Examination Schools

With stunning architecture, modern facilities, and catering that wows, this unusual venue is ideal for large conferences, meetings, festivals, talks, dinners and much more. Located in Oxford’s city centre, its largest room can hold up to 440 with a further 13 meeting rooms that are truly flexible for 10 to 330. Meeting rooms are spread across two easy-to-navigate accessible floors. A beautiful outside quad provides extra conference room or catering space for 300 when a marquee is used. Combine using this venue with the nearby Sheldonian Theatre to hold up to 750 or try using a number of our venues for large scale events.

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One of the University's largest venue spaces with a total seating capacity for 1800
East writing school, a large sized meeting room for up to 160
South Writing School, a large sized meeting room for up to 440
South Writing School, a large sized space for dining up to 330
North Writing School, a large sized space for drinks receptions, dinners and meetings for up to 330
North Writing School, a large sized space for dining for up to 330
The Great Hall, an ideal space for event registration
Room 15, a meeting room for up to 75
Room 7, a meeting room used as a dining space for up to 70
Room 11, a meeting room for up to 75
Sweeping marble staircases and stone floors create a feeling of grandeur and space
Room 6, a meeting room for up to 100
Room 9, a meeting room for up to 75
Outside marquee with capacity for up to 330 for dining
or an extra 300 seater space for meetings

"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

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Designed by the now famous architect Sir Thomas Jackson, the Examination Schools is brimming with beautiful architectural features from sweeping Italian marble stair cases to ornate wooden carvings, and original Victorian fireplaces. This impressive venue will not disappoint. Considered to be Jackson’s masterpiece, it was built between 1876 and 1881 and was designed to house the University’s examinations a function it still performs today. During the two world wars, the Examination Schools was used as a military hospital and in its basement, signs pointing to the ‘resuscitation’ room can still be seen today.

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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.