Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award is one of the world's leading youth development programmes, empowering young people to challenge themselves, discover new strengths, and make a positive contribution to their communities.

At Marsden, we encourage students to embrace the Award as an opportunity to build confidence, resilience, leadership, and independence through service, physical recreation, skill development, and adventurous journeys. Many students begin their Bronze Award in Year 10 before progressing through Silver and Gold during their Senior School years.

The Award is a valued part of the Marsden experience, with students across Years 10–13 participating at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Each year, many students successfully complete their Awards, while others continue progressing through the levels as they take on new challenges and develop their skills.

Through their Award journey, students learn to set goals, manage commitments, contribute to their community, and persevere through challenges. These experiences develop qualities that extend well beyond school and prepare students for future study, careers, and life beyond Marsden.

Completing the Award is recognised both nationally and internationally and is a valuable addition to university, scholarship, and employment applications.

Start your journey

Whether you're beginning Bronze or continuing through Silver or Gold, everything you need to get started is available below.

For questions about the programme at Marsden, please contact our Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award Leader, Jane Hazelton, at dukeofed@marsden.school.nz