QE is proud to celebrate second year student Heidi, who has become the college’s first recipient of the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Heidi, who is currently studying Textiles, Mathematics, and Philosophy, Religion & Ethics at QE, began her Duke of Edinburgh journey at Thirsk School, where she completed her Bronze award before progressing to Silver. She went on to complete her Gold award here at QE in February 2026, marking an outstanding personal achievement.
To achieve Gold, Heidi successfully completed all five sections of the award: volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential. Across her Duke of Edinburgh journey, Heidi dedicated an impressive 90 weeks to volunteering, 50 weeks to developing new skills, and 104 weeks to physical activity, alongside completing a five day residential and 15 days of expedition.
On 22nd May 2026, Heidi attended the Duke of Edinburgh Award Celebration at Buckingham Palace. The special event recognised the achievements of award recipients from across the country, featuring inspiring guest speakers and a memorable appearance from The Duke of Edinburgh HRH Prince Edward, who personally welcomed and congratulated attendees.
Reflecting on her incredible Duke of Edinburgh journey at QE, Heidi said:
“DofE has been a part of my life for about four years now and I have really enjoyed being part of such a long commitment that has challenged me and inspired me to aim for more in myself. I’ve had nothing but great experiences on DofE starting with Bronze all the way until Gold. Rain or shine it has just been nothing but fun and a great to be able to explore the countryside’s with different groups of people.
At QE I’ve felt like DofE has been especially memorable with it being a small community of people all aiming to complete the same thing. The first aid course in the first year was brilliant opportunity and I’ve felt like I’ve learnt skills to last me in my future after QE. Being able to do my expedition in Wales was such an exciting experience and I’m grateful to QE for providing us with that. And of course, I’m grateful to Kat for being such a great support throughout my gold award.
I was lucky enough to attend the celebration event at Buckingham Palace and it was such a special day. There were many guest speakers throughout the event inspiring and celebrating everyone who was in attendance, even with Prince Edward welcoming and congratulating all of us on our achievement. I feel very proud and fortunate to have been invited to Buckingham Palace and especially proud to be the first Gold award recipient at QE.”
Kat Wilson, Duke of Edinburgh Manager at QE, added:
“To complete all three awards is a phenomenal achievement and I am massively proud of Heidi and everything she has accomplished. She was the first to complete Gold with QE since we started doing it inhouse and we couldn’t be prouder.”
We are immensely proud of Heidi’s continued dedication and enthusiasm, not only towards her Duke of Edinburgh journey, but throughout her time studying at QE.
Heidi’s achievement marks an exciting milestone for QE, and we look forward to seeing many more students follow in her footsteps.
