Examination Schools

Built between 1876 and 1881 and designed to house the University’s examinations at the heart of Oxford’s city centre, the Examination Schools is brimming with beautiful architectural features from sweeping Italian marble staircases to ornate wooden carvings, and original Victorian fireplaces. The impressive Examination Schools will not disappoint.

This unusual venue is ideal for large conferences, festivals, talks, awards dinners, exhibitions, celebrations and so much more. Rooms are spread across two easy-to-navigate accessible floors and a beautiful entrance hall and outside quad provide additional space surrounded by impressive architecture.

The space lends itself to a range of capacity options to suit your event, whether you are looking for spacious or cosy, large or small. Take a look at our capacity options in the capacity guide to find the right choice for you.

DOWNLOAD CAPACITY GUIDE Download floorplan

Virtual tour of the Examination Schools

Explore the venue online with 360 views, helpful room layout information and points of interest.

Browse venue spaces

North Writing School

This beautiful L-shaped room comfortably seats 330 people theatre style. It can be used by itself for talks, drinks receptions, lectures, or as exhibition and catering space in conjunction with South Schools.

South Writing School

Our largest room, South School can comfortably seat 440 people theatre style and is situated at the top of a sweeping central marble staircase.

East Writing School

East School is a rectangular-shaped meeting room located on the first floor, which comfortably seats 160 theatre style.

Quad

A hidden gem within the grounds of the Examination Schools, the spacious quad is yours to transform. From garden parties to a space to relax, to holding a marquee and creating another room for guests to enjoy, the options are limtless

Room 1

A light and bright space ideal for small day meetings, AGMs, seminars, and workshops

Room 2

Large, bright space ideal for presentations, training, and talks

Room 5a

Perfectly suited to small day or board meetings or as a conference office during large events

Room 6

Ideal for talks, employer presentations, product launches, or as a breakout room

Room 7

Perfect for talks, day meetings, employer presentations, and as a parallel session space

Room 8

Ideal for smaller meetings, seminars, and workshops

Room 9

A bright space ideal for intimate dining, drinks receptions, and board meetings

Room 10

Originally the Music School, this versatile space accommodates a range of layouts

Room 11

A perfect breakout space, workshop room, or drinks reception venue

Room 12

One of our smaller rooms, ideal for interviews or smaller day meetings

Room 13

Perfect as a breakout space or interview rooms during large events

Room 14

A beautifully light room suited to presentations, small product launches and talks

Room 15

A lovely dual aspect space, Room 15 can accommodate a range of events and layouts

"The Examination Schools certainly provided a splendid, imposing and very different venue from the usual sterile modern hotel or conference centre that is so often used."

The Civil Aviation Authority

See our venue in action

How to find us

75-81 The High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BG

Train – Oxford railway station is approximately a 20 minute walk away or 10 minutes by taxi. Bikes can be hired at the train station or around the city.

Bus – The nearest bus stop and airport bus stops are on the High Street just outside the Examination Schools (Queen’s Lane stop). Information about buses in the city can be found here.

Car – There is no car parking on site so we recommend using the park and ride system. Alternatively car parks are available across the city. The nearest one is St Clements.

If you need help finding other University buildings in the city centre, try our searchable map.

Take the next step!

Call us today