Do UK schools have graduation ceremonies?

Many university graduation ceremonies in the United Kingdom begin with a procession of academics, wearing academic dress. This procession is accompanied by music, and a ceremonial mace is often carried.

How do UK graduation ceremonies work?

Calling you onto the stage

Graduands are called up onto the stage in order of bachelors degrees first, then postgraduate certificate awards, postgraduate diploma awards, masters degrees, then doctorates, for each faculty in the ceremony in turn. Within this you will be called up by subject, alphabetically by surname.

Do UK universities have graduation?

Booking your Degree Ceremony

You may graduate in person or in absence, either straight after you've finished your degree, or many years later. If you choose to graduate in person, you will be presented by your college, hall or society.

Do you have to attend graduation UK?

No, you are not required to attend graduation on order to graduate. You can select the option not to attend in the booking task. This means that your name will be not be read out at the ceremony. When you complete the booking task you choose not to attend or defer your ceremony.

Is it called graduation in the UK?

In the UK, a graduation ceremony happens at the end of a student's time in university, where they receive their degree officially.

Do online schools have graduation ceremonies?

What is the equivalent of high school graduation in England?

United Kingdom. In England and Wales, the high school diploma is considered to be at the level of the General Certificate of Education (GCE), which is awarded at Year 13.

What year do British schools graduate?

Students are usually 16–17 in Year 12 and 17–18 in Year 13. While the school leaving age in the rest of the UK is 16 years old, in 2015 education in England became compulsory until the age of 18. After this age, students can leave education if they choose without necessarily completing year 13.

What are the graduation traditions in the UK?

Most graduation ceremonies follow a similar format with instantly recognisable conventions. Students hire a gown, cap and hood to wear on their big day. Black gowns are the norm except for those receiving a doctorate who wear red, while the hood denotes faculty and rank.

How long does UK graduation last?

How long does the ceremony last? Each ceremony usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. The length of the ceremony depends on the size of the ceremony and if there is an honorary graduate.

What is the dress code for graduation UK?

As graduation is a formal occasion, an appropriate standard of dress is expected. For men and women, business wear or formal dress is classed as appropriate. National dress of your home country is also acceptable. Please note that casual clothes such as jeans, shorts or t-shirts are not suitable and should be avoided.

What does graduation mean in UK?

the fact of finishing a degree or other course of study at a university or school, or the ceremony at which you are officially said to have finished: a graduation ceremony. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Qualifications: university & college.

What is university degree called in UK?

A Bachelors degree in the arts (BA) or sciences (BSc) is most common type of undergraduate qualification studied at university. Other work-based qualifications are available from higher and further education (FE) colleges. These include foundation degrees, HNDs and NVQs.

Do valedictorians exist in UK?

A valedictorian is a member of the class who addresses the other graduates with a motivational, uplifting speech. This isn't all that common in the UK, although you may have guest speakers or people receiving honorary degrees throughout the ceremony.

Are there valedictorians in the UK?

There is no such thing. My understanding is that a valedictorian is the person who achieves the highest grades in their group and that that person gives a speech at 'graduation'.

Can you wear jeans to graduation UK?

Graduation is a formal event. You should wear smart clothing beneath your gown. If you are to wear a shirt then a tie must also be worn. Smart but comfortable shoes are important; no jeans or trainers.

Do they read out your grade at graduation UK?

When your name is called, you will cross the stage, collect your certificate (if you have not already received it) and return to your seat. Only your name and course is read out – not the outcome of your degree (for example, a First or 2:1). Names of graduands not attending will not be read out.

How old are graduates in UK?

Typically students finish University when they are 21 years old. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Students who take gap years, go on additional work experience or study in industry or even the course you take can prolong the time you spend at university.

What age do students in the UK graduate?

The education leaving age was raised in 2013 to the year in which they turn 17 and in 2015 to their 18th birthday for those born on, or after, 1 September 1997. The prescribed days are 31 August, 31 December and 31 March.

Do you have to wear a gown for graduation UK?

Yes, you must wear the correct academic dress for your award if you attend the graduation ceremony.

What do parents wear to graduation UK?

Parents are expected to wear smart but not overly fancy clothing to graduation. Most men choose to wear a suit, and women dresses or suits similarly to a graduand.

What do men wear to graduation UK?

A well-fitted charcoal or navy suit will always be considered smart. It'll be appropriate for the ceremony and also look great for any celebrations that may take place after. Team your suit with a plain shirt for a look that is timeless. White, light blue or light pink are great colour choices that won't date.

What age do British kids go to college?

Full-time education is compulsory until age 18 in the UK. After completing secondary school at age 16, British students go on to attend a Further Education (FE) college for two years, referred to Year 12 and Year 13 of their education journey.

Is Education in the UK free?

It is free of charge. Primary and secondary education is not affected by the immigration status of the child or parent. Your child can go to school, even if you have an immigration status with the 'no recourse to public funds (NRPF)' condition, or you are undocumented.

What percentage of UK students go to university?

The higher education entry rate among UK 18 year olds increased from 24.7% in 2006 to 30.7% in 2015 and peaked at 38.2% in 2021. It fell back to 35.8%in 2023.