Norrington Table and Oxford Colleges

The University of Oxford and The Norrington Table

The Norrington Table is a key component in assessing the academic success of the University of Oxford's undergraduates.
Norrington Table and Oxford Colleges

The University of Oxford, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and rich history. Among its various metrics for evaluating student performance, the Norrington Table is a key component in assessing the academic success of its undergraduates.

The University of Oxford, located in Oxford, England, is believed to have been established in the 12th century. It comprises a federation of colleges and halls, each with its own distinctive character and traditions, but united under the broader umbrella of the university’s governance and academic standards. Oxford is celebrated for its high academic standards, distinguished faculty, and a broad range of disciplines across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The university’s tutorial system is particularly notable, offering personalized and intensive academic instruction.

Colleges that consistently rank highly in the Norrington Table are often recognized for their strong academic programs and support systems. This can enhance their reputation and attract high-caliber students.

About The Norrington Table

The Norrington Table 🔗 is a ranking system used to assess the academic performance of undergraduates at the University of Oxford. It is published annually and ranks Oxford’s colleges based on the overall performance of their students in final university examinations. The table is based on the results of the final exams, with colleges receiving points depending on the proportion of students achieving first-class degrees, upper second-class degrees, lower second-class degrees, and third-class degrees.

The Norrington Table provides a snapshot of academic performance and is a point of interest and pride for many colleges. The rankings reflect the academic rigour and success of each college’s students. High rankings in the Norrington Table are often seen as a mark of academic excellence and can influence the college’s reputation and appeal to prospective students.

Oxford in the Norrington Table

The Norrington Table ranks Oxford University’s colleges based on their undergraduates’ performance in final exams. Colleges are scored according to the proportion of students achieving first-class, upper second-class, lower second-class, and third-class degrees. The table reflects the academic success of each college and provides an indicator of their overall performance in undergraduate degree classifications. For example:

  • First-Class: Typically awarded to students who achieve a score of 70% or above.
  • Upper Second-Class: Awarded to students with scores between 60% and 69%.
  • Lower Second-Class: Given to students with scores between 50% and 59%.
  • Third-Class: Awarded to students scoring between 40% and 49%.
  • Pass: A grade below the third class, indicating a passing mark without classification.
  • Honours Pass: For degrees awarded with honours, reflecting a standard below third class but with some level of academic distinction.

For the University of Oxford, the grand totals for 2021/2022 (3,052 total students) were:

  • 1st: 1,184 students
  • 2.1: 1,698 students
  • 2.2: 147 students
  • 3rd: 19 students
  • Other: 4 students

You can see the full list here 🔗.

Top Scorers in the Norrington Table

The top-scoring colleges for the 2021/2022 year (based on the number of 1sts compared to total of students) were Merton College (48/86 or 80.9%), Lincoln College (43/81 or 80.7%), Harris Manchester College (12/26 or 77.7%), Queen’s College (40/86 or 77.7%) and St Peter’s College (43/93 or 77.6%).  

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