Introduction
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award is an adventure you can take part in. Anyone can join. You need to be aged 14 to 24.
The award has four parts at Bronze and Silver:
- Skills
- Physical activity
- Volunteering
- Expedition
Gold has an extra part called a residential.
You choose what you do for each part. It takes at least 6 months to finish. You need to take part each week.
Find out more on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award website.
DofE Centres
There are more than 65 DofE centres across Somerset. This number is growing each year. We work with schools, colleges and SEND providers. We also work with other education services.
We offer the Somerset Open Award. This lets you complete the award directly with our DofE team.
SEND information - part of our Local Offer
SEND support
Any young person can achieve the award. The programme is flexible. Our team has experience of working SEND needs.
Somerset Council supports a growing number of SEND centres. We have also run pilot SEND residentials. These bring young people together to complete parts of their award.
We make sure you get the support you need to take part and succeed.
Benefits of taking part
The award helps you build skills and confidence. Employers and universities value it. They often look for it on applications.
Taking part can also support mental health and wellbeing.
Bursary fund
Around 3,200 young people take part each year at Somerset centres.
We offer a bursary fund to help young people who may struggle to pay. This helps more young people take part. You can join through a centre or through our team. Centres include schools, colleges and other providers. The bursary is also open to those joining through groups like Scouts.
More information
Find out more on the Support Services for Education Duke of Edinburgh’s Award page. You can also email DofE@somerset.gov.uk.