The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has today welcomed the Government’s new commitment to a core enrichment entitlement, calling it a “watershed moment” for young people across the country. 

Announced today in its response to the National Curriculum and Assessment Review, the new policy promises to ensure that every young person in England regardless of their background, has the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities like arts and sports clubs, volunteering and experiences away from home, alongside the core curriculum. It’s a move that DofE says could transform young people’s lives. 

Responding to the announcement, Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Chair of Enrichment for All, said: “We are delighted that the Government has pledged to create a new enrichment entitlement. This is a watershed moment that will ensure every pupil, no matter their background, can experience an enriched education and have equitable access to the activities and experiences that engage, inspire and develop, as a complement to the academic curriculum. 

“At DofE we see every day the positive impact enrichment opportunities have on young people and their communities: they boost confidence and essential life skills, develop independence and social capital, improve wellbeing and resilience, and support belonging, school attendance and attainment. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with Government to make the vision of an enrichment entitlement a reality for all.” 

The National Curriculum and Assessment Review launched in July 2024, in a drive to create an education system that is ‘broader, richer and more cutting-edge’ and which ‘sets all young people up for life and work’. Today’s response from the Government, will inform an update to the national curriculum that all state schools and academies will be required by law to teach up to age 16.   

Enrichment is about giving young people the chance to discover their passions, connect with others, and develop the confidence and skills that they need to thrive. These experiences help young people grow, improve their wellbeing, and stay engaged in education. 

This national commitment builds on work that began within the Back Youth Alliance (BYA), a coalition of the UK’s leading youth organisations. DofE and NCS (National Citizen Service) were key partners in shaping the early vision, including commissioning research that highlighted the powerful impact of enrichment on young people’s lives. 

That work is now being taken forward by the Enrichment for All coalition, which officially launched in Parliament last week and is chaired by DofE CEO, Ruth Marvel. The coalition brings together education and youth sector leaders with a shared mission to make sure that every young person can access high quality enrichment no matter where they happen to live, recently publishing an enrichment benchmarks report. 

Responding to the launch of Enrichment for All, DofE Youth Ambassador, Saieesha said: “Enrichment is so important because it gives young people like me the chance to grow, try new things, and feel part of something. That’s why this campaign matters. Doing my own DofE has helped me build confidence and discover what I’m capable of, especially in a world where we’re often told what we can’t do. It’s also helped me connect with my culture through Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance I’ve really enjoyed learning. I think every young person should have the chance to experience enrichment like this, it can make a real difference to how we see ourselves and what we believe we can achieve.”