Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14 to 24.

The DofE programme operates in over 100 countries and is recognised by potential employers and universities as a mark of real personal development and achievement. The programme is balanced and develops you as a whole person — mind, body and soul — in an environment of social interaction and teamwork.

Participants who complete the Gold Award are invited to a ceremony at St James’ Palace, London, where their certificate is presented to them by a member of the Royal Family.

To learn more please visit the DofE website by clicking here.

Please keep scrolling to see photos from our latest expeditions.

Meet the team

Garri Hughes 

Garri Hughes is a former Design and Technology teacher at Howell's. He grew up in a small village called Bethesda which lies in the heart of Snowdonia and Welsh is his first language. Having left teaching in 2018, Garri now organises and runs DofE Expeditions for a number of schools.

As an experienced Mountain leader and outdoor enthusiast, Garri feels most at home being in remote locations in all weather and enjoys the challenge that comes from pushing himself in extreme environments.

Carol Jones

Carol was the Award Co-Ordinator and Expedition Leader for Bronze Silver and Gold at Howell’s School during her time as Head of Sport and Physical Education from 1994 to 2013. She is currently the Gold Award Expedition Leader. Carol holds a British Mountain Training Mountain Leader Award and Red Cross First Aid at Work Certificate making her a valuable member of our team.

She has endeavoured to share her lifelong passion for the outdoors and for mountains in particular with young people through the expedition section of the Award scheme. Completing an expedition is the immediate challenge but the real value comes from the journey the individual has experienced along the way.

Bob Lewis

Bob is a qualified Physical Education teacher who worked in a number of large Secondary Schools in London. During his career, he become Head of Physical Education in a large comprehensive school, leading a highly motivated team of 7 members of staff. He has also led a number of climbing expeditions to the Pyrenees and staff motivational and development training weekends in North Wales and the Lake district.

Bob has worked at Howell's for the last 20 years, helping to run Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE awards, both in a supervisory and assessment capacity. He has also worked with the British International School in Brussels assessing their Gold Adventurous Activity Award in the Brecon Beacons.