A student from Fosse Way School in Radstock has made school history by becoming the first pupil to complete all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Eighteen-year-old Matthew Walker received his Gold Award in June 2026, completing a journey that began with his Bronze Award in 2023 and continued with Silver in 2024.
Each level of the DofE includes skills, physical activity, volunteering and an expedition, while the Gold Award also requires participants to complete a residential. Two Gold sections must be undertaken for 12 months and another for six months.
Matthew volunteered for a year at Bathford Village Shop and completed 12 months of physical activity, dividing his time between swimming and attending the gym. For his expedition, Matthew canoed and sailed on Lake Windermere with Anyone Can, an outdoor activity group specialising in accessible and adapted expeditions for people with disabilities.
He also completed a five-day residential at the Royal Bath and West Show near Shepton Mallet. Matthew helped with a range of activities, including clearing up after cookery demonstrations in the Great British Kitchen tent and assisting bands performing at the Pilton music tent.
Matthew said, “I really enjoyed doing Bronze and Silver and wanted to achieve all three awards. I enjoyed the expedition on Lake Windermere the most. Learning to sail and canoe in a really beautiful part of the country was amazing.”
Phil Burton, senior teacher and Duke of Edinburgh manager at Fosse Way School, said, “Matthew is a remarkable student who has achieved the highest honour in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme, demonstrating determination, resilience and personal growth. He has overcome challenges with courage and positivity, and this award reflects his dedication and character. The DofE programme helps students build confidence, independence and valuable life skills.
“Staff at Fosse Way School worked closely with Matthew to support his success throughout the programme, and we are all very proud of him.”
Rhyanna Wingrove, operations manager for England at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity, said outdoor experiences could help young people develop confidence, learn new skills and connect with nature and their peers.
She added, “It’s crucial that outdoor learning activities are flexible and inclusive, enabling all young people to participate meaningfully.
“Between April 2025 and March 2026, 730 young people with additional needs achieved their Gold DofE Award in the UK. It’s so fantastic to hear that Matthew is one of those dedicated young people who have achieved their Gold, and for him to be the first young person to do so at Fosse Way School calls for a double celebration. A massive well done to him!”
Matthew is now looking forward to attending a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award celebration at Buckingham Palace in May 2027, hosted by members of the Royal Family.
