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Leger Education Trust

Leger Education Trust

Funding

Funding & Financial Support

At Leger Education Trust, we believe that financial circumstances should never be a barrier to a student’s personal growth. We are committed to ensuring that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is accessible to all 'Truly Great Students' across our academies.

2025/26 Programme Costs

The following costs cover the DofE participation fee, insurance, campsite fees, and the use of Trust-owned group equipment.

Award Level

Total Cost

Deposit (Non-Refundable)

Final Balance Due

Bronze

£170.00

£70.00 (by 31st Oct 2025)

Spring Term 2026

Silver

£250.00

£70.00 (by 1st Sept 2025)

Spring Term 2026

Gold

£298.50*

£70.00 (by 31st Oct 2025)

Summer Term 2026

*Gold costs consist of £38.50 enrolment and £260.00 expedition fees.

Financial Assistance & Bursaries

We recognise that the cost of the award and the necessary personal kit (boots, waterproofs, etc.) can be significant. We offer several avenues of support:

1. Pupil Premium Support

Students currently eligible for Pupil Premium funding may be able to access financial support. Please speak directly with the school.

2. The DofE 'Access Without Limits' Fund

The Access Without Limits fund is a major national initiative by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, designed to ensure that a young person’s background or financial situation never stops them from achieving their Award.

What Does it Support?

The fund provides targeted financial grants to schools and community organisations to cover the "hidden" and direct costs of the DofE. It typically supports:

  • Free Participation Places: Fully funded enrolment for Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels so that the initial registration fee is waived for the student.

  • Expedition Kit: Grants to help the Trust purchase high-quality group equipment (like the tents and trackers we provide) and personal gear for students who don't have their own.

  • Staff Training: Funding to train our teachers and volunteers as qualified expedition leaders and assessors, ensuring the programme remains sustainable and safe.

  • Specialist Support: Additional funding for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) or Alternative Provision settings to adapt expeditions for students with additional needs.

Who is it For?

While Leger Education Trust works to keep costs low for everyone, the Access Without Limits funding is specifically prioritised for:

  • Students eligible for Free School Meals or Pupil Premium.

  • Young people with additional needs or disabilities.

  • Students in marginalised groups or those living in areas of higher financial deprivation.

  • Young people at risk of exclusion or those in the care system.

How to Access it

You do not need to apply to the DofE national office yourself. If you believe your child is eligible for support through this fund:

  1. Contact your school's DofE Coordinator: Our coordinators manage the distribution of these funded places.

  2. Confidentiality: All requests for financial support are handled with the utmost discretion.

  3. Application: We will check your eligibility against the fund’s criteria (such as Pupil Premium status) and apply the funding directly to your account.

Our Goal: We want to reach a point where every student who wants to do their DofE can do it, regardless of their financial starting point. Access Without Limits is the engine that helps us make that a reality.

3. Trust Kit Loan Scheme

To reduce the hidden costs of the award, the Trust maintains a substantial store of high-quality equipment available for students to borrow free of charge, including:

  • Tents and Stoves (Standard for all)

  • Rucksacks and Roll mats

  • Waterproof jackets and trousers

  • Sleeping bags (limited availability)

Payment Information

All payments should be made through the Trust’s secure online payment portal.

  • Instalments: We encourage parents to pay in smaller, manageable instalments. Please speak to our finance team to set up a payment plan that works for you.

  • Non-Refundable Deposits: Please note that the initial £70.00 deposit is non-refundable as it covers the immediate purchase of your DofE participation place and insurance.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy for 2025/26 is as follows:

  • More than 12 weeks before expedition: Full refund of balance (minus non-refundable deposit).

  • 8 to 12 weeks before expedition: 50% refund of balance.

  • Less than 8 weeks before expedition: No refund can be provided due to pre-paid campsite bookings and staffing commitments.

    Our Promise: If an expedition is cancelled by the Trust due to severe weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will always attempt to reschedule. If a suitable date cannot be found, a full refund of the expedition portion of the fee will be issued.

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