months for a Silver and at least 18 months for a Gold Award.
Where can I join the Award and find out more?
Lots of youth clubs, schools, colleges, open award centres and voluntary youth groups run the Award across the county.
For more information about taking part and to find out where your local Award centre is, contact the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
You can also find out more about the Award on the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award website.
