Education Today Education Today Magazine
As it celebrates five consecutive years of record-breaking participation, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has today renewed its call for universal access to enrichment opportunities – and unveils plans to equip more than two million young people with skills for life and work by 2031.
Within the next five years, the charity wants to equip more young people with the skills, confidence and resilience they need to transition to adulthood, focusing on expanding access to DofE through schools and colleges and reaching the least advantaged young people.
Around a third of pupils in state schools, and 50% of the most disadvantaged students, don’t achieve a standard pass in their English and maths GCSEs each year, while a staggering 957,000 16 to 24-year-olds are not in employment, education or training. However, research shows that a DofE experience positively impacts young people, helping them develop the confidence and human skills that are crucial for adulthood and employment. Importantly, the evidence suggests these benefits can be even greater for less advantaged young people.
Commenting on the importance of enriching experiences beyond the classroom, Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: “Meaningful enrichment is essential to preparing young people for adulthood. In the face of dizzying global, technological and social change and uncertainty, equipping young people with the human skills that matter most – resilience, adaptability, confidence and purpose – is more important than ever. The DofE gives young people the chance to develop those skills through real‑life experiences that help them feel world ready.
“Over the last five years, our advocacy has helped drive a step-change in political recognition of the value of enrichment and non‑formal learning. That growing support from Governments across the UK gives us confidence to go further. Encouraged by our success so far, we are redoubling our efforts to reach even more young people. Through our World Ready strategy, published today, we aim to give two million young people a life‑changing DofE experience by 2031 and, working with our incredible partners, ensure every young person, whatever their background, can access meaningful enrichment opportunities in education and community settings.”
