HE Graduation Ceremony 2026
Our 2026 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday 16 October 2026.
Please note that bookings close at 6.00pm on Sunday 6 September 2026, so be sure to secure your place before the deadline.
Your moment to celebrate
Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating. It’s an opportunity to reflect on everything you’ve achieved during your higher education journey at North Devon College, recognise the commitment and resilience that have brought you to this moment, and celebrate your success with the family, friends and supporters who have been part of your journey.
This year is especially significant as it marks North Devon College’s first-ever graduation ceremony at the magnificent Exeter Cathedral. As one of the first North Devon College graduates to celebrate in this iconic setting, you’ll be part of a proud new tradition and an exciting chapter in the college’s history.
Your graduation day will begin with a formal procession through the heart of Exeter before you gather with fellow graduates inside the stunning cathedral for the ceremony itself. Together, you’ll celebrate your achievements, recognise the dedication that has led you here, and mark the end of one chapter as you look ahead to the opportunities that lie before you.
Whether you’re progressing into your career, continuing your studies or taking your next step in a different direction, graduation is a moment to pause, celebrate and take pride in everything you’ve accomplished.
We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you. Take a look at the information below to help you prepare for your graduation day and make the most of this memorable milestone.
Graduation Day Schedule
9.00am – 9.30am: Graduate arrival and check-in
Arrive at The Rougemont Hotel, Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3SP.
Please note: Due to limited space, guests cannot enter the hotel unless they have booked professional photography.
9.30am – 10.00am: Academic gowning
Collect your graduation gown and get ready for the ceremony.
10.00am – 10.45am: Breakfast and drinks reception
Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and drinks reception with fellow North Devon College graduates and tutors in the Hartington Bar.
10.30am: Cathedral opens to guests
Guests with valid tickets can enter Exeter Cathedral and take their seats.
10.45am: Procession briefing
Graduates will receive a briefing before the formal procession begins.
11.00am – 11.20am: Graduation procession
Join the formal procession from The Rougemont Hotel to Exeter Cathedral.
11.15am: Guests seated
All guests should be seated inside Exeter Cathedral before the ceremony begins.
11.30am – 12.30pm: Graduation Ceremony
Celebrate your achievements during the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group Graduation Ceremony at Exeter Cathedral.
After the ceremony: Celebrate with family and friends
Take photographs, celebrate your success and enjoy this special milestone with your guests before continuing your celebrations.
Got any questions?
Please contact us if you have any queries by emailing graduation@exe-coll.ac.uk or phone 01392 400224.
GRADUATION FAQs
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.Â
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.
Marston Events are providing the caps and gowns, which students must wear to attend the ceremony.
You can book your cap and gown when bookings for 2026 open.
Live chat is available on the Marston Events website for any gown or photography queries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No. The graduation ceremony will not be live streamed or recorded.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Student invitations are sent by email in July to the personal email address 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.
