Coleg Cambria Achieves Record Duke of Edinburgh Award Completions During 70th Anniversary Milestone
Coleg Cambria is celebrating an unprecedented surge in completions of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award as the internationally recognised programme marks its 70th anniversary. This milestone year highlights a major achievement for the college, solidifying its status as the leading further education institution in Wales for DofE participants. Hundreds of students have gained essential life skills, confidence, and resilience through the award, reinforcing its transformative impact.
Impressive Participation and Future Goals
Over the past three years, more than 400 learners across Cambria's campuses in Wrexham, Deeside, Northop, and Llysfasi have successfully completed Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards. The college has set an ambitious target of 300 completions in 2026 alone, focusing not just on initial sign-ups but on ensuring young people see each stage through to success. This inclusive offer is open to learners of all backgrounds, subjects, and levels, with tailored guidance provided to help everyone participate effectively.
Recently, Independent Living Skills students at Northop have been completing their first Silver Awards, building confidence to explore broader opportunities such as future WorldSkills competitions. Clive Rowland, Cambria's DofE Officer, emphasized the college's commitment: "Our ambition is simple: to make DofE accessible to everyone. We're here to support and guide learners, whatever their background or course."
Benefits and Community Impact
The programme encourages students to step away from screens, reconnect with nature, volunteer in their communities, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Outdoor activities help hundreds of learners build confidence and leadership skills that last a lifetime. Steph Price, DofE Wales Director, added: "We're delighted to see so many young people from Coleg Cambria achieving a DofE Award, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the learners and the DofE Leaders who support them."
Delivered in partnership with Active Cambria, the college's physical wellbeing programme, the DofE initiative is embedded across curriculum and enrichment activities. Active Cambria fosters a welcoming, supportive environment for learners and staff, promoting "mind, body, and soul" through volunteering opportunities that strengthen UCAS applications, boost employability, and contribute directly to DofE Awards.
Inclusivity and Long-Term Vision
Donna Welsh, coordinator of Active Cambria, stated: "We're passionate about fostering leadership and personal growth. Through Active Cambria, we create inclusive spaces where young people feel supported to try new things, stay active, and look after their wellbeing." Participation at Cambria continues to exceed national averages, with expeditions and outdoor activities also celebrating Welsh language, culture, and heritage across north east Wales and surrounding areas.
The college's long-term vision is to become a centre of excellence for DofE delivery. Clive Rowland paid tribute to staff and volunteers: "None of this would be possible without our lecturers and staff who give their time to support training walks and expeditions. We're hugely grateful for their commitment." Caroline Street, Coleg Cambria's deputy chief executive for people experiences and culture, added: "We're incredibly proud of our learners and staff for achieving such record-breaking DofE completions during this milestone anniversary year."
Future Support and Opportunities
Coleg Cambria is now inviting local employers and organisations to support its DofE offering through funding or sponsorship. This assistance will help provide equipment and funded places for learners from challenging backgrounds, ensuring even more young people can build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures through the DofE programme.
