The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an important and popular part of the Cobham Hall experience. It is a personal challenge and not a competition against others and allows the students to push their personal limits and celebrate success. Students start the Bronze Award in Year 9 and many complete Gold in the Sixth Form.

DofE is part of the curriculum in Year 9 which enables pupils to start developing skills of self-confidence and self-discipline early in their school life. They learn how to lead, work together in a team and collaborate.

Through the Silver Award to Gold in the Sixth Form, our students become resilient and determined. The benefits of DofE do not end when an Award is achieved: it’s an asset for life and the experience gained lasts well beyond Cobham Hall and is highly prized by universities and employers alike.

Many students have taken on a new challenge for their award, such as learning a new skill for their Skills section, or taking part in a new activity to complete their Physical section. Many then continue to take part even after completing their Award because they found an unknown talent in themselves, or simply found something new that they really enjoy doing.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my DofE experience, I made so many memories, learned new skills and discovered new-found confidence!" – Harriet