Graduation
Graduation
It’s time to celebrate your achievements
This year’s graduation ceremony will be on:
Friday 16 October 2026
A unique graduation experience
Your moment to celebrate
Your graduation is a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and celebrate all that you’ve achieved during your time studying at Exeter College. It is the culmination of your dedication, perseverance, and hard work, and an opportunity to share your success with those who have supported you throughout your journey.
The day begins with a formal procession through the heart of Exeter, before graduates gather at Exeter Cathedral for the ceremony itself. Graduation is a truly memorable occasion that recognises your achievements and marks the next stage of your future.
We look forward to celebrating with you. Please explore the information below to help you prepare for your graduation day and make the most of this special occasion.
Your Graduation Day
8:45am – 9:15am: Arrival and check-in
Exeter College graduates should arrive at The Rougemont Hotel, Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SP to check in.
Please note that, due to limited space, guests are not permitted in the hotel unless they are attending for professional booked photography.
9:00am – 10:00am: Gowning
Graduates will collect their gowns.
10:00am – 10:45am: Complimentary breakfast reception
A complimentary breakfast drinks reception will be held for Exeter College graduates and tutors in the Devonshire Suite at The Rougemont Hotel.
10:30am: Cathedral doors open
Guests with valid tickets enter Exeter Cathedral.
10:45am: Procession briefing
Graduates will receive a briefing before the procession.
11:15am: Guests seated
All guests should be seated in Exeter Cathedral.
11:30am – 12:30pm: Graduation ceremony
The graduation ceremony takes place in Exeter Cathedral.
From 1:00pm: Post-ceremony photography
Students are invited to take photographs outside Exeter Cathedral following the ceremony.
Everything you need to know
Booking Deadline
Bookings will be strictly closing on Sunday 6 September at 6pm.
Ordering your cap and gown
All graduates must wear academic gowns and caps for the ceremony. You can book your cap and gown with Marston Events when bookings for 2026 open.
Live chat is available on the Marston Events website for any gown queries.
Guest Tickets
Each graduate receives two complimentary guest tickets. You book your guest tickets at the same time as confirming that you are graduating.
If any extra tickets are available after this, they will be on a first come, first served basis on the day at the cathedral.
Photography
Professional photos will be taken by Marston Events.
Details for booking to be confirmed.
Live chat is available on the Marston Events website for any gown or photography queries.
Frequently asked questions
When will I receive my official invitation to the ceremony?
Student invitations were sent by email on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to the personal and student email addresses registered on your student record.
If you haven’t received your invitation by Monday 27 July, please contact us at graduation@exe-coll.ac.uk.
What if I can’t attend the ceremony?
If you’re unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing graduation@exe-coll.ac.uk so we can remove your name from the ceremony running order.
Can I bring more than two guests?
Each graduate is entitled to up to two complimentary guest tickets.
Any remaining tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the ceremony.
What should I wear underneath my gown?
Graduation is a formal occasion, so we ask graduates and guests to wear smart attire.
All graduates are required to wear an official cap and gown, which must be ordered in advance when booking your place with Marston Events.
If you have any questions about your gown, cap or booked photography, please contact Marston Events directly.
Can I take photographs during the ceremony?
You’re welcome to take photographs inside Exeter Cathedral before and after the ceremony.
During the formal ceremony, including the procession and when graduates cross the stage, we ask that guests remain seated and avoid using flash photography or moving around to take pictures, as this can disrupt the ceremony for others.
An official photographer will be capturing the event throughout the day, and images will be available afterwards.
Is the ceremony accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes. Exeter Cathedral is fully accessible, with level-access entrances and dedicated seating for wheelchair users and guests with mobility needs. Please view Exeter Cathedral accessibility information.
If you or one of your guests requires accessibility support, please email graduation@exe-coll.ac.uk as soon as possible so we can make the appropriate arrangements.
Will the ceremony be recorded or live streamed?
No. The graduation ceremony will not be live streamed or recorded.
What happens if I am late on the day?
Please aim to arrive at The Rougemont Hotel by 8:45am.
If you’re unavoidably delayed, go straight to the reception area and speak to a member of staff. We’ll do our best to include you in the procession where possible.
How do I return my gown?
Please return your cap and gown to the Cavendish Suite at The Rougemont Hotel by 4pm on Friday 16 October.
Late returns may incur a charge from Marston Events. Please ensure you return the complete gown set provided.
What is the best way to get to there, and where is parking?
Graduation takes place across two city centre venues: The Rougemont Hotel and Exeter Cathedral.
By Car:
Parking is available at a number of nearby city centre car parks. Visit the Exeter City Council website for the latest parking information.
By Public Transport:
We encourage graduates and guests to travel by public transport where possible.
The Rougemont Hotel is located directly opposite Exeter Central railway station, and Exeter Cathedral is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
Take a look back at Graduation 2025
Got any questions?
Please contact us if you have any queries by emailing graduation@exe-coll.ac.uk or phone 01392 400224.