Duke of Edinburgh

What is the DofE?

DofE programmes consist of non-competitive voluntary activities for young people. Anyone aged between 14 and 24 can do a DofE programme.

There are three levels of DofE programme which require increasingly more time and commitment from young people:

• Bronze: Start at 14+ years old
• Silver: Start at 15+ years old
• Gold: Start at 16+ years old

With four sections (five at Gold level), there are hundreds of activities that young people can choose to do:

Volunteering – From helping at an after-school kids club or running an awareness campaign to raising money for charity or working on a recycling project, young people can get out and help others.

Physical – From football to yoga, swimming to skateboarding, participants take part in a sport, dance or fitness activity, showing improvement over time.

Skills – Participants learn a new skill or develop existing talents. With choices from DJing and science to drama and zoology, the sky’s the limit!

Expedition – Through planning, training for and completing and adventurous journey in the UK or abroad, young people develop initiative and a spirit of discover.

Residential (Gold level Only) Participants take part in a shared activity away from home with people they don’t know. For example: a conservation holiday, a language course or helping on kids’ activity camp…

Participants keep track of their progress and get their Awards approved by their Leaders through our online record keeping system, eDofE.

Additionally, participants can also use the mobile app to monitor and update their progress. Click here for a ‘How to Guide’ on using the app.

How long does it take?

Each section must be done for a minimum period of time. Whilst timescales are given in months, participants need to give a regular commitment averaging at least an hour a week during this time. To achieve an Award young people must show persistence, commitment and personal development.

They may easily fit their DofE activities around their school, college or work commitments, carrying the out in their own personal time.

They may choose to use an activity they are already doing as a DofE activity – or go for something new.

• Bronze: usually take around 6-9 months to complete
• Silver: usually takes around 6-12 months to complete.
• Gold: usually takes 12-18 months to complete