Foundation learner earns Buckingham Palace invite after completing Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive youth development programme for young people aged 14–24 to build skills, resilience, and confidence.

Participants complete personal challenges across volunteering, physical, skill, and expedition sections to earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold awards, aimed at enhancing personal growth.

The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award tests commitment across sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition, and a Residential.

Jack had to take part in a four day expedition, cook his food independently, undertake regular volunteering at the Rascals play centre, as well as regular exercise at the gym.

Jack is now waiting to hear when he will be invited to a celebration event at Buckingham Palace, to celebrate the award.

Gold Award celebration events in London take place in the Buckingham Palace Garden, hosted by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. The events are usually outside with about 6,000 people in attendance from all over the country.

Well done from us all Jack - you should be incredibly proud of your achievement!