Bideford College sixth former recognised at Buckingham Palace for achieving Duke of Edinburgh Gold
Year 13 student Sam Robinson was among the Gold recipients invited to the annual celebration with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh
A sixth former who has gained the full set of Duke of Edinburgh Awards during his time at Bideford College has seen his dedication recognised with an invitation to Buckingham Palace.
Sam Robinson, aged 18, recently attended the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award celebration hosted by HRH Prince Edward, the current Duke of Edinburgh.
Sam’s journey through the DofE programme has been remarkable and he completed his bronze, silver and gold awards entirely during his time at Bideford College, which is part of Athena Learning Trust.
Over the years, Sam has contributed more than two years of volunteering, taken part in ongoing physical activities and skill-building, completed 18 days and 12 nights of expeditions and undertaken a five-day residential away from home.
Above: The Buckingham Palace Gardens hosted thousands of Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award achievers and supporters.
At the event, Prince Edward, who received his own Gold Award from his father Prince Philip at nearby St James’s Palace in 1986 – congratulated attendees, telling them that they should all be ‘incredibly proud’ and ‘stand a few inches taller’.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, founded in 1954 by the late Prince Philip and inspired by educator Kurt Hahn, is a globally recognised youth development programme that helps young people aged 14 to 24 build skills, confidence and resilience.
Above: Sam Robinson poses for a picture in the gardens of Buckingham Palace during the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards celebration.
It continues to be a key part of Bideford College, helping students develop essential life skills and grow into confident, community-minded individuals.
Dr Claire Ankers, principal at Bideford College and Atlantic Academy said: “We are incredibly proud of Sam. Completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a huge accomplishment that reflects not only his dedication and perseverance but also the values we strive to instil in all our students at Bideford College.
“Sam has demonstrated the very best of what young people can achieve and we are thrilled to see his hard work recognised in such a prestigious way.”