Have any questions? Get in touch. +44 7460 829 701 info@trackandtrail.uk
Have any questions? Get in touch. +44 7460 829 701 info@trackandtrail.uk
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) scheme is a youth development programme that encourages young people to challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop practical life skills. Founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, the scheme is open to young people aged 14 to 24 and is widely recognised in the UK and internationally. Participants choose activities across four main sections - Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition - with an additional Residential section at Gold level. This structure allows young people to tailor the award to their interests while still pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Through the DofE, participants gain valuable experiences that support personal growth and future opportunities. Completing the award helps young people develop resilience, teamwork, leadership, and time-management skills, all of which are highly valued by employers, colleges, and universities. Just as importantly, the scheme promotes independence and a sense of achievement, as participants set goals and work consistently to reach them. Overall, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award plays a significant role in helping young people become more confident, capable, and community-minded individuals.
Bronze Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award is the first level of the DofE programme and is designed to introduce young people aged 14 and over to new challenges and experiences. It involves completing four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and an Expedition, each over a minimum period of time. Participants choose activities that interest them, such as helping in the community, improving fitness, or learning a new skill, while the expedition encourages teamwork, planning,
Silver Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award is the second level of the DofE programme and is aimed at young people aged 15 and over who want to take on a greater challenge. It requires participants to complete Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and an Expedition section over a longer period than the Bronze Award, helping them develop perseverance and self-discipline. The expedition is
more demanding, with increased responsibility for planning routes, managing equipment, and working effectively as a team. Through the Silver Award, young people strengthen important life skills such as leadership, resilience, and time management, while gaining a strong sense of achievement that prepares them well for the Gold Award.
Gold Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award is the highest level of the DofE programme and represents a significant personal achievement for young people aged 16 and over. It builds on the skills developed at Bronze and Silver by requiring longer commitments in the Volunteering, Physical, and Skills sections, as well as a more challenging expedition that demands strong teamwork,
planning, and resilience. In addition, participants must complete a Residential section, where they take part in a shared activity away from home with new people, helping to develop independence and confidence. Completing the Gold Award demonstrates dedication, leadership, and determination, and it is highly respected by employers, universities, and colleges.
DofE Accredited Expedition Leaders, Supervisors, and Assessors
Being accredited Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Leaders, Supervisors, and Assessors, Track & Trail support and guide young people through their DofE journey while ensuring the quality and integrity of the programme. In these roles, working with a Licensed Operator, we help participants set appropriate goals, monitor progress, and provide encouragement across the spectrum of Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition sections.
Our Leaders are responsible for organising and overseeing activities, and our Supervisors offer expert guidance and regular feedback. Our Assessors, for expeditions, are key to upholding standards, checking plans, and ensuring safety. Together, these roles play a vital part in helping young people develop confidence, resilience, and valuable life skills through safe, structured, and rewarding experiences that will last them a lifetime.
We are also qualified by the Mountain Training Association, and the Leave No Trace environmental initiative advocating low-impact enjoyment of the countryside, wilderness and mountain, hill and moorland. Our Instructors hold UK Government Security Vetting, and Police Enhanced Full Disclosure (EDBS), providing for the safe supervision of children. With years of experience in the armed services, and as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs). If you’d like to find out more about our DofE support services, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch using the Contact page, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
