AQW 22412/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 12/02/2025
Answered On Date: 03/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 21625/22-27, and in light of licensing changes to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, to detail the number of young people already engaged on a Duke of Edinburgh or President's Award Scheme in a setting other than a school previously covered by the Education Authority's license who are currently unable to continue their programme.

Answer:

All young people currently engaged with the programme will be able to continue. DofE have ensured that arrangements are in place to ensure that every young person currently enrolled can continue and complete their Duke of Edinburgh and President’s Award.

Twenty centres, other than schools, were required to find alternative licensing arrangements rather than continue to operate under the EA's DofE Operating Authority Licence

Twelve centres have completed their move to alternative licensing arrangements: 4 centres have taken out a Direct Licence with the DofE, 5 centres have moved to alternative Operating Authorities and 3 centres are currently completing the licensing process to take out a Direct Licence with the DofE.

7 centres will be offered an alternative Operating Authority as soon as that new Operating Authority has established their registration process (one centre has recently indicated that they are likely to cease offering the Award, however the offer of the new Operating Authority will still be made for their consideration). One centre ceased delivering the Award some time ago and has no plans to restart.