The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

What is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement programme, open to all young people aged 14–24. Through a framework of activities – Skills, Physical Recreation, Voluntary Service, and Adventurous Journey (plus a Residential Project at Gold) – participants set personal goals, challenge themselves, and grow in confidence. Established in 1956 and active in more than 130 countries, the Award helps millions of young people gain the skills, resilience, and experiences they need for life and work.

The Award Framework

Four Core Sections (Bronze, Silver & Gold)

Skills

Develop new talents or build on existing abilities.

Physical Recreation

Stay active, improve health and wellbeing.

Voluntary Service

Give back to the community and make a difference.

Adventurous Journey

Work as a team, explore the outdoors, and overcome challenges.

Additional Section (Only Gold)

Residential Project

Live and work with people you don’t know in a new environment, broadening horizons and gaining independence.

Your Journey Through The Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is offered at three progressive levels — Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level has its own minimum age and timeframe, with participants completing activities across the core Award sections.

Bronze Award

Minimum age:

14 years

Minimum participation period:

6 months

Requirements:

Service: 3 months

Physical Recreation: 3 months

Skills: 3 months

Adventurous Journey: 2 days / 1 night

Additional:

All participants must do an extra 3 months in either Service, Physical Recreation, or Skills.

Silver Award

Minimum age:

15 years

Minimum participation period:

6 months (if Bronze Holder)

12 months (if Direct Entrant)

Requirements:

Service: 6 months

Physical Recreation: 6 months

Skills: 6 months

Adventurous Journey: 3 days / 2 nights

Additional:

Direct entrants must complete an extra 6 months in either Service, Physical Recreation, or Skills.

Gold Award

Minimum age:

16 years

Minimum participation period:

12 months (if Silver Holder)

18 months (if Direct Entrant)

Requirements:

Service: 12 months

Physical Recreation: 12 months

Skills: 12 months

Adventurous Journey: 4 days / 3 nights

Residential Project: 5 days / 4 nights

Additional:

Direct entrants must complete an extra 6 months in either Service, Physical Recreation, or Skills.

Ready to Start Your Award Journey?

Registration is the first step towards your Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Take the challenge, set your goals, and begin your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.

TALK TO US

Whether you’re a school interested in running the Award, a parent wanting to know more, or a young person ready to start your journey — we’d love to hear from you.

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