Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants at The Westgate School give 2561 volunteering hours

We are delighted to share the impact that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) participants have made locally through the Volunteering section of their DofE.

Some of the activities pupils have been undertaking include working in the School’s Primary Phase helping younger pupils with their reading, volunteering at a local homeless charity, and supporting Winchester Park Run amongst other roles.

The 135 pupils engaged in Bronze DofE and 35 participants doing their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at The Westgate School are being celebrated for the amazing impact they have had on their local community, giving 2561 hours of their time to help others. 

Mr Peter Hurley, Assistant Head who runs DofE at The Westgate School said: “This programme gives our pupils the opportunity to stand on their own two feet and build a pathway to independence. They are challenged physically, socially and emotionally which is a brilliant way to build resilience. And, they really benefit from the opportunity to help others within their communities. We are exceptionally proud of our young people and very grateful to our colleagues who give up their time to support the programme.”

In April, the DofE announced that more than 345,000 young people had started a DofE programme in 2025-26 – the highest since the charity was founded 70 years ago. During the same period, participants contributed an astonishing 6 million hours of volunteering in communities all over the UK – with an estimated total value of over £45 million.

Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see the impact that young people at The Westgate School have made through their DofE volunteering. Over the past 70 years at DofE, we have seen first-hand how volunteering is a great way for young people to build confidence, develop essential work-related skills and use their passions and talents to benefit others.”

To do their DofE, young people aged 14-24 choose activities in four sections: improving a Physical and Skills activity, Volunteering for a cause of their choice, and completing a demanding Expedition. Along the way they have fun, grow in resilience and self-belief, discover new talents and passions, and learn practical skills to help them in future – while working towards a highly respected Award.