Pupils who have sacrificed hours to volunteer, learn new physical skills and go on expeditions have been awarded for their efforts at a royal ceremony inside St James's Palace. 

A total of 148 sixth formers at Bancroft's in High Road, Woodford Green, have this year achieved success in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme. 

Of those, 21 students were presented the ultimate award - gold status, at the ceremony attended by The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip and The Earl of Wessex Prince Edward. 

As part of the expedition programme, year 13 students visited Snowdonia for a week during the October half-term but their night of wild camping was disrupted by the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo. 

They were forced to reconsider their routes to allow for the tough conditions, with many being prevented from trekking up Mount Snowdon. 

Ninety six bronze awards and thirty one silver awards were presented to pupils by Peter Fleet, the London Regional Director for DofE at the school last week.  

Mr Fleet said: "Bancroft's School represents one of the best examples of DofE delivery in schools in the capital.  

"As a charity we often see the impact DofE participation has on student's progress and prospects in terms of accessing university, apprenticeships, a job and career. 

"I congratulate Bancroft’s school on their significant success with our programme and appreciate the value placed on it by the headteacher, governors and teaching staff."