12 L6th Pupils set out complete their DofE Gold Qualifying Expedition

May 31st 2026

12 Lower 6^th Pupils from King’s set out over the bank holiday weekend to complete their Gold Qualifying Expedition. The route was due to take in a significant chunk of the famous South West Coastal Path and promised spectacular views, but also challenging terrain and the hottest two days ever recorded in May.

Day one saw the pupils break themselves in with 21km and 600m of ascent which brought them to Porlock. Everyone was tired and the pupils were all asleep by 9.00pm with departure times set for the next day.

Day two was their toughest day on paper with 24km and a total ascent of 980m. This proved challenging and the blisters started to appear, as well as sore shoulders and the building heat became a challenge as well. Still, the pupil’s spirit remained high and they were able to have some fun in the campsite that night.

Day 3 was a brutal 1200m of ascent over 22.5 km and we started to see fatigue creep in, however, what also came to the fore was a fantastic team spirit and a real sense of achievement, in sweltering conditions. At this point, after looking at the weather forecast for the following day, the DofE Assessor and Expedition Leader decided to shorten the route, as temperatures of over 30^OC were expected, this was met with much relief by the tired pupils.

Day 4, although shortened, proved to be the most challenging in many ways, with the temperature at 6.00am starting at 15^OC, the pupils were on their way by 7.00am, ready for the last leg. During their walk, the temperature reached 25^OC (the cut off for safe walking) and they completed the shortened route by midday.

All-in-all, the pupils showed spirit, resilience and incredible character. One or two of the walkers overcame serious physical (lots of blisters, as well as some knee injuries and some very sore shoulders) and mental hurdles to complete a very challenging, but ultimately rewarding, expedition.

Thanks must go to Ms Wilson-Brown for her support and endless enthusiasm, as well as her sensitive, but firm support of the pupils. Mr Hamlin, the DofE Assessor brought humour, experience and much calm to the event, supporting the pupils and staff incredibly well.

Malcolm Jeffrey - Duke of Edinburgh Award Co‑ordinator