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Home > Youth > The Duke of Edinburgh's and The Bridge Award > The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award > What you need to know about Dukes

What you need to know about Dukes

Dukes is an internationally-recognised development program for young people aged 14 to 25. Dukes introduces you to a range of opportunities so that you can gain new skills, have new experiences and make a difference to your community and your world.

Dukes is about challenge, adventure and achievement – it’s a great way to:

Almost five million young people from more than 120 countries have taken up the Dukes challenge. What you learn from Dukes can even help you apply for a job.

Now it’s over to you – get some friends together or join by yourself – apply now! (PDF 165 kB) (RTF 203 kB)

10 quick reasons why you should do Dukes

  1. You only compete against yourself
    It is a personal challenge – not a competition with others. Your program is tailor-made to your own starting point, abilities and interests.
  2. No entry criteria
    You only need to be the right age and be keen to take up the challenge.
  3. It is voluntary
    Applying is voluntary and you decide how much of your own time you commit and when you want to do the required activities.
  4. It is flexible
    You can design your own program, choose what you want to do, and what fits best with your own personal circumstances and resources. Enter at the level which best suits you (only age limits apply) and take as long as you need to complete your Award (as long as your Award is completed by the time you turn 25).
  5. The program is diverse
    There are four different sections to complete (five for the Gold Award) so you get a balanced and diverse program.
  6. It is progressive
    Each level builds on the previous one: at each level, the Award requires more time and an increasing level of commitment and responsibility from you.
  7. The program is achievement focused
    Before starting an activity, you are encouraged to set your own goals. If you aim for those goals and show improvement, you will achieve your Award.
  8. It is a marathon, not a sprint
    The Award demands persistence and commitment and cannot be completed with a short burst of enthusiasm. You can continue with activities beyond the minimum time requirements set out for each level of the Award.
  9. It is all about personal development
    The Award is a program of personal and social development. What you get out of it depends on your commitment, the learning process and the quality of your experiences.
  10. Last but not least – it is fun!
    You and those who assist you with your Award will find it enjoyable and satisfying.


Participant application form (PDF 165 kB) (RTF 203 kB)