What has brought you to Wycliffe Hall?

In October 2026, we will welcome 70 new students to Wycliffe Hall.

Their backgrounds, faith journeys and study interests are incredibly varied. To give you an idea  of our new cohort, we asked just a few of them to share what’s brought them here and what they hope to gain from their time at Wycliffe.

Jacob Soper | Studying for Certificate in Theological Studies (part-time) & Theomousikos programme

What has brought you to Wycliffe Hall?

I had been looking for the right place to study theology for a few years but nowhere seemed to fit what I was looking for. When I found out about Wycliffe, it seemed to tick all the right boxes for me, and after a lot of prayer, the Lord opened the door for me to come.

You’re going to join Theomousikos alongside your studies – why?

I’m really excited to be on the Theomousikos programme! I love music and regularly lead worship at my church, and I hope this programme can help equip me to lead better.

What are you most looking forward to as you join Wycliffe Hall?

The community at Wycliffe was one of the things that drew me in, and so I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and being a part of this amazing community!

Kay Wyma | Studying for Certificate in Theological Studies & Theologos programme

What has brought you to Wycliffe Hall as an international student?

I've been interested in Wycliffe Hall from afar for some time. We live in Dallas, Texas where my husband Jon works in international tax. I think my curiosity was first piqued by NT Wright's For Everyone Bible series, which we've used as a resource several times over the years in our neighborhood Bible study gatherings. His winsome and humble way of inviting people into deep and meaningful conversation about eternal Truth had us all wanting to know more.

That led me to discover Wycliffe Hall and to the Theologos Programme. I instantly loved the sound of it. Wycliffe Hall seemed such a lovely, safe place to engage, to question and to learn through conversation, listening, hearing, lingering and contemplation. I wanted to apply then and there, but my life-stage required me to stay close to home. 

This year, with our youngest in University, life opened a window to be able to have a year abroad. And, I am so thankful and excited to be joining this amazing community.

What are you most looking forward to as you join Wycliffe Hall?

I'm most excited to have the opportunity to consider ideas with and ask questions to people who know a lot more than I do.

Charlotte Gauthier | Ministerial formation: bespoke postdoctoral programme 

What has brought you to Wycliffe Hall?

My tradition is Prayer Book Catholic, so Wycliffe wasn’t the immediately obvious option. What drew me here was the emphasis on scholarship and community, and the fact that absolutely everyone I’ve met so far has been lovely. That really helps if you’re going to spend two years in a place!

You’ll be training to become a priest. What’s your journey towards ordination been like?

Not the most linear! I was raised Presbyterian and became a Dawkins-style atheist for many years. I came to faith whilst studying for my first MA (in crusader studies, of all things!) and was confirmed in 2019. People started asking me immediately “when” I would be a priest. I held out for quite a long time before beginning the discernment process, but in a paradoxical sense that’s been a blessing. 

For the past 3+ years I’ve been overseeing lay ministry training for Southwark Diocese. I’m looking forward to writing my first academic monograph, based on my doctoral work, on late medieval/early modern religious conflict and diplomacy whilst at Wycliffe.

What are you most looking forward to as you join Wycliffe Hall?

I’m looking forward to getting stuck into biblical studies - especially languages, which I love.

BriAnn Stephens | Studying for BA in Theology and Religion

What has brought you to Wycliffe Hall?

I was drawn to Wycliffe Hall by its dedicated mission to renew Christian prayer, character, preaching, and thinking. The community lives out what’s actually being taught in the lecture halls. Given my passion for discipling diverse communities and revitalizing their Christian focus, I am confident that Wycliffe will challenge and equip me to communicate deep, robust theological truths effectively.

You’ll be studying a BA at Oxford as an international student – what appeals to you about that?

I am most excited to experience Oxford’s tutorial system and to learn alongside my peers. Whereas the standard U.S. undergraduate lecture model often focuses primarily on content delivery and coverage, the tutorial approach fosters rigorous critical engagement and intellectual precision.

What are you most looking forward to as you join Wycliffe Hall?

One goal for my time at Wycliffe is learning to articulate complex ideas with the nuance and poise necessary to be an effective lecturer and published writer. Yet beyond scholarly craft, my greater hope is that the daily rhythms of study, prayer, and shared community life refine my character, teaching me to love more faithfully even as I learn to think more rigorously.

I am praying for an extraordinary, fruitful year ahead for all of my fellow students, tutors, and lecturers.