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The Duke of Edinburgh's Award for schools

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The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Schools

Essex County Council holds the licence to operate The Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award in Essex. We deliver the award through four youth centres and support over 70 schools across the county. Are you a young person? Start your DofE Award with us

The DofE Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award for 14-24 year olds, with three levels:

  • Bronze – Ages 14+ or the school year when your peer group turns 14
  • Silver – Ages 15+ or the school year when your peer group turns 15
  • Gold – Ages 16+

Each year, over 3,000 young people in Essex start their award, and with your support, we aim to grow this number further.

Interested in Running the DofE Award at Your School?

Contact us at: DofE@essex.gov.uk

Why Work Under Our Licence?

  • Dedicated support from our DofE team to guide you through set-up and beyond
  • Help setting up expedition provision or advice on Approved Activity Providers (AAPs)
  • Cost-effective compared to being directly licensed with DofE
  • Regular updates via phone, email, and termly newsletters
  • Termly progress reviews to identify training needs and new opportunities
  • Access to our ECC Expedition Skills Course for new leaders at just £75 (standard cost £175)
  • Free eDofE training for leaders on request
  • We handle printing and dispatching of award certificates and badges
  • Discounted equipment through Access Expeditions
  • Access to our DofE bursary for up to 30% off expedition costs
  • Exclusive access to our annual DofE Funded Programme for disadvantaged students
  • Free borrowing of expedition equipment (subject to availability)

Expedition Feedback

Schools running their own expeditions are asked to complete the Expedition Feedback Form. Your feedback helps us address any recurring issues and improve the experience for participants.

Expedition Enquiries

Essex County Council can provide supervisors and assessors for expeditions or run bespoke expedition packages. To learn more, please complete the Register Your Interest Form.

Training and Events

ECC Expedition Skills Course

This two-day course trains leaders to supervise DofE Bronze walking expeditions in Essex under our licence. It combines training and assessment in one and does not require a national walking qualification. To express interest, email us at DofE@essex.gov.uk.

Next course date: 1st – 2nd March 2025

Expedition Skills Course – Book Now

Find Out More

Talk to us about The DofE Award! Email us at DofE@essex.gov.uk