The Norrington Table

The Norrington Table score is a system that quantifies the academic performance of Oxford University’s colleges based on the degree classifications of undergraduate students in their final examinations. In this system, the score is presented as a percentage, with each degree classification allotted a specific point value as detailed below:

5 points for a first-class honours degree
3 points for an upper second-class honours degree (2:1)
2 points for a lower second-class honours degree (2:2)
1 point for a third-class honours degree
0 points for a pass or honours pass degree

To determine the percentage score for each college, the college’s total score is divided by the highest achievable score the college could attain. This is calculated by multiplying the number of degrees awarded by the college by 5 (the maximum point value for a first-class honors degree). The resulting figure is then expressed as a percentage and rounded to two decimal places for precision.

How Does The Norrington Table Work?

Here’s a hypothetical example of what a Norrington Table might look like and illustrated using a diagram.

Let’s assume we have data for five Oxford colleges for the sake of this example:

Magdalen College
Balliol College
Christ Church
Merton College
Exeter College

The Norrington Table typically uses a points system to rank colleges based on the class of degrees obtained by their students. For simplicity, let’s assume the following points for each class of degree:

First Class: 5 points
Upper Second (2:1): 3 points
Lower Second (2:2): 2 points
Third Class: 1 point

Here’s some hypothetical data:

Magdalen College: 10 Firsts, 8 Upper Seconds, 5 Lower Seconds, 2 Thirds
Balliol College: 8 Firsts, 10 Upper Seconds, 4 Lower Seconds, 3 Thirds
Christ Church: 9 Firsts, 9 Upper Seconds, 6 Lower Seconds, 1 Third
Merton College: 7 Firsts, 11 Upper Seconds, 5 Lower Seconds, 2 Thirds
Exeter College: 6 Firsts, 12 Upper Seconds, 7 Lower Seconds, 0 Thirds

Let’s calculate the total points for each college and then visualize it.

Significance of the Norrington Table for Oxford Colleges

The Norrington Table serves as a pivotal metric for Oxford Colleges in various capacities:

It furnishes a ranking of the colleges rooted in the academic accomplishments of their undergraduate students during their final examinations. This helps to spotlight the colleges that are excelling academically.
The table acts as a resource for prospective students and their families, enabling them to gauge the academic caliber of the different colleges. This information is often crucial when choosing a college that aligns well with their academic aspirations.
Colleges themselves leverage the Norrington Table to assess their academic performance, taking note of their strengths and weaknesses. This enables them to identify areas for improvement, thereby raising the overall standard of education they offer.
The university administration utilizes the table to allocate resources and funding to the colleges. Colleges that perform well academically are likely to receive more support, ensuring that high standards are maintained.
Beyond its functional uses, the Norrington Table also fosters a sense of pride and competition among the colleges. Those that secure top rankings enjoy heightened recognition and prestige within the Oxford University community.

In summary, the Norrington Table serves as an essential barometer of academic excellence for Oxford Colleges. It plays a crucial role in shaping both the academic culture and the reputation of the university as a whole.

Who Was Sir Arthur Norrington?

Sir Arthur Norrington was an influential figure in the academic world, particularly at the University of Oxford. He served as the president of Trinity College, Oxford, from 1944 to 1958. Norrington is perhaps best known for the Norrington Table, an annual ranking of the performance of students in undergraduate degree examinations at Oxford. The table has been in existence since the late 1960s and is named in his honor.

Sir Arthur Norrington was a strong advocate for academic excellence and played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape at Oxford. His contributions have had a lasting impact, and the Norrington Table continues to be a subject of interest and debate in the academic community.

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Iain

Chief Guide at Oxford University Tours

Iain is the owner operator and Chief Guide at Oxford University Tours. An Oxford University graduate who read Modern Languages at Jesus College, he is also a member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding, holder of the prestigious Green Badge guiding qualification, and an accredited Christ Church, Oxford guide. He is a proud member of Oxford’s exclusive Guild of Tour Guides.