The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a challenging programme of activities designed for young people aged between 14 – 25. This year Warwick School has some 700+ pupils taking part in this amazing scheme.

It is designed to be enjoyable and rewarding while also promoting personal development, self-reliance and leadership skills. 

The Award operates at three levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold); the higher the level, the more time and effort is required. It is a personal challenge available to all, not a competition against others. Completion of the Award is voluntary, as pupils commit some of their own time to undertake activities which they have selected. 

At Warwick School all pupils are encouraged to participate in the Bronze level during Year 9, and many go on to complete their Silver during Year 10 then Gold in the Sixth Form. Participants who complete the Gold Award are invited to a ceremony at St James’ Palace, London, where their certificate is presented to them by a member of the Royal Family.

Each level of the award has four sections to complete, Volunteering, Skill, Physical and Expedition. There is an additional section for Gold participants to complete, which is a five day residential.

Expeditions are undertaken under the supervision of appropriately qualified staff, to a variety of areas including the Cotswolds, Shropshire, Peak District, Lake District and Snowdonia. Pupils also have the opportunity to complete their Gold expedition overseas and in recent years have completed expeditions in Morocco, Alps and the Pyrenees.