School group having lunch in the hall

School Visits

Balliol College runs a number of events throughout the year to provide students with an insight into life at Oxford University.

Who can visit?

When is the best time to visit?

  • Visits during the Oxford University term provide a more authentic experience than during the university holidays.
  • The University Open Days provide an opportunity to meet academic staff as well as current students.

What will I do during a school visit?

  • Visits are tailored to the age and interests of the group.
  • Groups receive a campus tour, talk with our undergraduates, find out about applying to Oxford and universities in general and usually take part in a library or subject based workshop.
  • A free two-course hot lunch lunch is provided for groups from state schools.
  • Museum visits and workshops, departmental tours, personal statement workshops, information advice and guidance about A Level and University choices are also available.
  • We can arrange tours of other colleges and visits to Balliol’s Historic Collections Centre.
  • Balliol also provides programmes, events and resources throughout the year.
  • FAQs.
  • To book a visit, contact outreach@​balliol.​ox.​ac.​uk.

Sample programmes and activities

  • KS3 students may take part in a library workshop or subject based workshop to develop critical thinking skills.
  • KS4 students may take part in academic taster sessions based at the College or in a department.
  • Our work with year 12 and year 13 students focuses on supporting prospective University of Oxford applicants through the admissions process by providing guidance on personal statements and interviews.

A typical timetable runs as follows:

Feedback from school visits

This trip has persuaded me to go to university and has inspired me to try my hardest to get where I want to be.’ ‑Rebecca Griffiths, Year 7, Queens’ School, Bushey (read Rebecca’s account of her school’s visit).

We found out about the large range of clubs available for students, and arrangements in place regarding student life and financing an Oxford course. We learnt about the range of courses and unique teaching styles offered by the College. We discovered how the University is not just teaching the next generation, but a workplace where experts are conducting pioneering research in their field.’ Dexter Kenchington, Year 9, Parmiter’s School, Watford (read Dexter’s account of his school’s visit).

I thought that our trip to Oxford University was very useful and informative. Our trip gave us an insight to what university life is like. It also gave us an idea of what grades at GCSE and A‑level we need to achieve to get into such a great university such as Oxford.’ — Tiffany Duran, Marlborough Science Academy (years 9 and 10), St Albans

We spent the morning looking around the College and asking questions. It was a wonderful day and was interesting and fun learning how to further our education. Also, we learnt that Oxford University has a unique way of teaching by having specific informal conversations with their professor with only one or two students talking about and doing your own work individually which gives you more freedom. The informal conversations with the professors are to help assist learning and make your learning experience more enjoyable and fruitful. These talks were extremely helpful and showed us how we can advance in the future.’ — Isobel Graham, Year 8, The Nobel School, Stevenage

Booking visits to your school

  • Our Outreach Officer, Pravahi Osman, and our Outreach Assistant, James Cleaver, visit schools and colleges in Balliol’s link regions of Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
  • We offer talks and workshops which are tailored for different age groups from Year 7 through to 13.
  • Our Student Ambassadors are also sometimes available to visit schools and give presentations on request.
  • Contact outreach@​balliol.​ox.​ac.​uk for further information.