How DofE Expeditions Work for Schools
Planning a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition can feel complex, particularly for schools running the Award for the first time. Learn Outdoors works alongside schools to manage the entire or as much of the expedition process as school’s want, providing clarity, structure and reassurance at every stage.
As a DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP), we deliver Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE expeditions for schools across England and Wales, including extensive work with schools in South East England.
THE DofE EXPEDITION JOURNEY – AT A GLANCE
Each stage builds confidence, skills and independence, ensuring students are fully prepared for their qualifying expedition.
STAGE 1 – DofE EXPEDITION TRAINING
Before heading out on expedition, students complete DofE expedition training appropriate to their level (Bronze, Silver or Gold).
Training typically includes:
- Map reading and compass skills
- Route planning
- Campcraft and cooking
- Equipment selection and packing
- Teamwork and communication
- Basic first aid and emergency procedures
Some schools choose to deliver part or all of this training in-house, particularly where staff already have outdoor or DofE experience.
Learn Outdoors can provide some or all of the expedition training, tailoring it to students’ experience, confidence and previous learning. Many schools opt for a blended approach, combining school-led preparation with specialist training delivered by our instructors.
We are happy to discuss with you what training you would like us to provide, and to what extent, ensuring the right level of support for your programme.
Training ensures students understand expectations and feel confident before progressing to a practice expedition.
STAGE 2 – PRACTICE EXPEDITION
The practice expedition allows students to apply their training in a real expedition environment before being formally assessed.
Learn Outdoors supports schools during the practice expedition by:
- Organising expeditions
- Providing route planning guidance for the expedition level
- Managing supervision and safety systems
- Providing qualified instructors to observe, support and give feedback
- Helping students reflect on teamwork, navigation and campcraft
The practice expedition is a vital learning opportunity. Our instructors provide structured feedback to help groups improve navigation, pacing, decision-making and camp routines before progressing to the qualifying expedition.
How this looks at each level:
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Bronze DofE: Focus on confidence, basic navigation and working effectively as a team
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Silver DofE: Emphasis on route choice, time management and increasing independence with longer daily distances
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Gold DofE: Advanced planning, leadership, resilience and decision-making in more challenging terrain
STAGE 3 – QUALIFYING EXPEDITION
The qualifying expedition is the assessed element of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and demonstrates that participants can meet the required standard for their level.
Learn Outdoors can help deliver the qualifying expedition by:
- Ensuring all routes, supervision and safety systems meet DofE requirements
- Providing experienced, qualified supervisors for remote oversight
- Supplying accredited DofE assessors
- Managing logistics, communication and emergency procedures
During the qualifying expedition, students operate independently as a self-sufficient team, navigating between checkpoints while being remotely supervised in line with DofE guidance. An accredited DofE assessor assesses participants throughout the expedition and confirms whether the expedition section has been successfully completed at the end.
How this looks at each level:
- Bronze DofE: 2 days / 1 night, achievable routes designed to build confidence
- Silver DofE: 3 days / 2 nights, longer routes with increased navigation demands
- Gold DofE: 4 days / 3 nights, remote and challenging environments requiring advanced skills
Our role is to ensure the expedition runs smoothly, safely and compliantly, allowing students to focus on their experience while schools have complete reassurance.
How Learn Outdoors Supports Schools
- Expedition planning and logistics
- Campsite bookings and permissions
- Qualified instructors and supervisors
- Accredited assessors
- Clear communication with schools
- Strong safety record and risk management
We provide schools with our tried and tested resources, including our highly praised top tips document, designed to help schools and students navigate the expedition section of the DofE Award.
We tailor each programme to the needs of individual schools, whether delivering local expeditions in the South East or national expeditions across England and Wales. Explore more about whats included in a Learn Outdoors expedition.
Which DofE Level Is Right For Your Students
Each level builds on the last, increasing independence, challenge and personal development.
Why Choose Learn Outdoors?
Schools choose Learn Outdoors as their DofE expedition provider because we offer:
- A nationally recognised DofE Approved Activity Provider
- Straightforward pricing
- Extensive experience delivering DofE expeditions across England and Wales
- Carefully selected routes suitable for Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE expeditions
- Fully qualified instructors, course directors and accredited DofE assessors
- A dedicated office team to support you before, during and after your expedition
We work in close partnership with school DofE coordinators to ensure every expedition meets both educational and logistical requirements.
To find out more about what sets us apart visit our Why Choose Us page.
FAQs
How Do Schools And Learn Outdoors Work Together?
Learn Outdoors works closely with schools to plan and deliver expeditions, ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
We maintain clear and regular communication with school staff, supporting them before, during and after expeditions. This collaborative approach ensures a safe, well-structured and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
During expeditions we ensure direct points of contact, so school staff can quickly get in touch with any questions or updates.
What Level Of Supervision Is Provided During The Expedition?
All DofE expeditions are overseen by qualified and experienced staff, who monitor groups remotely and are always available to ensure safety. As participants progress from Bronze to Gold, they are given increasing independence, with less direct supervision and more responsibility for decision-making, helping them build confidence and self-reliance.
Get In Touch
If you’re planning Bronze, Silver or Gold DofE expeditions for your school, Learn Outdoors can guide you through every step of the process.
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