Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Torus Foundation is delighted to be able to support young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – let's get started!


What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.

The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.

14-24 year-olds can apply to do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels, which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and university and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.


How old do I need to be?

  • Bronze – for those aged 14+ years

  • Silver – for those aged 15+ years

  • Gold – for those aged 16+ years

If you aren’t 14 yet but are in year 9, you may be able to start a Bronze DofE programme.

Similarly, if you aren’t 15 yet, but are in school year 10, you may be able to start a Silver DofE programme.


What to you if you (or your young person) are interested

What to do if you (or your young person) are interested

If you’re a Youth Member at the Hub or parent of a member interested in working towards an award, please speak to a Youth Worker next time you visit FireFit.

If you’ve not signed up to be a member of FireFit Youth and Community Hub yet, please email dofe@torusfoundation.org.uk for more information and to get you involved.

Once you are signed up, the team will be in touch with some important dates!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the team.