Background
The University of Oxford operates several nurseries in the city and nearby areas. Due to very high demand, nursery places are reserved exclusively for university students and staff.
The University offers a Sponsored Priority Scheme, which allows departments to purchase priority positions on the nursery waiting list. Please note that a sponsored priority gives applicants higher waiting list status but does not guarantee a nursery place.
Sponsored priority places are released in limited numbers for each two-year cycle. The current cycle runs from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027.
DPIR Sponsored Nursery Priority Places
The Department has two sponsored priority allocations for the 2025–2027 cycle, with one place available in each academic year:
• 2025–26: 1 sponsored priority
• 2026–27: 1 sponsored priority
If no applications are received for 2025–26, that place will automatically roll forward to 2026–27. Any unallocated places at the end of the cycle will expire and cannot be carried over.
Please note:
• A sponsored priority does not guarantee a nursery place.
• Parents remain responsible for all nursery fees if a place is offered.
How to Apply
To apply, you must complete the Sponsored Nursery Priority Scheme Application Form and review the DPIR Sponsored Nursery Priority Scheme Allocation of Spaces Policy before submitting.
Applications are normally held until the closing date for each academic year. After the deadline, a panel will review all submissions.
Application deadlines:
• 2025–26 academic year: Friday 14 November 2025
• 2026–27 academic year: Friday 23 October 2026
If no applications are received by the closing date, the panel may consider late submissions later in the academic year on a case-by-case basis, provided a sponsored priority place is still available.
Eligibility
You must meet both requirements below, as set by University Childcare Services:
1. You are a DPIR employee with a signed employment contract, and your employment has started before submitting the application.
2. You are registered with Oxford University Childcare Services and have applied through them for a nursery place.