Introducing the Duke of Edinburgh program at Plumpton High School 10 years ago has seen principal Tim Lloyd recognised with a Gold Distinguished Service Medal.

The award celebrates his “eminent and exceptional service and achievement” to the development of young Australians through The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.  

Mr Lloyd said he was honoured and humbled to receive the medal.

“The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Framework is changing the life trajectories of our students building incredible global citizens and leaders,” he said.

“Our school has been on this journey for 10 years, making it possible for all of our students to access the framework, something that disadvantaged students would normally not have opportunity to participate in.”

Starting as a small pilot at the school in 2015, the Duke of Edinburgh program is now embedded in the Year 9 PDHPE program, giving students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, courage, determination, tenacity and the ability to support others through community service and charity work.

Currently the school has 200 students in Year 9 aiming for a Bronze level, more than 50 students in Year 10 completing the Silver and 36 in Year 11 completing the Gold level awards.

“The Duke of Ed builds students’ capacity to take on challenges, and that builds their self-esteem. Their complex problem solving and leadership skills also grow, meaning this is a great way to support student learning overall,” Mr Lloyd said.

“It develops skills for lifelong success.”

Tim Lloyd has also been working very closely with other schools so they can provide the same opportunity for their students, something noted by The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award – Australia.

Mr Lloyd’s citation noted that his peers considered his contribution as being “extraordinary, atypical and of greater quality and quantity than has been previously achieved”, and that he “has invested substantial personal time in securing Activity Assessors and mentors with diverse corporate and community backgrounds”.

It also notes that he has provided enthusiastic and innovative leadership in the use of the Duke of Edinburgh Framework for his students, including those with high or special needs.

On receiving the Gold Distinguished Service Medal, Mr Lloyd thanked the Duke of Ed team at Plumpton High School, including Tahlia McKenzie, Liam Canning, Tamika Rex, Alyssa Gordon, Ugochi Duru, Anis Hamza Ali, Chris Holmes, Nigel Shakespeare and Sarah Prinsloo.

Mr Lloyd received his medal at Government House, presented by the Governor of NSW, along with nine former students from the 2024 HSC cohort who received their Gold level awards.