Congratulations to 13 Alleyn’s alumni and Year 13 students who were awarded their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award at Buckingham Palace Gardens on Monday, 12 May.
The event, hosted by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was a chance to celebrate their hard work and resilience in completing the five demanding sections of the Gold Award, including volunteering, physical, skill, expedition, and residential. Guests heard from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh as well as inspirational speakers. Among them were: presenter and broadcaster, Roman Kemp, who is an advocate for mental health awareness and support; best-selling author Dr Amit Patel who champions accessibility, diversity and inclusion; and TV host and aviation technician with the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, Harry Clark.
Award holders enjoyed the chance to explore the gardens of Buckingham Palace, play garden games and hear music by some of the country’s military bands.
Following the presentations, the Alleyn’s Gold Award holders were invited with their friends and family to an Alleyn’s celebration at the Phoenix in Victoria to celebrate with each other and some of the Alleyn’s DofE staff who have supported them throughout their DofE journey, to reminisce about muddy expeditions and recognise their incredible achievements.
Alleyn’s Head of Adventure Education, Mr Alldrick, congratulated the group and encouraged them to take on board the inspirational speeches they had heard at the presentations - to walk much, much taller and spend the rest of their lives walking taller. He said:
“You are extra special. This will open up doors for you. You really have done an amazing job, and to have done all that with everything else you were doing at School, and afterwards. Very well done indeed!”
He noted some of the comments he took away from the speeches at the Palace, such as ‘There is no such thing as luck – it's when preparation meets opportunity’.
Mr Alldrick also thanked Alleyn’s long-service staff for their commitment to the DofE programme at Alleyn’s. He presented a certificate from DofE Chief Executive, Ruth Marvel OBE, to Erica Goldsmith for more than 30 years’ service inspiring and guiding countless Alleyn’s pupils in their self-development.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at Alleyn’s is always popular and is one of the largest programmes in the south-east of England. Keep up-to-date with all Alleyn’s DofE news on the @Alleyns_DofE X feed.
The Alleyn's Schools Group
We are delighted to announce the opening of Alleyn’s Regent’s Park and Alleyn’s Hampstead, from September 2025. These will be the first schools to join the Alleyn’s Schools Group. Learn more here.
Last updated on 10 03 2025 at 09:06
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