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ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ celebrates the Class of 2026 at Summer Graduation

Tuesday, 28 July, 2026

Graduates from across ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿’s campuses celebrated on a sunny week in Bath, for the 2026 Summer Graduation. Students gathered at The Forum on the 20, 21 and 22 July to mark the occasion with supporters, family and friends, with awards ranging from undergraduates to doctoral students. Graduates from all of BSU’s schools attended, with over 1,500 students graduating across the three days. There was even a new style of handshake brought in for the first time.

Quiet Graduation

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿'s Quiet Graduation Ceremony, held on 20 July, marked the third Quiet Graduation the University has hosted and the first to take place at The Forum. Created to provide an inclusive, low-sensory celebration for graduates who may find a traditional ceremony overwhelming, the event removes common sensory triggers such as loud applause, music and dramatic lighting.

As one of the first universities in the UK to introduce a dedicated Quiet Graduation ceremony, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ continues to pioneer this approach, demonstrating its commitment to accessibility and ensuring every graduate can celebrate their achievements in an environment where they feel comfortable, supported and valued.

Posthumous Award

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ was honoured to award writer, advocate, and BSU student, Jonathan Bryan, a posthumous degree in BA Creative Writing at its 2026 Summer Graduation ceremony.

Jonathan’s award was marked by a video honouring his life, with words from renowned writer and friend of Jonathan’s, Sir Michael Morpurgo.

Jonathan’s creative spark and unwavering determination saw him publish his first book at just 12 years old, Eye Can Write: A memoir of a child's silent soul emerging, with a foreword by eminent children’s author, Sir Michael Morpurgo. 

Honorary Doctorates

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ was proud to award five honorary doctorates for this year’s summer graduation, including two Honorary Doctorates of Arts for actor Maisie Williams, and influencer and Strictly Come Dancing star George Clarke.

Maisie Williams is an Emmy Award-nominated actor, creative and advocate whose work has made a significant impact across film and television. She rose to international prominence as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones, earning two Emmy Award nominations and multiple Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.

George Clarke is a creator, podcaster and entertainer whose innovative approach to digital storytelling has made him one of the UK's most influential creative voices. Renowned for his authentic humour and ability to connect with audiences across multiple platforms, he has successfully bridged the worlds of social media and mainstream entertainment.

After receiving his honorary doctorate, George gave a speech to BSU graduates:

"I’d like to firstly thank ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ for the immense privilege of being given this honorary doctorate. I'd also like to congratulate everyone today on receiving their real-life degrees."

George offered advice to graduating students and joked:

"And once you test yourself once each time afterwards it becomes easier. And suddenly you realise the judgement doesn’t hurt… unless it’s from Craig Revel Horwood in which case you’ll be bringing it up almost a year later at any possible public event."

ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ also gave an Honorary Doctorate of Arts to LaToyah McAllister Jones, to Eddie Ilic for his charity work, and an Honorary Doctorate for Education to Gerry McDonald.

Graduation Flowers

Since 2022, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿’s Grounds team has grown and reused flowers from the Newton Park campus to decorate the Graduation stage, creating a distinctive and more sustainable celebration. Led by Grounds Manager Penny Snowden, the display features carefully nurtured pelargoniums, ferns, ivy and other plants that are tended in the campus glasshouse throughout the year before returning there after each ceremony. What began as a sustainability initiative has become a Graduation tradition, with the home-grown displays continuing to add a unique BSU touch to every ceremony.

It was a wonderful few days of celebration for all involved, and a chance to recognise the outstanding achievements from this year’s graduates. Congratulations to the class of 2026!