This change led to increasing numbers of students studying for and being awarded London degrees, and a movement away from studying Oxford courses (where the female students at Royal Holloway were not allowed to receive degrees, but instead received only a notification that they had completed the class). In her final year as principal at Royal Holloway, eight of the students were awarded First Class University of London degrees Penrose was also the chairman of the classical board and a member of the senate council of the University of London.
This change resulted in more students pursuing and receiving London degrees, while a shift occurred towards Oxford courses (where female students at Royal Holloway were not eligible to receive degrees but only notifications of completion). In her final year as principal at Royal Holloway, eight students earned First Class University of London degrees. Penrose also chaired the classical board and was part of the senate council of the University of London.