Approaching 70 Years of Empowering Young Australians 

For almost 70 years, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (Duke of Ed) has provided a Framework for enriching school curriculum with experiential learning. 

As we approach the 70th anniversary in 2026, Australia is taking bold steps to ensure that more young people, from all backgrounds, can access, engage with and benefit from this globally recognised non-formal education Framework. 

With over 8 million people having used the Duke of Ed worldwide since 1956, it has proven to be much more than just a badge to earn — it’s a proven framework for growing capability, wellbeing and opportunity through experiential learning, developing the skills, behaviours and attitudes to succeed in life and work. And in the face of a changing world, it’s evolving again. 

What's New: Major Changes Rolling Out Nationally 

To mark this milestone, the Duke of Ed Australia is undergoing its most significant set of upgrades in decades, taking the Duke of Ed to the “next level” with improvements shaped by feedback from educators, employers, young people, parents/guardians, and supporters across the country. 

Here’s what’s changing… 

🧭 A More Accessible Bronze Level – COMING SOON!
Positioning the Bronze Level as an ‘introductory level”, introducing Framework Users to activity selection, goal setting, logging, reflecting, and working with a mentor/assessor. 

• No more ‘major section’- enabling 3-month completions (previously 6-month). 
• Only one Adventurous Journey (i.e. team challenge) required instead of 2  
• Greater incorporation of urban-based journeys; expanding beyond ‘bushwalks’. 
• Maximum Adventurous Journey group size increasing from 7 to 10. 

📘 A Clearer, Smarter Handbook – NOW LIVE 

• Streamlined content and improved search functions. 
• Language updated to reflect the non-formal education environment. 
• Available now via https://dukeofed.com.au/resource/handbook/ and via DukeConnect for Leaders. 

🌐 Digital Accreditation – NOW LIVE
Recognising the rise in market demand (by employers and universities) for verified evidence of non-formal education, the Duke of Ed Australia recently launched digital credentials. 

• Credly digital badges for each Duke of Ed Level, with Section badges coming 2026 
• Ensures verified, portable recognition for young people’s achievements. 
• Ideal for resumes, tertiary applications, and job interviews. 

🎯 More Flexible Progression – NOW LIVE
The focus is for young people to have a well-founded digitally based CV at 14 years, when applying for their first casual work, with the aim to have achieved their Gold Level by the end of Year 11. 

• No more age barriers between Levels, ensuring continuity. 
• Users can begin their next Duke of Ed Level with their peers if they have commenced (but not completed) one Section in their current Level. 

🛠 Whole-of-School/Year Ready
To support use of the Duke of Ed for all high school students on a Whole of Year or Whole of School basis, or for youth organisations, whole of membership basis. 

• New ORB (Online Record Book) functionality will support bulk registrations and approvals. 
• Assessor sign-off enabled for Duke of Ed Leaders. 
• Scalable delivery with new licensing options for schools and organisations. 

📄 Licenses
New license categories will recognise the scale and resourcing that a school or organisation is operating at and will be given appropriate levels of recognition and delegation. 

• Single Site Centre 
• Duke of Ed Accreditation Centre (Schools where the Duke of Ed is being used by all Year 9 Students or being used on a Whole of School basis) 
• Small/Local Multi-Site License 
• State Multi-Site License 
• National Multi-Site/Major Delivery Partner 

💲 Pricing Fee Structure – CURRENTLY IN MARKET TESTING FOR 2026 IMPLEMENTATION
The current Recommended Retail Price (RRP) based on opt-in casual Users will be supplemented with discounted fees to recognise volume and greater resourcing by the Duke of Ed Centre. 

• Single Site Centre – using RRP 
• Duke of Ed Accreditation Centre (Whole of Year/School) – annual fee 
• Small/Local Multi-Site License – RRP or an annual fee 
• State Multi-Site License – RRP, wholesale fee or an annual fee 
• National Multi-Site/Major Delivery Partner License – RRP, wholesale fee or an annual fee
   

🧑‍🏫 Leader Accreditation – PROGRESSIVE ROLLOUT
A new four-level accreditation pathway for Leaders including: 

• Assistant Leader 
• Certified Leader 
• Senior Leader 
• Leader Mentor 

Digital accreditation (Credly Digital Badges) will be issued for the training undertaken and the accreditation that they have earned. Leaders can apply for an accreditation at any time. 

💻 Assessor Platform – STAY TUNED! 

• An online assessor registration platform that will enable all Activity Assessors to register with their affiliated Duke of Ed Centre(s). 
• The platform will also facilitate briefing new Assessors and securing agreement to the Code of Conduct. 

Learn more about the Duke of Ed Framework here:

👉 How the Duke of Ed works

Surprising Facts: 

Here are some surprising facts that show just how impactful the Duke of Ed Framework is: 

• The Duke of Ed is used in over 1,200 Centres across Australia, from city schools to refugee programs, Indigenous communities, disability groups and more. 
• Over 50,000 young Australians actively use the Duke of Ed Framework every year, supported by more than 60,000 adult volunteers. 
• Over 8 million young people globally have completed a Level of the Duke of Ed (of the 3 Levels) 
• The Duke of Ed is supported by a purpose-built app called ORB 
• It’s often used to build learner portfolios recognised by employers and universities alike. 
• As a self-funded not-for-profit, the Duke of Ed offers financial support for disadvantaged youth, covering registration, activity, and even carer/transport costs. 

Get Involved with the Duke of Ed  

As we gear up for the 70th anniversary, we invite: 

• School Principals and educators to consider Whole of Year or Whole of School delivery. 
• Employers, sporting organisations and tertiary providers to partner with us in recognising non-formal education. 
• Youth organisations to integrate the Duke of Ed Framework into their programs. 

For enquiries:

Contact Us

The Duke of Ed Australia is ready for its next chapter. Is your school or organisation ready to join us?