More than 125 students celebrated gaining their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

The achievements of the youngsters from the Duke of York’s Royal Military School were marked at a special ceremony with parents, staff and governors.

The Dover school is a DofE accredited centre, and guest of honour who presented the awards was former student and chief prefect Philip Eames who is now a recruitment director in London and a DofE assessor.

It is compulsory for its students to complete the Bronze award and some 82 students passed that category. Their tasks involved volunteering in projects to improve the local environment, achieving various physical goals, and learning about ceremonial drill as part of the skills section.

The award’s highlight is the expedition which takes place in the local area where students plan and navigate a 12-14km walk for two days, and camp overnight.

More than 40 students received Silver awards, and at the ceremony on February 15, guests also recognised the achievements of former students Robson Phillips, Isabella Henry and Marcus Wynter who were presented with their Gold awards at St James’s Palace.

Kerry Duffield, the school’s DofE manager, said: “These awards play an important part in our school life, particularly as it is compulsory for all students to take their Bronze awards, which highlight and develop our core military values of courage, integrity, commitment, loyalty and discipline.

"For some students, the award is hard work, but all benefit in their own personal way.

"I am proud of the number of students who have received their certificates and badges, and I look forward to increasing our success next year.”

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