What is the Residential section?

The Residential section is a key part of the Gold DofE Award. It involves spending time time away from home in a shared setting with people that you don't know. Each day you will complete purposeful group activities, such as volunteering, training or cultural projects. 

During your residential, you’ll be in a new environment, surrounded by people you’ve never met. Together, you’ll take on challenges and work as a team to create meaningful impact. You can hone the skills you’ve developed through your hobbies or dive into a new experience. This experience will help you to build confidence, independence, teamwork and communication skills, whilst also stepping out of your comfort zone.

Before you commit to a residential, it’s important to have approval from your DofE Leader (Mr Robinson). This makes sure your residential meets all the requirements. If you do not do this, it could mean your residential gets rejected and you having to complete another.

It’s vital that you thoroughly research your chosen activity before seeking approval. You’ll then be able to discuss what personal goals you should set with your DofE Leader.

Residential - The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - This page contains an array of information about the residential and can help you find opportunities to complete this section.

Residential Requirements

See the list below for the full requirements from the residential section:

1. You must be away from home for a minimum of five days and four nights. These should be consecutive but can be split into two blocks within 12 months.
2. You should be in an unfamiliar residential setting.
3. You must stay in shared accommodation with your group for the entire residential. This shouldn’t include staying with friends or relatives.
4. Shared activities should take place during the day and the evening and must be purposeful, group-based, and unpaid. This could be training courses, environment and conservation projects, volunteering or be activity-based.
5. The majority of participants should be unknown to you.
6. Groups should have at least five people, including you.
7. The majority of staff should be unknown to you.
8. You should research suitable activities, discuss your interests with your DofE Leader, and follow any pre-activity instructions.
9. Your Licensed Organisation must approve the planned residential and the named Assessor in advance.
10. Flexibilities are available to ensure that participants with specific individual needs can access a residential. These could include:

• Participants can request downtime away from activities
• Carers are allowed
• Participants with specific individual needs can attend with their Leaders.

Residential Ideas

For more ideas, see the pages linked below. These will help you find the right residential for you. Alternatively, arrange your own with another provider. If in doubt, please come and see Mr Robinson.

Find the right residential - The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - This page will help you to understand what is the right residential for you.

Find an Approved Activity Provider - The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - This site is useful for trying to find a residential.