Duke of Edinburgh

As pioneers of outdoor education, The Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) is in our DNA, and we are proud to provide our pupils with the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold level. 

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards is a highly respected development programme for young people, with the prestigious Gold Award held in high regard by universities and employers. Our school, committed to the principles of outdoor education, strongly encourages pupil participation in the DofE Award. We believe it provides pupils with valuable opportunities for personal growth and development beyond the classroom. 

At Abbotsholme School, the DofE programme is open to all pupils in Year 9 and above. This non-competitive programme fosters commitment and responsibility while teaching invaluable life lessons in resilience and teamwork among peers. Year 9 pupils begin with the Bronze Award and can choose to pursue the Silver Award in Year 10. Most of our pupils will the continue with the Gold Award when they reach Sixth Form, although it is not required to have completed the previous level to begin a Silver or Gold Award.  

Pupils who have completed their Gold Award in DofE are invited to Buckingham Palace to receive their certificate from a member of the Royal family – a proud occasion that many Abbotsholmians cherish, acknowledging and celebrating their hard work and commitment.  

Our extensive extra-curricular programme and excellent facilities found on our 140-acre campus enable us to provide our pupils with a wide range of opportunities to complete sections of their Awards. Our 70-acre working farm, equestrian centre, theatre, music department, sports centre, climbing walls and school estate all contribute to facilitating pupil’s achievement in the award scheme. Pupils also have the option to use out of school activities to complete their award if they so choose.  

For further information on the Duke of Edinburgh Award at Abbotsholme School, please contact of the Duke of Edinburgh Co-Ordination, Mrs Joy Holmes by email at j.holmes@abbotsholme.co.uk 

For general information on the Duke of Edinburgh, please refer to their website at www.dofe.org