Duke of edinburgh at tranby

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has long been a cornerstone of enrichment at Tranby, providing pupils with opportunities to challenge themselves, serve their communities and develop the confidence and resilience that will stay with them for life.

Over the past 16 years, Tranby has established itself as one of the most successful Duke of Edinburgh's Award centres in Yorkshire. Hundreds of pupils have embraced the opportunity to step beyond their comfort zones, discovering new strengths and creating memories that extend far beyond the classroom.

Summer 2026 marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the school's DofE journey, as Mrs Sally Smith passes the baton to Head of PE, Mrs Angela Durham, after leading the programme since 2008.

The achievements under Mrs Smith's leadership are truly remarkable! Since 2008, Tranby pupils have earned an outstanding 615 Bronze Awards, 202 Silver Awards and 59 prestigious Gold Awards. 
In the 2025/2026 academic year alone, 67 awards have been achieved by Tranby pupils.
Yet the true impact of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award cannot be measured by numbers alone. Through volunteering, learning new skills, undertaking physical activities and completing expeditions, pupils develop qualities that universities and employers value highly: resilience, leadership, teamwork, independence and determination.
The Award also nurtures a strong sense of social responsibility. Between April 2025 and 31 March 2026, Tranby's DofE participants contributed an incredible 663 hours of volunteering within the local community, generating a social value of more than £5,000. Whether supporting charities, assisting younger children or helping at local clubs, pupils have demonstrated compassion, commitment and a desire to make a positive difference.

At Tranby, we know education extends far beyond academic success. Experiences such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award encourage young people to challenge themselves, persevere through adversity and discover just how much they are capable of achieving. Whether navigating an expedition route in difficult weather, mastering a new skill or working towards a personal goal, pupils gain experiences that shape character and build confidence.

The continued success of the programme is built upon the dedication of those who have led it over many years. Mrs Sally Smith took over responsibility for DofE in 2008, following in the footsteps of previous staff who had already established a strong foundation. Over the past 16 years, she has inspired generations of Tranby pupils to embrace the opportunities the Award provides.

Her commitment has been recognised nationally. Earlier this year, Mrs Smith attended a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace celebrating the achievements of young people involved in the Award. In July 2026 Mrs Smith attended the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh to receive a long service award from Prince Edward, in recognition of her years of dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Mrs Angela Durham will take over leadership of Tranby's DofE programme from September 2026, ensuring the programme and our pupils continue to thrive. Having previously accompanied Mrs Smith on expeditions and, together, completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, Mrs Durham is ideally placed to support the next generation of participants.
Everyone at Tranby extends their sincere thanks to Mrs Smith for her outstanding service to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Her legacy is reflected not only in the impressive number of awards achieved, but in the hundreds of young people whose lives have been enriched through the opportunities she has helped provide.
As Mrs Durham takes up the mantle, Tranby's commitment to the spirit of adventure, service and personal growth that defines the Duke of Edinburgh's Award remains stronger than ever.