For 2022/23 the scheme involves 537,759 young people working towards their award, which includes developing skills, taking part in community activities and outdoor pursuits.
This is 10 per cent more than the previous year and includes 323,000 young people starting their award.
Just under 100,000 more young people are taking part in the scheme than pre-pandemic, the figures show. For the year ending March 2018, it reported that 438,329 were actively engaged in doing their DofE, the highest on record at that time.
The DofE is two years into a three-year strategy to involve a million young people by 2026, with a focus on improving participation among those in deprived areas, with additional needs, young people who have offended, and those from marginalised communities.
The figures for this year also show that 19 secure youth settings started running DofE and it is being offered by 79 youth offending and intervention teams.
In addition, in 2022/23 there are 126 centres for young people with additional needs and 36 alternative provision centres offering the scheme.
Of the 262 secondary schools involved, 98 are in areas of disadvantage.
Our annual figures are in – we’re thrilled that more young people than ever BEFORE started their DofE last year!
— DofE (@DofE) May 10, 2023
We’re on our way to reaching 1 million young people by 2026 – focusing on breaking down barriers and widening access to the DofE.
Read more: https://t.co/YlVkYKtuSh pic.twitter.com/AeP7w3FyJa
Among young people involved is 18-year-old Habeeba, who is supporting younger participants as she looks to complete her gold award with the scheme.
“I think it’s especially important, as a young Muslim woman, for the people of my community to understand DofE is not just for people of other cultures, that we can get involved as well.
“It’s not just about the camping – it's about the volunteering, doing physical things and learning new skills which is, I think, a great opportunity for young people to step away from schoolwork and improve on their life skills. University and even employers look for this kind of thing, so DofE is a great chance to help set up things for later on in life," she said.
The scheme’s chef executive Ruth Marvel added that the programme was especially important post-pandemic as young people “find themselves stuck between a brutal past few years and an uncertain future”.
“Chances to develop and grow outside the classroom are vital to help level the playing field and give them the skills and capabilities they need to succeed in future,” she added.
