Neil attended the College from 1958 and completed his Matriculation Certificate in 1966. He was a member of the Music Committee in 1966 and in the same year was awarded the Music Prize. A Mackie House report in the December 1965 Pegasus singled out Hancock in the House Music competition, noting, “N. E. Hancock was found to be highly competent in the instrumental solo.” He also served in the Cadet’s Brass Band.