Examination Schools

The Examination Schools building was built in 1882 specifically for the holding of examinations and lectures. The architect was Sir Thomas Jackson Bart. R.A. and this building, considered by many to be his masterpiece, brought him from obscurity to prominence in architecture.

During term the University's lectures are held here with over a thousand students coming and going every hour. Examinations are held at various times throughout the year. These are mainly for the degree of B.A., but also include degrees of Master of Philosophy; Master of Science; Master of Studies; Bachelor of Civil Law and a number of other Diplomas and Certificates and also oral examinations for Doctorates. During the peak period in June almost twelve hundred students are seated every day for written examinations. They are all required to attend in sub-fusc clothing (black and white) - an Oxford tradition which is still rigidly enforced.

The building stands on a part of the site of the Angel Inn, which is reputed to have been the first Inn in England. The foundations were built with stone from a local quarry at Headington. The stone in the upper part is mainly clipsham. By 1877 the foundations were far enough advanced for Jackson to raise the question of having a ceremony for laying a foundation stone. This was a matter which had been overlooked and could not be organised at short notice. Consequently Jackson arranged a private stone-laying ceremony of his own, when in 1880 his bride of a fortnight set one in one of the cipollino columns in the South West hall.