On Friday, 13 September 2024, New Hall School hosted its annual Oxbridge Dinner, a tradition that brings together alumni who have studied at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.  This special evening provides not only an opportunity to celebrate the successes of past students but also serves as an inspiration for current students as they embark on the rigorous process of applying to these prestigious institutions.

This year, we were honoured to welcome back our keynote speaker, Professor Pippa Rogerson, the current Master of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.  An Old Fish who left New Hall in 1977, Professor Rogerson shared her delight in returning after so many years, and her reflections on the unique aspects of studying at Oxford and Cambridge, drawing on her personal experiences and her career in academia.

We were also delighted to welcome back alumni from a diverse range of academic disciplines, representing both Oxford and Cambridge.  Luke (2014) shared his experience of studying PPE at Balliol, Oxford, while Dr. Khan (2015) spoke about his time studying medicine at Robinson College, Cambridge.  Anna (2017), a Theology and Religion graduate from Mansfield College, Oxford, and Alfred (2010), a Music graduate from St Peter's College, Oxford, also shared their experiences. Olivia (2022), who is now entering her third year of studying Theology, Religion & Philosophy of Religion at Gonville and Caius, Cambridge, and Will (2022), who is also starting his third year of History at Exeter College, Oxford, added their more recent insights. Finally, Anastasia (2023), who is entering her second year of studying Law at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, shared the highlights of her first year.  All speakers spoke eloquently, and with humour, about their experiences as well as offering advice to current New Hall students looking to apply to Oxford or Cambridge.

The evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our most recent students who have secured their places at Oxford and Cambridge.  Lawrencia, who will begin her studies in Classics with Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Oriel College, Oxford, and Haris, who will study Theology, Religion & Philosophy of Religion at Gonville and Caius, Cambridge, were congratulated for their outstanding achievements.

The evening was hosted by Mr. Goulding, New Hall’s Oxbridge Coordinator and recently appointed Head of Sixth Form.  As an Oxford alumnus himself, he concluded the evening with an inspiring talk about his own university experience and expressed his excitement for Lawrencia and Haris as they embark on the most exciting and challenging phase of their academic journey.