Cambridge University's oldest women-only college, Newnham, stands firm for trans inclusion

Cambridge University's oldest women-only college, Newnham, has reaffirmed its commitment to trans inclusivity by continuing to admit students who self-identify as women - despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that, in the Equality Act, narrowly defines “woman” as someone born biologically female.

Founded in 1871, Newnham College has long stood as a bastion of female education and empowerment. Now, it is making history again by standing up for trans rights in the face of mounting legal and political pressure. The college’s updated gender policy, which explicitly welcomes trans women, reflects a progressive and compassionate stance that honours the lived experiences of all women, regardless of birth sex.

This decision comes in the wake of an April ruling by the UK Supreme Court, which controversially interpreted the Equality Act 2010 to mean that “woman” refers strictly to biological females. Critics of the ruling argue that it undermines the rights of trans individuals and risks legitimising exclusionary practices across public and private institutions.

Newnham’s principal, Alison Rose, has assured students that the college’s policy has been legally vetted and aligns with its values of inclusivity and respect. “We are a women-only college under the provisions of Schedule 12 of the Equality Act 2010,” the policy states, “and we are open to all female applicants.” The governing body has made clear that this includes trans women, reaffirming the college’s longstanding approach since 2017.

While some campaigners have threatened to report the college to regulatory bodies, many within the university and wider community have applauded Newnham’s stance. Cambridge SU, the university’s student union, has voiced strong support for trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming students, stating that “trans rights are human rights” and pledging to amplify trans voices across campus.