Golden opportunity to visit Palace for former Derby Grammar School pupils

Sixteen Derby Grammar School alumni travelled to Buckingham Palace last week, mingling with celebrities to celebrate achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. 

The pupils had a to carry out a four-day expedition in challenging countryside and spend a year fulfilling service, physical and skills sections of the award. 

Paul Hilliam, Director of Co-Curriculum at Derby Grammar School leads the programme for the school and attended Buckingham Palace with the former pupils. 

He said: “Achieving a Gold Award is a big undertaking and demonstrates determination, organisational skills and teamwork. 

“Former pupils who started their Gold Award while at School have waited a long time to receive their invitation to Buckingham Palace because the Covid pandemic has meant that the usual Award Ceremony has not been possible during the last few years. We are very proud of all they have achieved.” 

Some of the pupils have waited since Spring 2020 to visit the Palace. They celebrated their awards with a reception held by The Earl of Wessex Prince Edward, a Trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and spent the afternoon mixing and chatting to   other Duke of Edinburgh alumni and celebrities who attended, including other recipients such as actress Nina Wadia, who holds a Bronze award, Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe, TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle and first winner of The Apprentice, Tim Campbell MBE. 

Last week also saw a further 27 pupils start their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards. The Bronze practice expeditions took place in the Peak District. For many Year 9 pupils this was their first experience of camping, cooking outdoors and navigating using a map and compass. Having completed their training, Year 9 pupils will return to the Peak District in July to undertake their qualifying expeditions. 

Ends/ 

Photo: Staff, former pupils from Derby Grammar School and their relatives visited Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. 

For more information contact Kirsty on 07970627385 or email [email protected]