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It would have been the 100th birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh last week, so it felt timely that last Sunday, the Department for Education announced it will work with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to expand opportunities to up to 291 more schools that are not currently delivering it.

The plan is that more pupils from the most deprived areas of England will be able to start The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award thanks to a funding boost of £3.4 million from the Conservative Government, helping more young people to access volunteering and extra-curricular learning.

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This investment is just a small part of the Government’s levelling up agenda to ensure all pupils have fair and equal access to high-quality enrichment activities, alongside a £14.4 billion increase in school funding over three years.

Duncan Crow, councillor for Furnace Green

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has become synonymous with service and personal achievement. This expansion into more schools is a fitting tribute to Prince Philip who did so much to give young people opportunities to develop skills and abilities. He was a remarkable man who gave much to our nation.

His awards scheme has benefited generations of our children including many here in Crawley and West Sussex, and I’m delighted it will continue to do so with stronger Government backing.

We know from those who have achieved The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award that it helps to build the resilience, perseverance and discipline needed to overcome life’s obstacles.

Opinion: Plan to give more access to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - Duncan Crow