lb3.4 million to grow The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

New Department for Education investment will support pupils in deprived schools in England to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, improving access to extra-curricular learning.

The government will work with the Award setup by the late Duke of Edinburgh to grow opportunities to up to 291 more schools not currently delivering it, enabling use of young people who may previously have faced barriers to participating. The government states that the investment is part of it’s levelling up agenda to ensure all pupils have fair and equal access to high-quality enrichment activities, alongside a £14.4 billion increase in educational funding over 3 years.

The funding covers the next three academic years.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is becoming synonymous with service and personal achievement. This expansion into more schools is really a fitting tribute to Prince Philip who did so much to give young people possibilities to develop skills and talents while creating a difference to society.

“We know from those who have achieved The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award it helps to build the resilience, perseverance and discipline required to overcome life’s obstacles. I’m pleased to be working using the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to make it more available to schools and pupils in certain of the most disadvantaged areas of England, levelling up their opportunities to get involved with these life-changing activities.”

Ruth Marvel, CEO from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “I am so pleased to be working using the Department for Education to provide more young people access to the life-changing opportunities The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offers. This investment can make a big impact on our ability to partner with new schools and reach thousands more young people using the DofE, specially those living in regions of greatest deprivation. As we mark what would have been The Duke of Edinburgh’s centenary this week, expanding access to the Award he founded is really a truly fitting tribute to his legacy.

“As young people face up to today’s myriad challenges, the DofE has not been more needed. It’s a powerful way for any teenager to build life-long belief by themselves, whatever their interest, background or ability. It can help these to fare better in education, improve their mental health, help obtain the job they need, and make a positive improvement in their community.”