British Graduation Songs

[writersaurusrex]

What song (if any) is traditionally played at graduations? (For example, in the US, it's Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D", aka "Land of Hope and Glory".) Or do they play the school song, or does it vary wildly from school to school.

If it matters, it's for the equivalent of secondary school (specifically, Hogwarts

Comments

[lothy]

As with everyone else, there was no graduation in my school (Church of England all-girls school, for context). I've yet to hear of a school that has one even now (though the US tradition of 'prom' seems to be slowly making its way into UK schools).

Our final day in school (aside from exams) was just a half-day and there WAS a short service but it was very informal - some goodbyes from the staff, some silly 'awards' given out that had been nominated by both staff and pupils (I got "most books read"). Then we went to the sixth-form common room where the staff actually provided us with wine. (Then we left and most people headed to local pubs...)

We all came back to the school on results day to collect our A Level results, but it was very much a "turn up when you can, get given some papers and leave" event, so you were lucky if you saw any of your friends unless you pre-arranged to get there at exactly the same time.

We did have a formal Speech Night, similar to what jayb111 described. Ours was in the autumn term and held in a cathedral. The whole school was required to attend, parents were invited, and last years' leavers were also invited.

There were speeches from the headmistress and head girl as well as guest speakers; music from our own orchestra, choirs etc; prizes were given out (both to current pupils and those who had left) and all of the GCSE and A Level certificates were handed out.