It was graduation day at Balliol on Friday, as the curtain fell on the students’ academic endeavours in Oxford. After a few final lessons, they prepared themselves for an evening of joy and celebration, just reward for their efforts throughout the past two weeks!

The students woke bright and early and, although the weather wasn’t great, there was a spark of excitement that even the rain couldn’t extinguish. They breakfasted together, and the buzz of anticipation in the air was stoked by conversation about the evening plans.

The teachers were keen not to stifle everyone’s good mood, and the day’s lessons were largely dedicated to some fun exercises which the students could enjoy together. In doing so, they also brought the timetable to a close and rounded up the courses tidily.

Soon, it was time for everyone to get ready. The students turned out in some very smart clothes and it was clear to see that they had made the effort for their big night. They gathered for the ceremony first, collecting their scrolls and loving every second as they were honored by the whole campus – quite right too!

The evening was rounded off by an exquisite meal and then a party with some of the other Oxford campuses. The cohorts of Queen’s and St Catherine’s joined Balliol for the bash at the Town Hall, and everyone spent an enjoyable evening joking, dancing and reflecting on a fantastic fortnight.