Gateways School was one of the first Independent Schools to be granted a Licence for D of E just 6 years ago.

The Scheme is available in school at all three levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold.  Entry level starts in U4 (Year 9).  All levels involve a commitment of time ranging from 6 months to 18 months, taking part in a Volunteering Section, Physical Section, Skill Section and an Expedition.  At Gold level there is another section – Residential.  The length of Expedition depends on the level, Bronze is 2 days long, Silver, 3 days, and Gold 4 days.  Many Gateways pupils find they can utilise some of their school activities to take part in the scheme, others try something new.

Participants learn a sense of teamwork, commitment, endurance, independence and employability whilst on this Scheme and come away from it with lifelong memories.

The Scheme is nationally recognised and many employers give priority to interviewees if they have one of these Awards. Universities openly admit if a student has their D of E Award, they are given priority placements over those who have not.

Once Gold is completed, girls attend St James’s Palace and receive their Award directly from HRH Prince Edward in person, certainly a day to remember. Many Gateways pupils have already had the honour of being presented at St James’ Palace.

Meetings this year are as follows

Thursday  13.15-13.45pm All levels DofE Clinic