On Friday, 22 May 2026, Ms Piekarski, coordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at our school, attended the 2026 Gold Award Celebration at Buckingham Palace Garden. The special event marked the 70th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and brought together Gold Award recipients from across the country.

During the celebration, Ms Piekarski heard from a range of inspiring speakers, including Hugh Bonneville, Lucy Shepherd, Larry Lamb, and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward. Prince Edward, himself a Gold Award recipient, now continues his father’s legacy as Patron of the organisation, having served as a trustee since 1987.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication and resilience of Gold Award holders—young people who have shown outstanding commitment to reach the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Their achievements set an excellent example for our current students working towards their Bronze and Silver Awards. We hope that, in the future, many of our students will go on to be celebrated in the same way at Buckingham Palace.