The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is a programme of practical, cultural and adventurous activities designed to aid the development of young people. Participants may enter the Award at any time after their fourteenth birthday, commencing with direct entry Silver (Fourth Year upwards) or Gold (16 years +).

The Award proves hugely popular at Hampton, with over 180 boys taking part across both levels.

To complete the Award each participant must participate in the following:

  • volunteering in the local community
  • pursuing a skill or hobby
  • taking part in physical recreation

They are also required to plan, train for and complete a self-sufficient expedition. This section is perhaps the most demanding and involves many weeks of training to ensure that the participant is competent to undertake a walk lasting several days, carrying a full pack over varying terrain.

Participants pursuing the Gold award are required to take part in a residential experience. This involves spending five days and four nights in a new environment with people who the participant has not met before.

Hampton is fortunate to have several qualified mountain leaders in the staff, who also train and assess pupils from schools across the borough when required.