How It Works

A DofE programme without the overhead

Most schools want to offer DofE but don't have the staff time, qualifications, or equipment to run it themselves. We take on the planning, training, equipment, and expeditions — and work alongside your existing staff to deliver the programme.

01

We plan everything

Route planning, risk assessments, recces, equipment, expedition logistics. We manage the operational side so your staff don't need to.

02

We train your students

Face-to-face sessions with your students covering everything they need for their award. Navigation, camp craft, expedition preparation — delivered by qualified instructors in your school.

03

We lead the expeditions

Practice and assessed expeditions fully managed by our team. Your school provides pastoral staff support — we provide the qualified instructors and expedition leadership.

Dark Peak Expeditions

What we
take on

  • Training of staff and students
  • Resources and educational materials
  • Face-to-face delivery of all sessions
  • Route planning, recces, and risk assessments
  • Equipment provision and logistics
  • Practice and assessed expedition delivery
  • Qualified instructors for all terrain
  • Constant communication — email, phone, meetings as needed
Your School

What we ask
of you

  • Recruit students onto the award
  • Pay for the DofE licence
  • Pay for student DofE enrolment
  • Handle parent communication
  • Pass on relevant medical information
  • Provide staff support on expeditions (minimum 1 male + 1 female, more for larger cohorts)
Award Levels

Bronze, Silver, and Gold

Bronze

2-day expeditions · Age 14+

Expeditions 2 (practice + assessed)
Duration 2 days / 1 night each
Terrain Rolling countryside & lowland
Age 14+
Silver

3-day expeditions · Age 15+

Expeditions 2 (practice + assessed)
Duration 3 days / 2 nights each
Terrain Hill & moorland
Age 15+
Gold

4-day expeditions · Age 16–24

Expeditions 2 (practice + assessed)
Duration 4 days / 3 nights each
Terrain Hill, moorland, mountainous & wild country
Age 16–24
Safeguarding & Compliance

The credentials your school expects

Every member of our team is DBS checked. The majority are qualified teachers with current safeguarding training.

Qualified Outdoor Instructors
Whether that's Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, or Mountain Leader — all our instructors have acquired a depth of experience in a variety of locations.
DBS Checked
All staff hold current enhanced DBS checks. The majority of our team are current or former teachers — enhanced DBS checked, safeguarding trained, and experienced with young people.
DofE Supervisors & Assessors
A wealth of expedition experience — years of running Duke of Edinburgh programmes in Chesterfield schools, across Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Insurance Cover
Public liability insurance up to £5 million through Activities Industry Mutual — a specialist insurer for companies working in the outdoor activities sector.
Outdoor First Aid
Current outdoor first aid certification. Every expedition goes out with qualified first aiders and appropriate medical equipment for remote terrain.
Risk Assessments
Comprehensive risk assessments, route plans, and emergency procedures provided for every expedition — all documentation filed with your school for your records.
Get Started

Ready to offer DofE without the overhead?

Tell us about your school, your students, and what you're looking for. We'll put together a plan that works for you — no commitment, just a conversation.