For school and college leaders, enrichment has never mattered more. The Government’s Enrichment Entitlement and new enrichment framework recognise something schools, colleges and parents have long understood: young people need opportunities beyond the classroom to build confidence, resilience, belonging, wellbeing and the wider skills that help them thrive.

The challenge is not whether enrichment matters. It’s how schools and colleges can deliver it well within already stretched timetables, budgets and staff capacity.

That is where The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can help. DofE has enrichment in its DNA. For more than 70 years, we’ve supported young people to take part in meaningful experiences beyond the formal curriculum – from volunteering and physical activity to skills development and outdoor adventure.

Today, DofE is a leading youth development charity, trusted globally and delivered in 130 countries around the world, with more than eight million alumni in the UK alone. We already partner with 87% of mainstream schools across the UK, as well as hundreds of further education colleges, specialist schools and alternative provision settings, so we’re perfectly placed to help education settings implement the new enrichment framework guidance.

A great fit with the enrichment framework

DofE aligns directly with the Government’s enrichment framework for schools and colleges in England.

Through one holistic DofE programme, young people can access all five enrichment categories: civic engagement, arts and culture, nature, outdoors and adventure learning, sports and physical activities, and wider life and future skills.

Young people gain accreditation for their achievements, while schools and colleges can make participation visible, measure impact and demonstrate how their enrichment offer meets the enrichment benchmarks.

For students, that means regular, structured opportunities to set goals, try new things, contribute to their community and reflect on what they have achieved. For educators, it means a recognised, trusted programme that can help make enrichment visible, joined up and easier to deliver.

Supporting priorities across your setting

DofE can support a wide range of school and college priorities, including personal development, PSHE, wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, employability and community engagement. Its flexibility means activities can be adapted to different contexts, cohorts and needs, while still giving young people an internationally-recognised Award.

It can also play an important role in inclusion. DofE sections can be adapted for young people with different needs, and targeted financial support is available for eligible participants, helping schools and colleges widen access to opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.

Making enrichment meaningful

The strongest enrichment is not an add-on. It is part of how a school or college helps young people develop as rounded, capable and confident individuals. DofE provides a practical way to make that happen – giving pupils a pathway to build resilience, agency, teamwork and self-belief through real life experiences.

As the enrichment entitlement develops, schools and colleges have an opportunity to celebrate what they already offer and strengthen it further. DofE can help education leaders do both: building on existing provision, supporting wider priorities and giving young people experiences that last beyond their time in education.

“I think that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a massive stepping stone to enabling young people to be successful adults.”
 – Lionel Bush, DofE Manager in South London

Lionel Bush, DofE Manager at Bacon’s college, Rotherhithe

“DofE builds those skills – that sense of resilience, that sense of character, effective communication and teamwork skills with other students – that are really important, but you can’t just measure through academic qualifications.”
 – Dan Bagshaw, Principal at Open Academy, Norwich

If you are a school or college leader in England, now is the time to explore how DofE can help you strengthen scale and evidence your enrichment offer – while giving more young people the chance to thrive. Find out more.