New to the network since 2026: the Duke Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – or Duke Award for short – is a globally recognised programme for the holistic personal development of young people aged between 14 and 24. Founded in 1956 by Kurt Hahn, the pioneer of experiential education and headmaster of Schloss Salem, and his former pupil Prince Philip, the programme is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026 – a milestone that impressively demonstrates how timeless and effective this approach remains to this day. Watch the anniversary video
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How does the Duke Award work?
The programme is divided into four areas: Engagement, Physical Recreation, Skills and Expedition. In each area, participants set themselves individual goals, which they pursue independently over a period of 6 to 18 months – and are ultimately awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
The Duke Award is far more than just a certificate: it opens doors in the work world, particularly when applying for apprenticeships and university placements, whilst also providing access to a global alumni network that fosters lifelong friendships and international connections.
In the UK, 30% of all 14-year-olds are already taking part in the programme. In Germany, the movement is growing rapidly: over the past five years, the number of young people reached has increased fivefold – in 2025, over 3,800 young people took an active part.
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Our cooperation with the Deutsch-Britischen Gesellschaft
As a new member of the Deutsch-Britischen Gesellschaft network, we look forward to a dynamic partnership. Together with the local branches of DeBriGe, we aim to recruit new schools, universities and non-school educational institutions– such as sports clubs, youth clubs or residential homes – that wish to trial the Duke Award and offer it on a long-term basis.
Getting started is straightforward: all that is required is for us to grant you a licence and for at least two teaching staff members to attend our one-day training course, after which you will be able to act as Award Leaders to guide young people on their Duke journey. You can find all the information on licensing here.
Conversely, DeBriGe’s local groups also benefit from the partnership: we keep our Award Leaders regularly informed about the Society’s events – via our monthly newsletter and our social media channels – and in this way help to get more young people interested in German-British topics.
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Get in touch & experience the Duke Award for yourself
Across Germany, over 180 educational institutions already offer the Duke Award. On our interactive map of program providers you’re sure to find a centre near you – the perfect way to get a feel for the programme.
You can find your regional contact person within our association on the right-hand side of this page. They will be happy to assist you with any further queries.
Impressions of the Award Ceremony in the Roten Rathaus, Berlin on 06.10.2025:
For more information about this significant event, check out this Instagram-Collab-Post from SenBJF (07.10.2025)
Selected Press Releases:
Neuer Zugang zum Ich (Schub Magazin, 11.03.2026)
Schule der Zukunft: Wie sich Future Skills vermitteln lassen (News4Teachers, 17.02.2026)
Kuppenheimer Realschüler übernachten ohne Handy im Zelt – für ihre Zukunft (Schwetzinger Zeitung, 20.12.2025)
Allein im Wald: Dieses Schulprogramm bringt Kinder an ihre Grenzen (Hamburger Abendblatt, 13.10.2025)
Mehr als ein Zertifikat: Wie junge Menschen über sich hinauswachsen (Deutscher Philologenverband – Profil Magazin, 18.08.2025)