At the event, Rendcomb College was presented with a special plaque from the DofE Charity by celebrity supporter Gail Emms MBE (pictured centre), acknowledging the school’s commitment to running the DofE and thanking it for giving young people the opportunity to transform their lives.

The DofE is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary throughout 2016, having supported millions of young people in the UK and across the globe to achieve DofE Awards since it was founded in 1956. The prestigious Gold Award Presentation at Buckingham Palace is one of many memorable events taking place to celebrate 60 years of the Charity.

"Our pupils are encouraged to push themselves outside of their comfort zones when doing their DofE and the skills that they develop can be life-changing, so for us to be involved is something very special."

Members of the Royal Family; HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Earl of Wessex and HRH The Countess of Wessex, congratulated those that were present including young Gold Award achievers, organisations that deliver the DofE and special guests such as corporate supporters and DofE Diamond Challengers, who have set themselves a personal challenge to raise money for the DofE Charity in its anniversary year.

Rendcomb College has been delivering the DofE for many years and with pupils achieving a DofE Award after volunteering in their community, learning a skill, getting fit, going on an expedition and, for Gold, taking part in a week-long residential. Doing a DofE programme significantly impacts young people’s futures, enabling them to develop vital skills for life and work, such as confidence, commitment, resilience and team work. Widely acknowledged as the world’s leading achievement award for young people, Rendcomb College hold a licence to deliver DofE programmes to anyone between the ages of 14-24 years old.

Speaking proudly about their involvement with the DofE, Headmaster Rob Jones said: “We feel honoured to have been invited to Buckingham Palace to receive a commemorative plaque to acknowledge and say thank you for our work with the Charity during its Diamond Anniversary year. Our pupils are encouraged to push themselves outside of their comfort zones when doing their DofE and the skills that they develop can be life-changing, so for us to be involved is something very special. We are also proud to say that two former pupils received their Gold DofE Award at the Palace on the same day.”

Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of the DofE Charity said: “Through the DofE, Rendcomb College is inspiring the success of its young people; equipping them with the attributes and skills to get a job and build strong relationships whilst opening up their worlds and introducing them to a broad range of interests. We are truly grateful to all of our Licensed Organisations for the work that they do, they are an integral part of the DofE family, and our Diamond Anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you.” 

Photograph L-R: Rob Jones, Headmaster; Gail Emms MBE; Hugh Marsden, Head of Duke of Edinburgh