Student presented with Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in London

Sohail Turner with his certificate outside St James' Palace

A local 19-year-old has been presented with his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award certificate at special ceremony in London.

Sohail Turner, of Rochdale, was awarded the accolade at St James' Palace on Tuesday (20 March).

The second-year computer science student at the University of Hull, was the first in his group to complete the award, the youngest and the only one in his group to have completed the Duke of Edinburgh after high school.

The 19-year-old had started the award during his time at Haslingden High School, completing the bronze level before skipping silver and jumping straight to the gold during his A-levels at Oldham Sixh Form, which took around two years to complete.   

He was joined in London by his father, Andrew, who said: “The whole family is very proud of him. Sohail had wanted to do the DofE and he’s liked taking part in it. He’s really enjoyed meeting new people and the social aspect of the programme has been good.”

Sohail was presented the award by Steve Hill MBE, the deputy head of St Joseph’s primary school in Oldham, who handed out certificates on behalf of HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

Andrew added: “It was good. The Earl spoke to all the recipients and parents, and was quite funny.

“Steve Hill gave a very inspiring talk and it just shows whatever you do in life, nothing is stopping you taking the challenge and overcoming it.

“All the recipients had earned it. They’d met the requirements and gone above and beyond.”

To reach the gold level, Sohail had to undertake a number of tasks, including expedition and orienteering, learning and demonstrating new skills, and charity work.

He previously took part in the National Citizen’s Service Challenge, a similar skills-based programme for 15-17 year olds, with his elder sister Leena, a geology student at the University of Derby. She too has completed the Gold DofE award and is awaiting her presentation date.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is open to anyone aged between 14 and 24. They can undertake a programme at one of the three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. There are four sections at bronze and silver level and five at gold.

Young people will achieve a Duke of Edinburgh award if they show persistence, commitment and personal development over a period of time. Every activity must be successfully completed and assessed. The result is the world’s leading achievement award for young people, recognised by employers and universities alike. Completing a DofE programme develops young people for life and work. It develops resilience, confidence and a ‘can do’ attitude as well as the social and communication skills that businesses are calling out for.