Record Numbers for Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award

Our College continues to lead the way in experiential learning, with a record 280 Year 10 students undertaking their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award in 2025, the largest cohort in the country.

This outstanding participation reflects the College’s deep commitment to holistic education and outdoor experiences. With strong pastoral systems, a structured approach to skill-building, and a vibrant service culture, students are supported every step of the way including volunteering, learning new skills, physical activity, and their adventurous journeys.

Head of EOTC, Will Gage-Brown believes the College’s success lies in the combination of student enthusiasm, strong systems, and supportive, committed staff: “We’re doing well to embed the programme into Year 10 as a rite of passage and also connect the programme to Field Centre through the Qualifying Journey. We do not promote the DOE programme, it is something that has grown organically, due to the successes we’ve had. Over the past five years we’ve had a 65% increase in student numbers at Bronze Level, and 50% increase in student numbers at Silver level. The DOE programme connects beautifully with our values of respect, integrity, service, excellence and love.” 

With high retention into the Silver and Gold Awards, the programme is building outdoor experience and capability, as well as character over the years of participation required from its students.