The Gold Award: 2025/26

To achieve the Gold Award, students must demonstrate a high level of commitment, resilience, and independence. At Leger Education Trust, our Gold programme is designed to push students toward their full potential, resulting in an achievement that is highly regarded by both universities and employers.

The Gold Award: 2025/26

The Gold Award is open to students aged 16 and over. Unlike Bronze and Silver, Gold requires an additional fifth section: the Residential.

Gold Section Requirements

• Volunteering: 12 months.

• Physical & Skills: One for 12 months and the other for 6 months.

• Expedition: 4 days and 3 nights in 'Wild Country.'

• Residential: 5 days and 4 nights away from home on a shared activity with people you do not know.

2026 Key Expedition Dates

We have partnered with specialist providers and sites like Peat Rigg to ensure our Gold participants receive elite-level training and assessment.

Phase	Date	Location
Training Weekend	13th – 15th March 2026	Peat Rigg Outdoor Centre
Practice Expedition	28th – 31st August 2026	Wild Country (e.g., Lake District)
Qualifying Expedition	18th – 21st September 2026	Wild Country (e.g., North York Moors)

Note: The August Practice falls on the Leeds Festival weekend; please plan your commitments accordingly.

The Gold Residential

This unique section is often the most rewarding. Students must stay away from home for five days with a group of peers they have not met before, working toward a common goal.

• Examples: Conservation projects with the National Trust, residential photography courses, or volunteering at a national summer camp.

• Approval: All residentials must be approved by your DofE Coordinator before you attend.

• Find a Residential: Use the official DofE Opportunity Finder to search for approved courses.

Funding & Costs

• Enrolment Fee: £38.50 (Covers your welcome pack and eDofE access).

• Expedition Fees (2026): £260.00.

• Deposit: A £70.00 non-refundable deposit is required by 31st October 2025 to secure your place.

Support is available via the Access Without Limits fund for eligible students. Please see our Funding Page for more details.

Presentation & Resources

For a full breakdown of the Gold Award requirements, including tips for choosing your sections and preparing for the expeditions, please download our official presentation:

PowerPoint Presentation