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The Class of 2026 returned to Wellington College on Friday 26 June for one final day together, marking the end of their school journey with a Graduation Day filled with tradition, celebration and reflection. From the Leavers’ Chapel Service to the Graduation Ceremony in the G.W. Annenberg and an evening of House celebrations and the Graduation Ball, the day provided a fitting farewell to a year group that has made a lasting contribution to College life.
The celebrations began with one of Wellington’s most cherished traditions as the Upper Sixth gathered for a final service in Chapel before being applauded out by younger pupils. Their walk through lines of cheering pupils, parents and staff served as a powerful reminder that, while their time as students had come to an end, they would always remain part of the Wellington community.
At the heart of the day was the Graduation Ceremony, where families, friends and staff came together to celebrate the achievements of every member of the Class of 2026. The ceremony recognised not only academic success, but also the countless ways in which students had enriched College life through sport, the arts, service, leadership and friendship.
House by House, every student was recognised as an individual. As Housemasters and Housemistresses reflected on the journeys their pupils had taken during their time at Wellington, it became clear that no two Wellington experiences are ever the same. Each student leaves having forged their own path, discovered new strengths, embraced opportunities and contributed something uniquely their own to the life of the College.
These personal reflections were among the most moving moments of the day. Full of warmth, humour and genuine affection, they captured the relationships that sit at the heart of Wellington and celebrated the remarkable growth each student has shown since arriving at the College.
The celebrations continued into the evening as Houses came together for speeches before the entire year group reunited one final time for the Graduation Ball on South Front. It was a joyful occasion filled with laughter, memories and optimism for the future as classmates celebrated friendships that will continue long after they leave Wellington.
As they join the worldwide community of Old Wellingtonians, we congratulate every member of the Class of 2026. We thank them for the energy, talent and kindness they have brought to Wellington College and wish them every success as they begin the next chapter of their lives. They leave with much to be proud of, and with a College that will always be proud to call them Old Wellingtonians.
