HomeThe LatestMost common reasons for not completing the DofE (and why that shouldn’t stop you)

Blog 11 August 2025

Most common reasons for not completing the DofE (and why that shouldn’t stop you)

If you’re stuck on what to do next to finish your DofE, not sure how to complete your programme or having trouble with eDofe – that’s ok!

Two people sitting at a table playing a card game, one is focused on their hand while the other raises their arms in celebration.

Taking on a DofE programme is a big task, but don’t give up before you make it. You might find out how to solve your problem with some help.

I’m not a member of the group I started my DofE with anymore

You’ve paid for your participation place, so you’re a DofE participant until your 25th birthday. If you’ve moved to a new school or college, or joined a new youth group, get in touch with the DofE Leader there and they’ll move your eDofE account to your new group.

Anyone over 18 can transfer their DofE with DofE Direct. If you’re over 16, have completed a previous Award level and want to finish your Gold Award, but don’t have anywhere to do it, please contact us.

My Leader or Assessor has left and can’t sign off my sections

Your sections don’t need to have Assessor reports written by your DofE Leader. Any adult who knows what you did for your section(s) can write a report. This person can’t be a family member.

I can’t decide what to do for my sections

You can do something you’re already doing for any of your sections, or you can start something completely new.

We’ve got a list of activity ideas you can check out. This list is not exhaustive, so if you want to do an activity not on the list, have a chat with your DofE Leader or Manager before starting it to see if it fits in your programme.

I don’t enjoy the activity I’m doing for one of my sections

You can change the activity if you need to. You must redo your preparation, training, activity and assessment process. The time you’ve spent on your old and new activity add up to meet the time requirement for that section.

I can’t continue my DofE because I have exams and other pressures

You have until your 25th birthday to finish your DofE, no matter when you started. You can do your sections during school holidays or a time of year when you’re not as busy with other things.

You don’t need to do the Skills, Physical and Volunteering sections at the same time. Each section only needs to be an hour a week.

If you’re struggling with your DofE programme, you can chat with your Leader to get support.

I can’t afford to do my DofE anymore

You can chat to your Leader or DofE Manager. They might have ideas for activities that are low-cost or free. Many groups have access to a kit store where you can borrow equipment for your expedition.

Where can I do my expedition?

We have a list of Approved Activity Providers who offer a range of expeditions across the UK and overseas.

You can also talk to the Development Officer who looks after DofE in your local authority. They will know about DofE Expeditions happening at all levels within your county and who to contact.

Where can I do my residential?

We have a list of Approved Activity Providers who offer a range of residentials for your Gold Award across the UK and overseas.

For local opportunities, you can talk to the Manager who looks after DofE in your local authority. They can tell you about any residential opportunities they know about in your county.

Because of the additional requirements of this section, you should always discuss your ideas with your Leader or DofE Manager before starting an activity. Home or individual stays, work experience and school trips do not count.

I can’t remember my eDofE login

You can ask your DofE Leader or Manager to give you your username.

If you’ve forgotten your password, click “Forgot your password” and answer the security question. You’ll get your password in an email. Check your spam folder if it’s not in your inbox.

I don’t have internet access to upload evidence to eDofE

There are many places in your local area that have internet access for free or cheap. These include libraries, cafes, schools, colleges, universities, youth clubs and friends’ houses.

Ask your DofE Leader if you can’t find access to a computer anywhere.

I can’t log onto eDofE because it says my account is inactive

Talk to your DofE Leader, they can change the status of your eDofE account. If you’re not in contact with your Leader, you can talk to the DofE Manager for your area.