Celebrating Our Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Holders

Congratulations to more than 40 Alleyn’s Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award holders - including alumni and Year 13 students - who were invited to Buckingham Palace Gardens on 22 May to celebrate this outstanding achievement. 

Hosted by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, the event recognised the dedication and resilience required to complete the Gold Award’s five demanding sections: volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential. Guests heard inspiring speeches from The Duke, alongside broadcaster Alex Jones and actor Hugh Bonneville, with powerful messages encouraging young people to embrace challenge, be brave enough to fail, and choose growth over comfort. In congratulating recipients, The Duke told them they should “walk a couple of inches taller”. 

Following the ceremony, Alleyn’s award holders gathered with friends and family at the Phoenix in Victoria for a celebration of their own - sharing memories of muddy expeditions, recognising their achievements, and receiving their Alleyn’s DofE medals. 

Head of Adventure Education, Mr Alldrick, praised the group and encouraged them to carry forward the confidence and ambition they heard at today’s presentations. 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award remains a hugely popular part of life at Alleyn’s, with one of the largest programmes in the south-east of England.