Oxford Colleges release degree results for 2007 (‘Norrington table’)
3 August 2007
The Colleges of Oxford University have published their degree results for 2007. The online table of results , also known as the ‘Norrington Table’, shows how many undergraduate degrees were gained in total for each College and Permanent Private Hall, and breaks that information down by degree classification.
A ‘Norrington Score’ is given by applying a formula which expresses overall finals attainment. The current table is an initial version which will be updated in October once a handful of degree results under appeal are resolved. These could change the ranking.
In interpreting the data it should be noted that the number of students per college is relatively small and the rankings are therefore of limited statistical significance. However, since there is clearly an interest in the tables in the media and public, the results are published so that everyone has access to the data.
This year finds Merton College remaining in the top spot, a position it has now held for several years running. The Warden of Merton College, Professor Jessica Rawson, said: ‘Our undergraduates have enjoyed extremely good examination results for many years and we think this is because they create among themselves a spirit of intellectual co-operation that enables each them to realise their potential. A college like Merton provides the kind of environment that can help them give of their best, but it could not be achieved without the dedicated support of both the academics and the non-academic staff.’
Degrees at Oxford are awarded by the University, not the individual Colleges, and examinations are set and marked by the University. Teaching is provided by both the University (on a departmental basis through lectures, seminars and practical work) and by the student’s College (through tutorials).
Oxford Colleges, though independent and self-governing, form a core part of the University, to which they are related in a federal system. Thirty of the Colleges admit students for undergraduate degrees.
There are also seven Permanent Private Halls, which were founded by different Christian denominations, and which still retain their religious character. They all admit students for undergraduate degrees. Degree information for Permanent Private Halls is presented separately from the Colleges because the numbers are so small as to make comparisons meaningless.