Gold Standard: St John’s Sixth Form students conquer Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
St John’s Sixth Form in Bishop Auckland is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of 23 remarkable students who successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition in summer 2025. We love a story where grit meets gold-standard success!
An unforgettable adventure that pushed them to their limits and showcased their exceptional character.
Impressive navigation skills and unwavering resilience
The expedition proved to be a tale of two extremes. One group trekked through the sun‑soaked Langdale Valley in August, facing intense 27‑degree heat, while the other battled fierce Borrowdale and Ullswater weather, enduring days of unbroken rain and powerful 50mph winds. Sunshine finally greeted them only as they approached the finish line, which served as an uplifting reward after days of challenge.
Yet, in spite of the dramatic conditions, every single student completed their demanding four‑day expedition. The journey included wild camping in the heart of the Langdale Valley — an exhilarating first‑time experience for many and one they are unlikely to forget.
Throughout the challenge, the teams demonstrated impressive navigation skills, unwavering resilience, and a level of teamwork that embodies the very essence of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
A credit to themselves, to their families, and to the school
Before taking on their qualifying expedition, the group honed their skills in the remote Cheviot Hills. This training developed essential outdoor competencies including map reading, campcraft, safe cooking, water crossing, and emergency first aid. Their practice route even offered a unique moment where students stood with one boot in Scotland and the other in England as they followed the historic border ridge.
Reflecting on the achievement, Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “What this group achieved goes far beyond distance covered; it’s about resilience, unity, and the quiet determination to keep going when conditions are at their worst. Huge congratulations to all 23 pupils and supporting staff.”
As these talented young people approach the final stages of their Gold Award and shift their focus back to academic studies, St John’s eagerly anticipates celebrating their success at Buckingham Palace this summer.
Their achievement is not only a testament to their determination, spirit, and grit, but also to their empathy, environmental responsibility, and respect for the landscapes and accommodation they encountered. These qualities made the expedition both inspiring and a pleasure to lead.
St John’s applauds this exceptional group for their accomplishments across eight challenging days and looks forward to seeing their photographs from Edinburgh Castle and Buckingham Palace later this year. They are a credit to themselves, to their families, and to the school.
A huge well done to all Gold participants for your dedication, maturity, and the outstanding impression you’ve left on every stage of your Award journey. As you prepare to leave Sixth Form, we hope the memories forged through this extraordinary experience remain with you for a lifetime.