Unaccompanied and self-sufficient they have trekked and camped their way across Snowdonia (13 pupils for Gold), the Dark Peak (49 pupils for Silver) and the Cotswolds (104 for Bronze), working together in teams to achieve their expedition objectives.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards are recognised as the world’s leading youth achievement award. They provide young people with the opportunity to get involved, explore new interests, discover talents and make new friends.

Will Bower, Head of Outdoor Education, commented, “I am very proud that so many of Princethorpe’s pupils embrace the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  They take the opportunity to develop skills and try new experiences, pushing themselves both mentally and physically to be the best they can be and all with such commitment and enthusiasm.  The expeditions this year faced varied and difficult weather conditions, particularly the Silver groups and our pupils showed real resilience and tenacity to complete their expeditions.”

He continued, “We will be holding a celebration evening next year when pupils who have completed all of the sections of their Award will be presented with their certificates by Mountaineer Jon Gupta. Last year 93% of pupils fully completed their award, so pupils should make sure they get all of their paperwork for their physical, skill and volunteering sections submitted as soon as possible.”

The Gold Award winners will also receive an invitation to visit a royal palace, in London, for an official presentation.