On 29 June we celebrated the graduation of our first mixed, standard-age cohort, who achieved outstanding results.
Saturday 29 June marked a historic day with the graduation of our first mixed, standard-age cohort, a momentous occasion that signifies a new chapter in the College's commitment to widening participation. The graduates, who were admitted under our new admissions policy have excelled academically, achieving remarkable final results, with 28% achieving a First Class degree and over 90% (93%) achieving ‘Good Honours’ (a First or an Upper Second Class). These results make them the most academically successful cohort in the College’s history.
The College's new admissions policy, implemented in 2021, opened its doors to students of all genders from the standard university age of 18, with a particular focus on those from underrepresented, disadvantaged or historically-excluded backgrounds, further diversifying our community and enriching the educational experience for all. This transformative change aligns with the College’s dedication to providing equitable access to higher education and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Luke (Human, Social, and Political Sciences) says, “Thank you to the very special community and people that are Lucy Cavendish College. As part of the first cohort of standard age, all-gendered students it has certainly been a journey, and one I’m proud to have contributed to as the founding President of the JCR. A special mention to my Director of Studies, Marissa Quie for her support, and having to put up with me for three years!”. Luke adds, “I received a First on my dissertation, on a topic really close to my heart- ‘Reforming the Good Friday Agreement.’ Thank you to Barry Colfer for supporting me through this research, and for enabling me to explore a personal and meaningful topic, and a huge thank you to others who provided their time and archive material to support me (…) My experience has helped to shape me for the future, and I’m delighted to be moving to Brussels in August with a policy role.”.
Rose (History and Politics) shares, “I’m not only thrilled with my academic achievements at Cambridge, but proud to say that during my time at Lucy Cavendish College, I have taken on many more challenges than I could have imagined as a state school and first-generation student. I am incredibly grateful to the College community for coming together as a friendly, open, and supportive environment (…) I have so many people to thank for helping me through the past three years, it has certainly not been easy. I couldn’t have done it without an amazing bunch of friends that I remain in constant awe of. I’d like to add particular thanks to Dr Chris Macdonald for all his amazing efforts to push Lucy Cavendish toward a sustainable future. Cambridge has been an incredible challenge, and although it’s coming to an end, I'm looking forward to my next adventure with LIS: The London Interdisciplinary School.”.
Akrit (Economics), remarks, “I'm the first male undergraduate to ever graduate from Lucy Cavendish College. Across my four papers and dissertation in my final year, I averaged 73% with firsts on every paper, ranking 12th of 148 in the year. I'm especially proud of my dissertation investigating how political reorganisation in southern India affected people's economic circumstances, for which I received the Hua Sister Dissertation Prize. Given my health and personal circumstances over the last six months, I cannot imagine having been able to successfully complete my degree without my friends across the University, Mary Murphy (my DoS), and Anna Git (my tutor). They've put this year right up there amongst the best of my life!”.
The graduating cohort's outstanding achievements serve as a testament to the success of the new admissions policy and the College's supportive and nurturing ethos. As our Assistant Senior Tutor: Academic and Admissions Director, Dr Mark King, says, “These results are a vindication of the College’s new admissions policy, through which students from the widest possible range of backgrounds now have the opportunity to study at Cambridge, where they do at least as well as their peers in other colleges. We are particularly pleased to see that so many have been on a remarkable journey during their time here, in which they have been on a strong upwards trajectory. They are living proof that, with the right support, talented young people genuinely can thrive at Cambridge regardless of their background. We are exceptionally proud of them and their achievements.”
As the first mixed, standard-age cohort embark on their future endeavours, we look forward to welcoming more talented and diverse students in the years to come.