Back to School: Everything You Need to Know About the DofE Award

Susannah Anderson
Sep 14
4 min read

Back to School: Everything You Need to Know About the DofE Award (and How Online Cookery Courses Can Help!)

September marks the start of a new academic year – a fresh timetable, new goals, and, for many students across the UK, the exciting challenge of beginning (or continuing) their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). Whether you’re starting your Bronze, Silver, or Gold DofE Award, the new school year is the perfect time to get organised and plan your activities.

At Egg & Soldiers, we know that choosing the right activities for your DofE can sometimes feel overwhelming , especially when it comes to the Skills Section. That’s why our online cookery courses are designed to make your DofE journey easier, more fun, and completely flexible.

What is the DofE Award and How to Get Started?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is one of the UK’s best-known programmes for young people. Open to anyone aged 14–24, it’s all about developing new skills, building resilience, and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Step 1: Decide Which Level to Begin

There are three levels of the DofE Award:

Bronze DofE (for ages 14+)
Silver DofE (for ages 15+)
Gold DofE (for ages 16+)

Most people start at Bronze, but you can join at Silver or Gold if you’re the right age.

Step 2: Sign Up Through Your School or Local Centre

The easiest way to enrol is through your school, college, or youth group, as most already run DofE programmes. If yours doesn’t, you can sign up via your local DofE Licensed Organisation or directly through the official DofE website.

Once you’re registered, you’ll get access to the eDofE system, where you can track your progress and log your activities.

Step 3: Choose Your Activities

The Award is split into four main sections (five at Gold):

Volunteering
Physical
Skills
Expedition(+ Residential for Gold)

This is where the fun begins! You’ll choose one activity for each section. For example, you might volunteer at a local charity, take up running for your Physical section, and join a school expedition group. For your Skills Section, you need to pick something that shows real progress over time. Popular choices include learning an instrument, photography — and of course, cooking.

The Skills Section is where you get to learn something new, develop an interest, and show real progress – and it’s where Egg & Soldiers Online Cookery Courses can be a perfect fit.

Why Choose Cookery for Your DofE Skills Section?

Cooking is one of the most valuable life skills you can develop – and it ticks every box for the DofE Skills Section. Here’s why:

Practical and lifelong – once you can cook, you’ll always use it.
Healthy and rewarding – learn how to create meals that are good for you and your family.
Independent learning – online cookery courses allow you to fit lessons around school, homework, and other commitments.
DofE-approved – our cookery courses are structured to meet the official Skills Section requirements.

By the end of your course, you’ll have logged clear evidence of your progress – from learning knife skills and mastering delicious, tried-and-tested recipes that everyone loves, to tracking everything easily through our dedicated app.

How Our Online Cookery Courses Work

At Egg & Soldiers, our DofE Skills cookery courses are fully online, so you can take part from your own kitchen anywhere in the UK (or abroad). All you need is a kitchen and some basic equipment.

Here’s what you’ll receive:

Flexible 3, 6, 12 or 18-month course lengths that align with your Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award level.
Self-paced lessons: start anytime and work at your own speed, fitting around school, exams, and other commitments.
Easy, step-by-step video tutorials and guidance videos.
A wide range of delicious, tried-and-tested recipes that students and families love – from simple mid-week meals to exciting sweet treats.
Full support from experienced tutors who provide feedback and encouragement throughout your journey.
At the end of your course, Egg & Soldiers will submit the official DofE Assessor’s Report directly to your DofE Leader, ensuring your Skills Section is signed off without any hassle.

Best of all, these courses are DofE-approved cookery programmes, designed to be flexible, engaging, and easy to complete from home, making them one of the most popular choices for the DofE Skills Section in the UK.

Tips for Starting Your DofE This Academic Year

Plan early – decide on your activities for each section now so you can stay on track.
Choose something you’ll enjoy – whether that’s volunteering at a local club, joining a sports team, or cooking delicious meals.
Stay organised – keep a log of your hours and evidence from the very beginning.
Ask for support – teachers, parents, and organisations like Egg & Soldiers are here to help you succeed.

Ready to Cook Up Success?

As the new school year begins, make sure you set yourself up for DofE success. Our Online Cookery Courses for the DofE Skills Section are designed to be fun, flexible, and full of flavour. You’ll gain a skill for life, build confidence in the kitchen, and tick off a big part of your Award – all from the comfort of your home.

Visit www.eggandsoldiers.co.uk