Three former Aldenham School pupils Tom Morbey, Matthew Prett and Matthew Morgan were invited to St James’ Palace this week to be presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s awards. The memorable visit with Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh, and the author Bill Bryson was the culmination of 18 months of hard work and dedication. The Gold award is the highest that can be achieved and requires each participant to work through five sections – Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition and Residential.

Prince Philip showed great interest in all the young people, asking Tom Morbey about his Residential week Volunteering with the National Trust. Matthew Morgan completed his Volunteering by helping an elderly neighbour with his garden, whilst Matthew Prett did fitness for his Physical section which also helped with his successful application for Sandhurst. The three award-holders did their practice Expedition in the Peak District in the Spring and their qualifying Expedition in the Yorkshire Dales in the Summer.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to be popular with Aldenham students, with 49 boys and girls currently working towards their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.