Venue
The Oxford Symposium on Employee Ownership will be held at Oxford University. Sessions will take place primarily at the University's examination hall where generations of Oxford students have sat for their final exams before matriculation. Special guests and speakers will be heard in the historic Sheldonian Theatre. Attendees will be welcomed as part of the Oxford community with housing provided within the University modern dormitories, and participants experiencing the participatory dining experience with colleagues and leaders.
The Sheldonian Theatre
Designed by one of England’s greatest architects, Sir Christopher Wren, the Sheldonian exudes a majestic style matching its purpose as Oxford University’s ceremonial hall. Intimate yet grand, guests can marvel at golden eagles, flying cherubim, gilded thrones, and a spectacular 32 panel painted ceiling. A place of pageantry, it has played a key role in keeping Oxford’s traditions and history alive for over 350 years. Many familiar faces have graduated there including 27 British Prime Ministers, 30 international leaders, 50 Nobel Prize winners and 120 Olympic medalists!
The Examination School
Built between 1876 and 1881 and designed to house the University’s examinations at the heart of Oxford’s city centre, the impressive Examination Schools is brimming with beautiful architectural features from sweeping Italian marble staircases to ornate wooden carvings and original Victorian fireplaces. The building was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson (1835–1924), who also designed several other University buildings, such as much of Brasenose College. The designs for the building were prepared in 1876 and it was completed in 1882. The main purpose of the Schools is for the organization and administration of the university examinations. Many of the final and other examinations for the University’s students take place in the building, especially during Trinity Term.
Travel
From London airports - From London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, take The Airline coach service, which runs 24 hours a day. You can also get to Oxford by train from Heathrow via London, and from Gatwick via Reading.
From London Stansted airport, take the Stansted Express train service to London Liverpool Street and then take the tube to either Paddington or Marylebone for direct trains to Oxford. Alternatively there is a National Express 737 coach service.
Train – Oxford railway station is approximately a 15-minute walk away from the Sheldonian 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). When leaving the bus, turn right and walk along Queens Lane for around five minutes. At the end of Queens Lane, go straight ahead, up some steps and the Sheldonian is the building straight in front of you; the entrance is to the right. 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. There is limited metered parking on Broad Street. Disabled parking is available. The nearest car park is Gloucester Green, a five-minute walk away.
If you need help finding other University buildings in the city center, please use Oxford’s searchable map.
For More information on travel, please visit Oxford’s website: How to get to Oxford.