Year 12 students Robert Sharman and Will Vaughan chose to hold a cake sale at Rendcomb College and baked over 200 cakes to sell during break time. They raised more than £125 and said: “It took us a whole day to bake the cakes, biscuits and flapjacks and we had a great deal of clearing up to do afterwards! We raised £125 and sold nearly all the cakes in just over 20 minutes.”

Speaking about why they chose to undertake the challenge, Will said: “We are both currently working towards our Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, having achieved our Silver and Bronze Awards over the last two years. 

“We have both benefited tremendously from taking part in the DofE programme, undertaking voluntary work, learning new skills and taking part in expeditions. We have completed our practice Gold Expedition and although it was quite tough going we felt a real sense of achievement once we had completed it. It's a great programme to be a part of.”

The DofE Charity is currently celebrating its Diamond Anniversary having helped to transform the lives of millions of young people in the UK and across the globe since it was founded in 1956.

Rendcomb College works with the DofE to give 14-18-year-olds a unique opportunity to grow as young adults, gaining valuable life experience while developing essential employability skills. Setting their own challenges and learning practical skills helps to prepare each individual for the world of work.

Peter Westgarth, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said: “As we celebrate 60 years, it’s clear that the Charity is an integral part of life at Rendcomb College, which has played an invaluable role in the development of hundreds of young people in the community.”