Westcott House

Seeking a new challenge, or perhaps looking to deepen and expand your understanding of Christian Spirituality and Theology? Registrations for our 2026/27 online short course programme is open. Taught as part of our ARU MAs, discover more about the range of courses available: https://www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/independent-study/short-courses/

While travelling in the UK earlier this summer, we were delighted to be visited by Kevin Donovan and his family. Kevin spent some of his formative years at Westcott when his father, William trained for ordination in 1968. Over the years, Bill became a loyal friend and supporter of our work. It was a joy for our Principal to reacquaint Kevin with the House, and Old Court Garden where a special memorial bench in honour of Bill sits near the Chapel. It was wonderful to have their company and to reflect on memories of Bill. There was also time for a spot of lunch with the community and to meet some of our ordinands for a chat about their studies.

Westcott House is seeking an experienced and capable Finance Director. This senior position is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and help us continue to deliver exceptional theological education for the Church. Closing deadline is 12 noon, Wednesday 9 September 2026. Further details of the vacancy, job specification and how to apply: https://www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/about-us/work-with-us/finance-director/

Delving into the college archives, we came across this photograph of our Founding President, Brooke Foss Westcott (pictured on the right) after whom our college is named. Today as the annual commemoration for this former Bishop of Durham, biblical scholar and theologian is observed in the CofE, we give our thanks for his vision and passion for clergy education which continues to guide us.

Congratulations to our alumnus and trustee, the Rt Revd Dr Alex Hughes as he prepares to take up post as Bishop of Brixworth following his consecration by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey on 16 July.

Reflecting after the service, Bishop Alex said: ‘I am deeply grateful for all the gifts of my day of consecration, not least the support of so many people, including colleagues and friends from my time as a student at Westcott and my ongoing association with the House.’ Read more: https://www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/news/westcott-trustee-installed-as-the-new-bishop-of-brixworth/

Great to see some of our independent students and postgraduate associate supervisors last week at our first ever Westcott Summer Writing Retreat which offered space for intentional writing and to gather as a research community.

Over the course of three days there was time to try out different techniques to hone writing skills, and plenty of reflection and discussion – including sessions spent with Dr Lucy Sixsmith, Junior Research Fellow at St John’s College, and Prof. Janet Martin Soskice and Dr Giles Waller, from the Faculty of Divinity, who shared their wisdom on writing as theological and academic practice. Morning and Evening Prayer were said together daily in Chapel, and there was even some social time to enjoy the glorious weather in Cambridge and catch some of the World Cup!

We were absolutely delighted by the recent news that alumnus Will Rose-Moore had passed his PhD Viva! Warmest congratulations Revd Dr Rose-Moore 😊

Will is our first student to complete the ARU PhD pathway offered through Westcott House in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge Theological Federation. More info about Will's thesis & research can be viewed here: https://buff.ly/CodezXp

The House was delighted to host the CTF's Staff Development Day earlier this week. Welcoming colleagues from across Federation Houses, the day started with a bible study from Revd Graham Stevenson, Chaplain at Ridley Hall, before our Tutor for Learning Support, Revd Dr Naomi Wormell, led a session on handling neurodivergence in Higher Education. Our Principal, Revd Dr Helen Dawes then shared her recent paper on the issue of trust. Finishing the day with lunch, it was good to have some time together for continued growth, collaboration and professional development.

It was good to see the College represented at the National Pilgrimage to the Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham last month - ordinands from across the country were invited to serve and help out as volunteers on the day and enjoy fellowship together.

📸 Walsingham Shrine

As we approach Petertide, we hold all those being ordained as deacons and priests in our prayers, particularly our alumni and their families and training incumbents. May they be richly blessed as their grow in their ministries and in the knowledge of God’s love.