Exceptional students admitted as Scholars of St John’s at historic candlelit ceremony

Part of a 500-year tradition, the new cohort signed the Scholars’ Book alongside historic names such as the poet William Wordsworth and former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh.

A group of 107 students and recent alumni formally became Scholars of St John’s during the annual Admission of Scholars ceremony in recognition of their academic excellence.

Undergraduates who achieved a First in their examinations and postgraduate Benefactors’ Scholars were formally admitted as Scholars during the candlelit ceremony conducted in Latin by the Master, Heather Hancock.The students were presented to the Master by their Tutor at the twilight event on Wednesday 5 November 2025.

Each student then signed the Scholars’ Book and was welcomed into the Foundation of the College. The ceremony took place in the Combination Room, famously used by military leaders during the Second World War to plan the D-Day landings.

Photos credit: Nordin Ćatić

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