St Catherine’s College redefines Oxford and is committed to access for all. St Catherine’s can trace its roots back to 1868, when a ‘Delegacy for Unattached Students’ formed. This delegacy enabled students to be members of the University without being a member of a college, thus avoiding the prohibitive costs of an Oxford college.
Visits
Inbound
We host a variety of school and college visits at St Catherine’s College throughout the academic year. A typical visit usually involves the following:
- ‘Oxford Explained’ Presentation
- Q & A with current students (during term-time)
- Tour of College
- Lunch in Hall (provided free-of-charge)
We can also provide two other types of sessions. Firstly, workshops on university life, post-16 decisions and university applications amongst other topics. Secondly, we can run academic session where academics provide an insight into research and teaching at university.
We are very willing to tailor the visits to the needs of your students so please do contact Harry Twohig, Outreach Officer by emailing us at admissions@stcatz.ox.ac.uk to discuss ideas. We also offer virtual Outreach sessions, should that be better suited to your needs.
Outbound
It may be possible for a representative of the College to visit your school or college to give an ‘Oxford Explained’ presentation. Please email us at admissions@stcatz.ox.ac.uk to enquire.
Individual
We recommend individuals wishing to visit the College do so during the University of Oxford’s Open Days.
If you are unable to attend the Open Days then you can visit the college at another more convenient time. You can book a tour of the College by emailing admissions@stcatz.ox.ac.uk.
Flagship Outreach Events
The Catalyst Programme
In an exciting new initiative, we have established a major new outreach programme working to raise pupils’ aspirations regarding higher education. For more information please visit our webpage.
Oxford Cymru
St Catherine’s College, in partnership with Jesus College and New College, will be helping to enhance the outreach provision for schools in all parts of Wales by forming the ‘Oxford Cymru’ outreach consortium.
We are looking forward to working with students of mixed ages, teachers, and parents from Wales, to ensure that all talented students see Oxford as a realistic and achievable ambition. To learn more please visit our webpage.
We are really excited to join this new venture and are looking forward to resuming face-to-face outreach as soon as it is safe to do so. If you would like to learn more about our plans or if you think you might be able to support us please get in touch via: admissions@stcatz.ox.ac.uk
Women in Science Day
St Catherine’s College typically runs a Women in Science Day for female Year 12 pupils who are interested in studying Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths or Medicine (STEMM) at university. The programme, which usually takes place at St Catherine’s College, includes workshops by University academics designed to inspire students and give prospective students a real feel for student life.
Modern Languages Taster Day
St Catherine’s College typically runs a free Modern Languages Taster Day for Year 12 pupils who are interested in studying Modern Languages and/or Linguistics at university. The programme, which usually takes place at St Catherine’s College, includes workshops by University academics designed to inspire students and give prospective undergraduates a real feel for the languages course.
Music Taster Day
In addition to our Modern Languages Taster Day, we also typically run a free Music Taster Day for Year 12 pupils who are interested in studying Music at university. The programme. This is held at the college, and involves taster lecturers and a practical session.
Open Days
If you are thinking of applying to the University of Oxford then we would encourage you to find out more about St Catherine’s College by attending one of our Open Days.
Full details can be found on our College Open Days page.
Partnerships
St Catherine’s College works in collaboration with a number of schemes and charities, hosting and supporting access events and initiatives.
Target Oxbridge
The Target Oxbridge programme aims to aid Year 12 Caribbean and black African students, and mixed race students with Caribbean and black African heritage, in getting into the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. This is done through a programme of tailored support and information. St Catherine’s College is proud to support this scheme financially and in kind. For more information on the scheme please visit the Target Oxbridge website.
UNIQ
UNIQ is the University of Oxford’s flagship outreach programme. Its aims are to raise aspirations of students attending state schools and provide information on higher education and applications to the University of Oxford. Preference is generally given to those from areas with low progression to higher education and/or low socio-economic status backgrounds. Students that apply may go on to be selected for either a Spring residential, Summer residential or UNIQ Digital, all provided free of charge. For more information please see the UNIQ website.
The Brilliant Club
The Brilliant Club, is a educational charity that aims to increase the number of pupils from under-represented backgrounds progressing to highly-selective universities. They use PhD students to provide tutorials to small groups of pupils and increase their interest in learning and academia more generally. St Catherine’s College hosts several events in collaboration with The Brilliant Club throughout the year. For information see The Brilliant Club website.
External Information and Resources
For more information and resources relating to widening access and participation please visit the University of Oxford Access web page. For access to more digital resources please visit this web page.
Meet The Team
Joanna Meacham
Outreach Officer
Jim Thomson
Fellow by Special Election in Chemistry, Director of Studies for Chemistry, College Lecturer in Chemistry, Tutor for Admissions