Gold Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is for students entering Year 12. It takes a minimum of 12 months to complete, or 18 months if you have not completed your Silver award. The Gold Award involves completion of 12 months of volunteering. For your physical and skill sections you will need to choose one to complete in 12 months, the other 6 months.
The 4-Day, 3-Night expedition is organised by Sheldon School in year 12 and the start of year 13. You will need to attend expedition training sessions and take part in a practice expedition to complete the award
The Gold Award also included a residential section. You will need to organise a shared activity in a residential setting away from home for 5 days and 4 nights with people you don’t know. This must be done with an organised group, registered charity or Approved Activity Provider. It provides an excellent opportunity to broaden your experiences away from home. We recommend completing your residential section between Year 12 and Year 13 to give you the best opportunity to complete the award. Click here to find residential opportunities.
Payment Schedule
Initial payment: £89 (if already enrolled, the payment is £51.50)
Includes DofE registration fee, H5 Adventure training day, license fee cost and insurance. Please pay via ParentPay by Friday 17 October 2025.
Practice & Qualifying Expeditions: approx £250 for both expeditions
Includes transport, food and campsite fees
If you need assistance with any of the costs, please get in touch.
Expedition Dates
Enrollment Deadline: Friday 17 October 2025
Training Day: Sunday 1 March 2026
Practice Expedition (Brecon Beacons - West): depart after school Friday 3 July - Sunday 5 July 2026
Qualifying Expedition (Brecon Beacons - East): Thursday 10 September - Sunday 13 September 2026
Resources
Kit request Form
If you would like to borrow equipment for your expedition, click here to fill out the Kit Request Form