University Challenge: Pembroke College Triumphs Over St Andrews

London, United Kingdom Aug 25, 2026 ALN: The latest episode of University Challenge showcased a riveting contest between Pembroke College, one of the oldest colleges in Cambridge, and the University of St Andrews, Scotland's oldest university. The episode, hosted by Amol Rajan, highlighted not only the academic prowess of the contestants but also the rich histories of both institutions, setting the stage for a compelling academic showdown.

Pembroke College, established on Christmas Eve in 1347, boasts a storied legacy. Founded by Marie de St Paul, the widow of the Earl of Pembroke, the college has been home to numerous distinguished figures throughout its history. Notable alumni include Edmund Spenser, a prominent poet known for his epic poem "The Faerie Queene," and William Pitt the Younger, who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the late 18th century. In more contemporary times, Pembroke has produced celebrated actors such as Naomi Harris and Tom Hiddleston. Despite its impressive lineage and academic reputation, Pembroke College has yet to secure a University Challenge trophy, a fact that adds an element of intrigue to their participation in the competition.

The Pembroke team featured four contestants: Hebe Robertson, who hails from Oxfordshire and is studying classics; Arvin Boraghi from Orpington, pursuing a degree in medicine; Timothy Ho, the captain of the team from Singapore, studying mathematics; and Rory Moloney from Essex, who is focused on natural sciences. This diverse group brought together a range of academic disciplines, which is often a strategic advantage in a quiz format that covers a broad spectrum of topics.

On the opposing side, St Andrews, which was granted university status in 1413 by the exiled Antipope Benedict XIII, has a unique history of its own. The university was a pioneer in women's education during the 19th century, introducing the LLA qualification, which was equivalent to a Master's degree. This initiative paved the way for many women, including notable figures such as nurse Violetta Thurstan and journalist Marie Imandt, to pursue higher education at a time when opportunities were limited. St Andrews has won the University Challenge title once, making them a formidable competitor in this academic arena.

The St Andrews team comprised Barney Young from London, who is pursuing a Master's in Classics; Rowan Pelfrey from West Palm Beach, Florida, studying for a Master's in museum and heritage studies; Harry Howard, the captain from Essex, focusing on animal behaviour; and Hugo Shaw from Murthly in Perthshire, who is studying Arabic and Persian. The diverse backgrounds and fields of study among the St Andrews team members reflect the university's commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive educational environment.

The match began with a challenging starter question that asked contestants to identify the year of significant historical events, including the outbreak of the US Civil War, which followed Abraham Lincoln's inauguration. St Andrews' initial incorrect answer resulted in a penalty, allowing Pembroke's Boraghi to seize the opportunity and answer correctly with the year 1861. This early momentum was crucial for Pembroke, who quickly capitalized on their lead.

Pembroke's subsequent bonuses revolved around films with titles beginning with the same contraction, where they showcased their knowledge by correctly answering the first two questions—"Don’t Look Up" and "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell"—though they stumbled on the third, "Don’t Look Now." This mix of successes and failures is typical in the fast-paced environment of University Challenge, where teams must think quickly and work collaboratively to maximize their scores.

As the match progressed, Pembroke demonstrated a pattern of confidently buzzing in early to secure starter questions, with Boraghi particularly excelling in his role as a vice-captain. His broad knowledge base allowed Pembroke to gain an edge, while St Andrews' Howard, who played a similar role, was unable to match the frequency of his team's correct responses. After ten minutes of play, St Andrews held a narrow lead of 40 points to Pembroke's 35. However, Pembroke soon surged ahead, maintaining their lead throughout the latter half of the match.

At the conclusion of the contest, the score stood at 90 for St Andrews and a commanding 180 for Pembroke, reflecting a decisive victory for the Cambridge college. Rajan, in his commentary, acknowledged the competitive nature of the match, noting, "It was so tight for about the first 20 minutes. And then in the last 10 minutes, they just ran away with it. I don't think that scoreline reflects how incredibly close that competition was. Thank you for playing against a very strong team." This sentiment underscores the unpredictable nature of quiz competitions, where momentum can shift rapidly.

As Pembroke celebrated their victory, Rajan offered constructive feedback, suggesting that while their performance was confident, there were moments where closer attention to the questions could have yielded even more points. This advice serves as a reminder of the importance of precision and focus in competitive settings.

Looking ahead, the next episode promises an exciting matchup between Birmingham and Leicester, continuing the tradition of academic excellence and spirited competition that defines University Challenge. As teams prepare for their upcoming matches, the stakes remain high, with each round presenting new opportunities for glory and recognition in the world of academic quizzing.