AFTER finding a new building in North Oxford, the last all-male undergraduate college at Oxford University is preparing to go co-ed.
St Benet’s Hall in St Giles, founded in 1897 for the monks of Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire, has now acquired a second site after it was vacated by sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart, which is about to leave Oxford.
The acquisition means the college, which already has female graduates, will be able to welcome female undergraduates as well.
Prof Werner Jeanrond, Master of St Benet’s Hall, said: “The acquisition of this building will enable the hall to admit female undergraduates and go fully co-ed.
Our top stories
“Equality is written into the university’s strategic plan.”
Sister Jane Maltby, of the Society of the Sacred Heart, said: “Although we are sad to be leaving Oxford after over 80 years of supporting women’s higher education, the Benedictine spirit of community and commitment to education will further the aspirations we have always striven to achieve.”
St Benet’s Hall is a permanent private hall providing a Roman Catholic intellectual presence at Oxford University.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel