Newnham College, Cambridge

05/10/2026

Wonderful to welcome our new undergraduate and postgraduate students today for Matriculation and, for most, the official start of their time at Newnham

02/10/2026

🎓 A proud Newnham tradition and a new chapter for the College

This evening we celebrated the Solemn Admission of Professor Jacqueline Morgan as Newnham's fourteenth Principal.

Established in 1922 in the wake of the University's rejection of women's right to receive degrees and participate in governance, the distinctive Newnham ceremony of Solemn Admission serves as both a welcome for new Fellows and a powerful reminder of Newnham's pioneering history.

During the ceremony, Jacqueline made her Solemn Promise to serve the College and promote its welfare, while new Fellows Dr Nicole Stybnarova, Dr Sing Teng Chua and Dr Aliya Abdukadir Ali, also pledged to uphold Newnham's mission as a place of education, learning and research.

More than a century on, this distinctive ceremony continues to connect Newnham's future with the generations of women who fought for their place within the University. Here's to the next chapter. 💜



Photo credit: Philip Mynott

01/10/2026

We are so excited to welcome our newest cohort of witty, curious and gloriously rebellious young women, who now join Newnham's long tradition of pioneers, pathfinders and trailblazers.

They will be met by a College waiting with open arms, and an exciting programme of events planned by staff, academics and our fabulous student Freshers' Committee all ready to help them feel at home from day one.

29/09/2026

Join us for an unforgettable evening of piano and song with two of Britain's finest artists - internationally acclaimed soprano Lucy Crowe OBE and celebrated pianist Anna Tilbrook.
Autumn Leaves is a glorious programme inspired by the beauty and richness of the season. From the luminous Four Last Songs by Strauss to the romance of Dvořák's Gypsy Songs, Autumn Leaves weaves together an exquisite collection of music inspired by the changing seasons. Featuring works by Felix and F***y Mendelssohn, Chaminade, Fauré and Madeleine Dring, this promises to be an evening of musical brilliance.
Book early to secure your seats https://autumnleaves2026.eventbrite.co.uk
Adults £30; Students £15 to include a pre and interval drinks

Music for an autumn evening.

25/09/2026

We are becoming increasingly excited to welcome our students back next week. Throughout the summer, staff and academics have ensured that College remains a vibrant centre of teaching, research and scholarship. Yet it is the return of our students that completes the picture, enriching our halls, grounds and library with the intergenerational exchange of ideas and perspectives that makes our academic community so distinctive.

22/09/2026

Looking forward to the Cambridge Greek Play, Ion by Euripides, in which two of our students (Eva Cotton and Corinna Scullion) are participating.

15/09/2026

Really interesting podcast featuring our Fellow Claire Hughes discussing new parents

14/09/2026

Principal Professor Jacqueline Morgan, Director of Development Sarah Carthew and Undergraduate Admissions Tutor Dr Sam Lucy (NC 1991) have travelled on to Hong Kong to visit Newnham alumnae based there. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to meet and connect with our alumnae community in Hong Kong.
Our heartfelt thanks to all the alumnae groups and organisers who have so generously given their time and support to make this trip to Hong Kong such a special and memorable experience.

12/09/2026

Principal, Professor Jacqueline Morgan, together with Development Director Sarah Carthew and Undergraduate Admissions Tutor Dr Sam Lucy (NC 1991) have enjoyed a fantastic week visiting Newnham alumnae based in Singapore.
They have had a packed itinerary with an evening event at the historic Padang, the Singapore Cricket Club Ground, hosted by the Chair of the Singapore Cricket Association, whose daughter is Newnham alumna Cazra Gaznavi (NC 2022); an event at the Gardens by the Bay as well as subject-specific lunches for alumnae. It has been a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with our alumnae community in Singapore.
With grateful thanks to the alumnae groups and organisers who have made this trip to Singapore so special.

01/09/2026

Today, Professor Jacqueline Morgan begins her role as Principal of Newnham College, University of Cambridge marking an exciting new chapter in our 155-year history.

Born in Glasgow and the first in her family to attend university, she studied at the University of Glasgow before completing a doctorate at the University of Oxford. Her appointment represents a return to Newnham, where she began her Cambridge career in 1999 as Director of Studies and College Teaching Officer in English.

For the past decade, Jacqueline has served as Senior Tutor of Clare College, Cambridge, leading on student support, bursary provision, and educational assessment, while chairing numerous University committees. She is currently on secondment from her role as Professor of Medieval English and Scots in the Faculty of English, University of Cambridge, and is widely recognised for her scholarship on Chaucer and the literature of the later Middle Ages.

"I look forward to working with the fellowship, staff, and students, drawing on my academic experience to champion this community of exceptional women."

We look forward to the next chapter under her leadership.