DofE welcomes new Enrichment Framework as a major step forward for young people

DofE has welcomed the Government’s new Enrichment Framework for Schools and Colleges in England, describing it as “a major step forward” in expanding access to enrichment for young people.

The Enrichment Framework and Benchmarks set out how schools and colleges can strengthen their enrichment offer and enable more young people to take part in activities such as sport, the arts, volunteering and outdoor learning. They aim to give young people more opportunities to connect, build relationships and spend time beyond the screen, while supporting them to develop the human and social skills critical to their futures.

This sits alongside £132.5 million of Government funding for enrichment activities in and beyond the school day, including weekends and holidays.

Responding to the announcement, Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Chair of Enrichment for All, said:

“The Government’s Enrichment Framework and wider investment in enrichment expansion is a major step forward – not only in recognising the value of enrichment for young people but in making a clear commitment to expand access through schools and colleges. At a time of accelerated technological change, rising mental health challenges, concerns about young people spending too much time isolated and online, and more than 1 million young people not in education, employment or training, equitable access to high-quality enrichment opportunities isn’t a ‘nice to have’ – it’s fundamental to this generation’s health and success.

“Most schools and colleges across England already deliver enrichment activities and, with the right support, this Framework provides a clear opportunity to strengthen and expand that offer so no young person misses out.

“We also know schools and colleges will need practical support to help them design and deliver great enrichment offers. The DofE framework aligns closely with the five categories of enrichment set out in the benchmarks and our existing partnerships with the majority of mainstream schools in England mean we’re well placed to support schools and colleges create and accredit a broad, high-quality enrichment offer.”

The Government’s publication of the Enrichment Framework follows its commitment to an enrichment entitlement in November 2025, followed by the National Youth Strategy which aims to halve the participation gap in enriching activities between disadvantaged young people and their peers, by 2035.

DofE has played a key role in sector-wide efforts to strengthen formal recognition of the value of enrichment. This has included sustained advocacy with decision-makers across governments, as well as commissioning research that highlights the powerful impact of enrichment on young people’s lives. DofE’s CEO Ruth Marvel also chairs the Enrichment for All coalition, which brings together partners committed to sharing best practice and improving access to enrichment opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Ruth Marvel said:

“Through our work with the Enrichment for All coalition, we will continue to share best practice and convene partners across education, youth work, sport, arts and outdoor learning to support schools to strengthen their enrichment offer.

We look forward to supporting Government and our school and college partners across England to deliver a much-needed step-change in access to enrichment for all young people, particularly those who are currently missing out.”