A Royal Adventure: The Education and Skills Garden Party at Buckingham Palace

  The Astrophoria Foundation Year Director, Dr Jo Begbie, and Programme Manager, Caitriona Woolhouse were honoured to be nominated by the University of Oxford to attend a Garden Party hosted by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 14 May. Jo and Caitriona invited two former Astrophoria Foundation Year students to attend as their guests.   Supported by the Department of Education, the event celebrated the Education and Skills sector, honouring individuals involved in teaching and training for young people across the UK. Over 7,000 guests attended, including teachers, students and key figures in the education sector.   

Jo said of the event, "Going to the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace was a truly memorable experience. It was great to connect with fellow educators and celebrate our shared commitment to supporting students. We were delighted to be nominated to attend this event as recognition of the Foundation Year Programme's dedication to creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds not only to access but to thrive in a university environment. We're excited to keep building on this work and to keep making a positive impact in the future."