Ruskin College is an independent college located in Old Headington, three miles from the Centre of Oxford. It was founded in Oxford in 1899, providing vocational degrees, apprenticeships, and access programs with a social purpose that transforms individuals' lives. We are a small college with big ideas with 118 years' experience of enabling individuals to realize their potential in social work, activism, social care, youth work, public service, politics, voluntary work, and the creative industries.
We specialize in providing educational opportunities for adults with few or no qualifications and aim to change the lives of those who need a second chance in education. Ruskin welcomes students who want to develop themselves and want to put something back into society.
For many of our students, financial, personal, or social obstacles made it impossible for them to seize educational chances earlier in their lives. We understand that. We also recognize that, for many adults, returning to education raises fears and anxieties and awakens hopes and excitement. We offer university-standard education in the informal setting of a small residential College.
- Are you looking for a second chance in education?
- Do you want to get a degree but are not sure you can?
- Did you miss out on exams at school and are not sure you can be a student?
- If your answer is yes to any of the above, then Ruskin is the place for you!
All the staff at Ruskin are aware that many adults are nervous about returning to study. To help with that, we have provided information on how to make an application to the College, our open days, how you can finance your studies (including information on scholarships and bursaries), the College term dates, the excellent on-course student support we provide, our library, and if you are still not convinced, you can read our 'Why study at Ruskin' section!
A society where everyone has access to quality education regardless of their background and the opportunity to fulfill their potential. To provide the best level of education and inclusion opportunities to adults - particularly those who may be excluded or disadvantaged - and transform the individuals concerned and the communities, groups, and societies from which they came.
Ruskin College has been providing educational second chances since 1899. We offer life-changing opportunities to adults with few or no qualifications. This ethos is central to everything that happens at Ruskin and must be protected and cherished. However, the world is changing rapidly, and we must adapt and modernize to ensure that we remain relevant, stable, and responsive. We must make sure that we are producing students who can thrive in this changing world. Suppose we want to continue enriching lives and improve our students' chances of success in an increasingly competitive environment. In that case, we must review what we do, how we do it, and what we offer.
This three-year strategic plan (2017-2020), 'Students First' clearly sets out how we will respond to those challenges. It sets out our vision for preparing Ruskin for a changing world. We will do this by simultaneously protecting our history while securing our future. The 10 'Strategic Priorities' and actions in this plan are closely linked to the existing 'Strategic Aims.' This new clarity will enable the plan's progress to be monitored at all levels of the College.
Our College is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The Governing Executive is responsible for agreeing on the strategic direction of the College and for approving policies and financial plans. There are currently 22 members recruited from the College Council, which comprises representatives from organizations sharing Ruskin's ideals who meet twice a year to offer advice and experience.
Members of the Governing Executive are Directors of the company, registered with Companies House and the Charities Commission, and their role is unpaid, excepting travel expenses. Members commit to attending at least three meetings each year.
The Governing Executive has several Standing Committees that meet regularly, such as the Audit Committee, Finance Committee, and Search Committee. These are listed below, along with the membership and minutes. Other critical governance-related documents, including the College's Annual Report and Accounts, can also be found here.
