Former student and Head of School at the multi-award-winning DLD College London, Arian A, was recently recognised at a prestigious presentation at Buckingham Palace, after securing a much-coveted Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award.
Following months of dedication and determination to achieve the esteemed accolade, Arian celebrated his success amongst other Gold recipients invited to attend the annual celebration with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. Significantly, out of the 6,000 scholars in attendance on the day, Arian was just one of only four selected to personally meet the Duke of Edinburgh himself, Prince Edward.
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards is one of the most respected and recognised youth achievement awards globally, offering young people aged 14 to 24 the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and build confidence and resilience. Students can participate in a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels, which upon successful completion lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
With four sections to complete, throughout his time at DLD College London, Arian has contributed a significant amount of time to volunteering, participated in many physical and skill-building activities, undertaken several expeditions across four days and embarked on a four-night residential away from home.
Jan Haines, Houseparent Metropolitan House and Duke of Edinburgh Manager, commented: “Arian is a perfect example of how the DofE Award can pull a lot of strands of self-development beyond the classroom and put them into an internationally recognised certificate that tells universities and employers just how hard working, adaptable, resilient, team focused and reliable the young person holding it, is. Our congratulations and respect go out to Arian for this fantastic achievement.”
DLD College London offers a range of bursaries and scholarships, with awards available for up to 100% of tuition fees. These are designed to support talented and deserving students, regardless of financial background, and recognise excellence in academics, music, drama, sport, and leadership. Scholarships reward exceptional ability, while means-tested bursaries provide financial assistance to ensure that all students have the opportunity to benefit from the college’s outstanding education.
A school of diverse thinking and influences, housed in a futuristic building with cutting-edge facilities opposite the Houses of Parliament, London, is DLD’s classroom. Students aged 13 to 19 are offered the opportunity to study a wide range of GCSEs, A-Levels, BTEC courses and International Foundation Programmes (IFP). It also offers an Academic Preparation Programme (APC). In addition to several significant national award wins, DLD College London is also proud to be named by Tatler magazine, Good Schools Guide and Talk Education as one of the top schools in the UK.
DLD College London provides a ‘gold standard’ of educational quality. It is a school where students are respected, supported and honoured as individuals. Where they are immersed in the best possible environment to grow as successful and independent learners; where their vision can be made a reality, and where as happy and healthy people they feel free to make a contribution to the world around them, both now and into the future. The school’s beating heart is its award-winning wellbeing centre.
