Cambridge to establish Rokos School of Government with £190 million commitment

The University of Cambridge announced on March 31, 2026, that it plans to establish the Rokos School of Government, backed by a commitment of £190 million from investor Chris Rokos. The university said it believed this to be the largest single donation to a British university in modern times.

The commitment consists of initial support of £130 million plus up to £60 million in further funds, with the later amounts to be matched by the university. Cambridge is also contributing undeveloped land in its Cambridge West Innovation District, where the school will occupy a dedicated new building. The school is due to begin operating in autumn 2026 and will host a growing cohort of PhD and master's students. Its faculty will be drawn from political science, economics, history, engineering and statistics, alongside practitioners from government, business, finance and public service. A trust, subject to Charity Commission approval, will oversee the financial undertakings.

Cambridge said the school will combine its expertise in technology and the sciences with the social sciences, arts and humanities to prepare future leaders for domestic and international politics. Times Higher Education noted that the gift exceeds the £107.3 million the university received in donations in 2024-25.