Links Multi Academy Trust

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award programme is a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun with friends. It’s a chance to explore new interests, develop essential skills for life and work, and earn a respected mark of achievement valued by colleges, universities, and employers alike. The DofE means something different to everyone, but it has consistently empowered generations with skills to navigate life with confidence and resilience.

At Links Academy, we proudly offer the Bronze Award for Year 10 students and the Silver Award for Year 11 students. Each level of the award involves engaging in a range of activities that nurture personal growth and foster community engagement.

Bronze Award: Participants commit to learning or building a new skill, engaging in volunteer work, and participating in a physical activity for at least three months each. The experience culminates in an exciting 2-day/1-night expedition, which takes place in the beautiful surroundings of Hertfordshire.
Silver Award: With more advanced requirements, the Silver Award extends the duration to a minimum of six months for each activity, complemented by two expeditions: a practice expedition in the Chilterns and a final assessment expedition in the Peak District. Each expedition lasts 3 days and 2 nights, offering a memorable outdoor adventure that challenges participants and builds teamwork.

The DofE is about more than just completing tasks; it’s about connecting with others, building unforgettable memories, and transforming your passions into lifelong skills. By taking part, you gain confidence, resilience, and essential skills that can make a difference in job applications, community projects, and future challenges.

Participating in the DofE journey also gives you something meaningful to discuss when applying for college, university, or a job. Employers and admissions teams look for evidence of “soft skills” like communication, commitment, leadership, and teamwork—qualities that the DofE Award helps to develop through hands-on, real-world experience.

At Links Academy, we encourage every student to participate in the DofE Award, and we are proud of our strong record of achievement in the programme. Join us to create memories, build friendships, and gain the skills to take on anything life brings your way.