Our history
Transformational education since 1840
The story of the University of Winchester started with a mission the Church of England had in the 1830s to create an institution that would train teachers to teach in poor communities. The Diocesan Training School was eventually established by Bishop Sumner in 1840. Its original location was 26/27 St Swithun Street, a grand terraced house only a short walk from Winchester Cathedral. It then moved to Wolvesey Palace before finally moving to the purpose-built buildings on West Hill in 1860 – a building that is still at the heart of our campus today. It was hoped that HRH Prince Albert – one of whose servants had previously attended the College for training – would perform the official opening of the new building; however his illness and premature death in December 1861 prevented that.
In 1840 there were just ten pupils; today we have close to 8,000 students. In all of that growth and change our story, our long history, has followed in the way of the original mission to provide transformational education.
1840
The roots of the University of Winchester began when the Winchester Diocesan Training School was founded as a Church of England foundation, designed to provide training of elementary schoolmasters.
1847
The School became Winchester Training College.
1862
The origins of the University's King Alfred Quarter began when a new building (now the Winton Building) was built for the College, on land granted by the Cathedral.
1928
The College became King Alfred's College.
2003
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) established that the College's standards and quality were fully commensurate with the university sector as a whole.
2004
Degree awarding powers were conferred and the institution became known as University College Winchester.
2005
The Privy Council conferred the title of the University of Winchester.
2007
The RIBA award-winning King Alfred Centre officially opens.
2008
Research degree awarding powers were granted by the Privy Council.
We enhance our sports provision by opening the Winchester Sports Stadium at Bar End Quarter.
2010
Our Performing Arts Studios are built in the King Alfred Quarter and Queens Road Student Village opens.
2013
HRH The Earl of Wessex officially opens St Alphege, a £6.5 million learning and teaching building. The University's investment in campus accommodation continues with the addition of the Burma Road Student Village.
2015
Staff, students and alumni celebrated our history and achievements as part of the 175 year anniversary.
Alan Titchmarsh MBE VMH DL is appointed Chancellor of the University of Winchester.
2020
Almost two and a half years after a groundbreaking ceremony in January 2018, the University took possession of the new West Downs Centre in May 2020.
2024
Hugh Dennis is appointed Chancellor the University of Winchester.