A HEADTEACHER hopes students will ‘develop grit’ through a mandatory Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Sixth form students at John Mason School in Abingdon will be made to follow the DoE gold programme from September, involving volunteering placements and outdoor adventures.

Headteacher Sarah Brinkley brought in a similar requirement for Year 10 when she started at the school in 2015, and is rolling it out for older students.

She said: “The programme is excellent for developing independence and grit in our young people - we see that translate into their learning.

“It also allows our students to understand that everyone has something to contribute to society.”

Mrs Brinkley said she was ‘extremely proud’ of five 18-year-old sixth formers who voluntarily completed the DoE gold programme last year, who were awarded at a star-studded ceremony at Buckingham Palace last month.

She said: “It was a true privilege to stand with our students as they were recognised for their contribution.”

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has allowed them to make a difference to their community as well as building crucial life skills.”

John Mason School currently has the highest completion rate of any non-fee paying school in the county for the DoE bronze award.