Graham Virgo

BCL (Oxon), MA, KC (Hon), Bencher of Lincoln's Inn


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Graham was installed as the 19th Master of Downing College on 2 October 2023.

Professor Virgo read Law at Downing College in the mid-1980s, before heading to Christ Church, Oxford to read for the Bachelor of Civil Law degree. Intending to become a barrister, he attended Bar School in London, but was encouraged to return to Downing in 1989 as a Law fellow. Over the years Professor Virgo has held numerous roles within College, including Tutor, Director of Studies and he was the Senior Tutor for a decade. 

He was appointed to a University Lectureship in the Law Faculty in 1992, and he currently holds a personal chair in English Private Law. In 2014 he was appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education in the University, and in 2018 became Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor. In this role, Professor Virgo has led major initiatives, including the creation of the Foundation Year programme, the launch of the Stormzy Scholarship for UK Black students and changes to provision for mental health and wellbeing.

Professor Virgo is married with two children. His met his wife Cally when she was a research fellow in Classics at Downing, and they were married in the College Chapel in 1993 (so far the only marriage between two Fellows of the College in its history).