HomeDofE at 70

Black-and-white photograph of a kitchen with two people working at a counter. In the foreground, one person stands at a worktop stirring a mixture in a bowl, with several glass jars set out on trays nearby, some already filled. A saucepan sits on the stove to the left. In the background, another person stands at a sink beneath large windows, washing or rinsing items. The bright windows and tiled surfaces suggest a practical, well-lit workspace.

DofE at 70

Since 1956, millions have taken on the DofE challenge: building confidence, resilience and skills that last a lifetime. From character-building expeditions to community volunteering, these experiences don’t just change individual lives – they ripple out, strengthening families, schools, communities and society as a whole.

Today’s generation is growing up in a world full of uncertainty, from mental health pressures to a rapidly changing tech landscape, economic challenges and climate anxiety. But time and again, young people show us their determination, creativity and drive, especially when they’re given the space and support to thrive.

Share your story

Our story isn’t complete without yours, so add your proudest memory (or your most memorable mishap!) to our shared DofE scrapbook.

Add your story

Black-and-white photograph of a group of young people running together across a wide, open grass field. The runners wear T-shirts, shorts and trainers, moving toward the camera in a loose cluster, with one runner slightly ahead in the centre. Trees and a few distant buildings line the background under an open sky, indicating an outdoor sports or cross-country setting.

Our history

Since 1956 the DofE charity has helped to transform the lives of young people. Learn more about our history.

Discover our history

Black-and-white photograph of a group gathered on a grass field. In the centre, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, stands with one hand on their hip, speaking to several young people seated on and around a metal-framed bed placed outdoors. One young person lies on the bed with a leg in a plaster cast, while others sit nearby wearing striped uniforms. To the left, two adults in formal clothing, including one in clerical dress, stand observing. In the background, more people are scattered across the field, with a large building featuring a prominent cross and a row of trees behind it.

DofE Archive

Our Archive collections tell our story in a unique way, demonstrating our lifelong commitment to the support and development of young people.

Visit the Archive

Join a fundraising event

Take on an unforgettable challenge and help raise vital funds for the DofE charity to ensure young people can reach their full potential.

Our 70th anniversary is a chance to celebrate our achievements – and the incredible volunteers and supporters who make them possible.

It’s also a moment to look forward. We’re committed to reaching more young people, especially those who face the greatest barriers. We want every young person, whatever their background, to have the chance to discover what they’re capable of and shape their future with confidence.

Your support helps young people build lifelong belief in themselves and discover talents they never knew they had. There are lots of ways you can support us, like donating to the DofE charity or buying our limited edition 70th merchandise.

70th anniversary shop

To celebrate 70 years at DofE, shop our range of limited edition merchandise. Every purchase of our 70th anniversary products generate a donation back to the DofE charity.

70th anniversary shop