Duke of Ed

Your Duke of Ed journey starts here.

Whether you’re organising a Duke of Edinburgh program for your school, looking for an Open Adventurous Journey, or simply trying to understand what comes next, you’re in the right place. Choose the path that applies to you and we’ll guide you from there.

Duke of Ed participants walking together on an Adventurous Journey

Programs

Find the right path for you

Southbound supports Duke of Edinburgh participants through school programs and Open Adventurous Journeys. Where you start depends on how you’re completing your Award.

For schools

School Duke of Edinburgh

We work with schools to plan and deliver Adventurous Journeys around your students, Award level and program requirements, with experienced leaders and practical support throughout.

  • Journeys planned around your calendar and Award levels
  • Experienced leaders, risk documentation and equipment
  • Bronze, Silver and Gold delivered end to end
Plan a school program

Most schools start with a quick planning call.

For participants & parents

Open Adventurous Journeys

Join a scheduled Southbound journey for Bronze, Silver or Gold and complete the required journey alongside other participants.

  • Scheduled dates across Bronze, Silver and Gold
  • Everything required for a qualifying journey
  • Join solo or with friends — no school program needed
See upcoming journeys

Places are limited on each scheduled date.

Not sure which applies to you? and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Award levels

Bronze. Silver. Gold.

Each Award level brings a different journey, with more time, responsibility and independence as participants progress.

Duke of Ed Bronze badgeBronze2 days / 1 night

Bronze

A first step into the Adventurous Journey, with participants learning to prepare, navigate, work together and take responsibility as a group.

Bronze Duke of Ed Silver badgeSilver3 days / 2 nights

Silver

A longer journey with greater responsibility, stronger teamwork and more opportunity for participants to put their skills into practice.

Silver Duke of Ed Gold badgeGold4 days / 3 nights

Gold

The most demanding Adventurous Journey level, asking participants to take greater ownership of planning, decision-making and their contribution to the group.

Gold

Learn more

Everything you need to understand Duke of Ed.

Gold Award

Gold Residential Project

Completing Gold?

Learn what the Residential Project involves, who can participate and what to consider when choosing an experience.

Residential Project
Step by step

How Duke of Ed works

New to the Award?

Understand the different sections, Award levels, Adventurous Journey requirements and how the process fits together.

See how it works
Questions answered

Duke of Ed FAQs

From registration and preparation to equipment, supervision and journey requirements, find answers to the questions we’re asked most often.

Read the FAQs

Before you book

Approval comes first.

Before booking an Adventurous Journey, participants should confirm that the journey is suitable for their Award requirements and has the necessary approval through their Duke of Ed Award Centre or Award Leader.

Southbound delivers Adventurous Journeys, but approval of an activity toward an Award remains with the participant’s Award Centre.