Service Opportunities
Lancing also offers several structured service programmes, including:
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)
- Combined Cadet Force (CCF) – Army and RAF Sections
- Explorer Scouts
- Community Action
Third Formers can enrol in the Bronze DofE Award upon joining Lancing, aiming to complete it within the year. In the Fourth Form, pupils choose between CCF, Explorer Scouts, or progressing to the Silver DofE Award. Each programme promotes independence, self-discipline, leadership, and teamwork.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a globally recognised programme that helps young people develop confidence, resilience and practical life skills through volunteering, physical activity, learning new skills and outdoor expeditions. It is widely respected by universities and employers worldwide, and gives our pupils a rewarding sense of achievement while encouraging independence, teamwork and personal growth. At Lancing, DofE is undertaken as part of existing pathways including the CCF, Scouts and Community Action, allowing pupils to gain the Award alongside activities they already enjoy while building valuable life skills and resilience.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) – Army and RAF Sections
The Combined Cadet Force offers pupils the opportunity to develop leadership, resilience and self discipline through a structured programme of military inspired training. The aim is to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self discipline in a supportive and challenging environment. Cadets choose to join either the Army or RAF section, each offering a varied programme of activities. The RAF section also provides additional STEM learning opportunities, along with the chance to experience flying or gliding. Activities across the CCF include fieldcraft, navigation, adventure training and teamwork focused tasks, all designed to build confidence, responsibility and a strong sense of service to others. Many pupils choose to continue with the CCF into the Sixth Form, where they take on senior cadet roles and develop as student leaders.
Explorer Scouts
Lancing is proud to be one of the relatively few schools and colleges to offer Scouting as part of its co‑curricular provision, with its own Explorer Scout Unit based at the College. Explorer Scouts are for young people aged 14–18 and offer a rich balance of leadership, service and adventure within a global movement of over 40 million young people worldwide. Explorers build confidence, independence and resilience through real experiences, from outdoor expeditions, camps and international travel to teamwork, problem‑solving and volunteering in their local community. Members have the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and to work towards the prestigious King’s Scout Award, which is highly regarded by universities, employers and apprenticeship providers. Alongside these formal opportunities, Explorer Scouts enjoy a wide range of fun, challenging and social activities that help them form strong friendships, discover new interests and develop skills for life.
Community Action
Community Action at Lancing enables students to make a meaningful difference beyond the College through a range of volunteering opportunities. Activities include supporting local primary schools, mentoring younger pupils, visiting care homes, and taking part in environmental and conservation projects on the College Farm and in the local area. The programme helps students develop empathy, confidence and social responsibility, while enjoying the satisfaction of making a positive contribution. It also supports the volunteering element of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
