Discover the Newly Refurbished Junior Common Room at St Catherine’s College, Oxford
Flexible Event Suite In One of Oxford’s Most Celebrated Colleges
Our versatile Junior Common Room (JCR) event suite has always been popular – and now it’s looking better than ever after an extensive refurbishment.
This exciting event space at the heart of St Catz supports productive meetings, engaging conferences and meaningful networking opportunities – offering you a flexible suite of interconnected spaces that combine modern functionality with the distinctive atmosphere of one of Oxford’s most celebrated colleges.
Whether you’re planning a conference, professional development programme, seminar or drinks reception, the JCR has been thoughtfully designed to help delegates focus, collaborate and connect throughout the day.
Configure The JCR To Suit Your Event
One of the greatest strengths of the JCR is its ability to accommodate multiple event formats within a single venue. The suite brings together presentation spaces, breakout rooms, networking areas and refreshment zones – allowing you to create a seamless delegate journey without the need to move between different buildings.
Our new refurbishment has enhanced both the comfort and functionality of the space, creating an environment that supports everything from keynote presentations and training sessions to informal conversations and collaborative workshops.
The JCR Lecture Theatre: Bringing Ideas to Life
The focal point of the JCR is the tiered Lecture Theatre – a bright, contemporary setting that is ideal for keynote speeches, presentations, panel discussions and conference sessions. This stylish venue has fixed-tiered seating for 80. Additional seating can be added for a maximum capacity of 90.
Equipped with built-in audiovisual technology and air conditioning, the space enables speakers to deliver compelling presentations while ensuring delegates remain comfortable throughout the day. The tiered layout provides excellent sightlines, helping attendees to stay focused and fully involved in the event programme.
For conference organisers, having a dedicated presentation space within the wider JCR suite allows smooth transitions between plenary sessions and smaller group activities.
The JCR Private Dining Room: An Adaptable Breakout Space
Connected directly to the Lecture Theatre, the Private Dining Room (PDR) offers a flexible environment that can be tailored to a variety of event requirements.
The space works particularly well as a breakout room for workshops, training sessions and smaller discussion groups. It can also be used for board meetings, planning sessions or private delegate gatherings. The PDR’s close proximity to the main conference space allows organisers to run parallel sessions efficiently, making the most of the day’s agenda.
JCR Breakout Areas That Encourage Collaboration
Great conferences are built on more than presentations alone. The JCR’s breakout spaces provide delegates with opportunities to exchange ideas, continue discussions and work collaboratively in smaller groups.
These areas can be configured to suit a range of formats, from roundtable discussions and strategy sessions to team workshops and facilitated networking activities. Their integration within the wider venue ensures delegates remain connected to the main event while benefiting from dedicated spaces for focused conversations.
Exhibition and Presentation Space at the JCR
For academic conferences, professional associations and research-led events, the JCR’s exhibition areas add another valuable dimension to the delegate experience.
Organisers can use these spaces for sponsor displays, product showcases, information stands or poster presentations. By incorporating exhibition opportunities within the conference environment, attendees can explore content at their own pace while creating additional opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.
JCR Lounge: A Natural Networking Hub
Every successful event benefits from spaces where conversations can continue beyond the formal agenda. The JCR Lounge serves as a welcoming networking hub where delegates can relax, connect and recharge.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy refreshments including tea, coffee, biscuits and pastries, creating natural opportunities for informal discussions between sessions. These moments often prove just as valuable as the presentations themselves, helping attendees to build relationships and exchange ideas in a convivial setting.
The Café Garden: Bringing the Outdoors In
One of the most appealing features of the JCR suite is its direct access to the picturesque Café Garden.
During breaks and receptions, delegates can step outside and enjoy Oxford’s idyllic surroundings while continuing conversations in a more informal atmosphere. The garden provides an attractive setting for networking, refreshment breaks and summer drinks receptions, helping to create a memorable event experience that feels distinct from a traditional conference venue.
Perfect for Receptions and Social Events
The versatility of the refurbished JCR extends beyond daytime conferences – it is equally suited to drinks receptions and canapé events, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed environment for networking and celebration.
The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces allows organisers to create events that feel both polished and congenial, whether hosting conference delegates at the end of a busy day or bringing together colleagues and stakeholders for a special occasion.
Experience the New JCR at St Catz
The reopening of the Junior Common Room marks an important addition to the St Catherine’s College Conferences portfolio. Combining a tiered Lecture Theatre with breakout spaces, networking areas and beautiful outdoor surroundings, the refurbished JCR offers everything needed to deliver successful events.
If you are looking for a conference venue in Oxford that balances functionality, flexibility and inspiring surroundings, we invite you to discover how the newly refurbished JCR can support your next event.
Contact our team today to discuss your requirements and begin planning your next conference, meeting or reception at St Catz.