Downing celebrates outstanding academic achievement
Yesterday evening Downing College celebrated the academic success of its students at the annual Scholars’ Dinner.
This year 91 of our current students gained a First or Distinction in their examination results, 49 of whom became Scholars for the first time. Additionally, 53 recently graduated students achieved a first or distinction, making up the best results by a graduating cohort in College history. 17 of these recent graduates were first-time scholars.
On top of this, six students (including three recent graduates) came top of their class-list Tripos, achieving the highest results in the entire University in their examination results. Overall, the College was sixth in the unofficial Baxter table published by the student magazine, Varsity.
Before celebrating their achievements over dinner, our Scholars gathered in the Assembly Room to sign the Scholars’ Book, in a ceremony presided over by the Master, Vice-Master, Senior Tutor and Praelector.
The Master, Professor Graham Virgo KC (Hon) said: "As the College celebrates the 225th anniversary of its foundation, I am delighted to welcome the new scholars to the Foundation of the College, consisting of the Master, Fellows and Scholars. In this anniversary year, it is especially pleasing to celebrate the exceptional performance of our scholars."
Professor Guy Williams, Senior Tutor, said: "The scholars celebrated this evening represent the highest academic attainments of a very high performing cohort. They have all worked extremely hard to attain their results, supported by the team of academic and pastoral support in the College."
Everyone at Downing College offers sincere congratulations to all our Scholars. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.
Published 12 November 2025