FORMER students from an Oxfordshire school travelled to Buckingham Palace to pick up their Duke of Edinburgh gold awards.

King Alfred’s Academy in Wantage saw 12 former sixth formers recognised by Prince Edward at the garden ceremony.

A military band played also at the sunny event on Thursday.

Juliane Spiers, DofE manager at King Alfred’s, said: “This has been a real record-breaking year here at King Alfred’s, with 21 students achieving their Gold Award in the past 12 months. Now we’ve taken 12 of them to Buckingham Palace to receive them.

“We could not be prouder of what these students have achieved. The attitude they demonstrate to contribute to the community is extraordinary. It could not happen without the fantastic support that we get from the clubs, groups and individuals, who provide opportunities for these students to learn new skills, take part in sport and volunteer locally.

“It was a really exciting day for all of us." Others will receive their awards later in the year, she added.

All but one of the students at the Palace – Anna Willis, Chris West, Vicky Tilling, Anna Kirk, Charlie Harrison, Anna Harris, Brandon Banfield-Coombs, Jasmine Barrett, Molly Hallam, Vincent Tang, and Ciara Watkins – completed their award having been through the whole programme. They completed at least 21 months of volunteering in the local community each.

There are now more than 320 students following the programme at bronze, silver or gold level at the school.

In the past 15 months 21 students have successfully achieved their Gold DofE, the highest grade.

The award is the most difficult of the Duke of Edinburgh awards, with participants younger than 16 only able to take on silver and bronze grade challenges.

It recognises a number of life skills in a series of challenges and outdoor activities, including a four-day expedition and five-day shared activity in a residential setting away from home.

Gold awards require participants to complete tasks in physical and skill sections as well as the expedition and residential activities.

Candidates have normally completed a silver award before they go for gold but are asked to do an extra six months’ work – often in volunteering – if they have not.