Celebrating Student Achievement: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Ceremony 2026
To celebrate new skills and unforgettable adventures gained through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, students from across Lionheart’s secondary schools received their bronze and silver awards at an awards presentation in January 2026.
Around 240 of the 300 scheme participants from the 2024-25 academic year collected their award from Jackie Bull – Director of UK Operations for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – marking the end of their memorable journeys. With proud family members and school principals cheering them on, applause filled the auditorium at Judgemeadow Community College as each student enjoyed their well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
Through the scheme, that challenges young people to push themselves and excel beyond the classroom, each participant had taken a step outside their comfort zone and discovered more about what they can achieve.
DofE continues to be a popular part of the extra-curricular offer across Lionheart schools. Open to students in Year 9 and above, the award is achieved by completing four key elements: voluntary work, physical activity, learning a new skill and taking part in an expedition.
Lionheart students excelled in every aspect, to achieve their award. Their stories were inspiring and showed real commitment, including
Aiden from Beauchamp College mastered the piano, achieving Grade 2 and beginning his journey towards Grade 3.
Daisy from The Newbridge School proved herself a true team player on the expedition, and Jayden from The Castle Rock School showcased his flair through new cooking skills.
At The Cedars Academy, Jack strengthened his patience through improving his darts game while Gracie impressed as a cheerleader.
Amelia at Martin High School improved her confidence in horse-rising, soring over challenging jumps and riding more difficult horses on the flat, while Katie built her confidence by volunteering with young children.
At Judgemeadow, Maya strengthened her physical fitness, improving her endurance, flexibility and flexibility, and Areeba from Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College became a dedicated reading coach, while Dorothea learned British Sign Language.
And Roman from Humphrey Perkins School discovered a passion for golf that could see him thriving on the course in future.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is all about helping young people discover what they’re truly capable of, often surprising even themselves along the way.
Said Ian Coward, Lionheart's DofE Programme Manager.
Seeing so many learners achieve their goals this year is a real testament to their hard work, determination and willingness to embrace new challenges.
We are incredibly proud of everything they’ve accomplished.
A huge congratulations to all our award holders, we know the skills you have learned and the memories you have made will stay with you for years to come.
Students receiving their awards were from the following schools: Beauchamp College, The Castle Rock School, The Cedars Academy, Humphrey Perkins School, Judgemeadow Community College, Martin High School, The Newbridge School and Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College.
About the author
Lionheart Educational Trust