We’re truly delighted to share some exciting news: Oscott and Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (HIRS) are officially joining forces, marking a new era for Catholic education in the UK and beyond.
Oscott College and Maryvale HIRS Unite in Mission for Catholic Education
Oscott College, the Catholic seminary of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, and Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (HIRS) are delighted to announce that they are joining forces. From September 2025 Maryvale Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (HIRS) will formally become a part of St Mary’s College, Oscott CIO but separate from the seminary.
Maryvale has a rich history in the Archdiocese of Birmingham and its mission of Catholic education both at home and abroad complements Oscott’s work of formation of men for the priesthood and the permanent diaconate.
Maryvale HIRS specialises in distance-learning programmes and during the last three years Oscott College has been pleased to welcome Maryvale’s staff and students to use their facilities for the Maryvale graduation ceremony and for occasional lectures and exams.
Beneath the Oscott umbrella, Maryvale HIRS will continue to operate as an independent entity but will have access to Oscott’s facilities and resources such as the library, IT infrastructure, and the accommodation to enable occasional residential gatherings.
Canon Michael Dolman, Rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott, said:
“This is an exciting moment in Oscott’s long history, which reminds us of our shared roots and heritage at Maryvale House, Old Oscott. I look forward to the mutual enrichment that this partnership with Maryvale offers. The work of the seminary and the HIRS are separate, but we are united in our common desire to serve the Church’s mission for education and formation”.
Fr Michael Cullinan, Director of the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (HIRS) at Maryvale said:
“We are all looking forward very much to sharing Oscott’s excellent facilities, and joining with them in our common mission to educate the Catholic community in the UK and beyond in the riches of the Catholic Faith. Maryvale HIRS will continue as an autonomous entity, in a congenial academic environment in which it can flourish and contribute.
“We are very grateful for all the support we have received from the Archdiocese of Birmingham for over forty years, and will always remember our origins as the catechetical provider for the Archdiocese.
“This is a new chapter in our history, and in that of Oscott Seminary, and we pray that by joining forces we can continue to develop our respective roles as higher educational institutes for the benefit of the Catholic Faith in these islands and beyond.”
Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham said:
“The announcement of this news opens a welcome new chapter for formation within the Archdiocese and beyond.
“An important part of the vision of our Archdiocese is to nurture future Catholic leaders in our churches and schools by providing both spiritual and pastoral formation and support – helping the lay faithful to play an active role in the parish community – and helping us all to understand more about our faith so as to deepen our personal relationship with God.
“We look forward to seeing formation and catechesis flourish from this new partnership.”
This exciting partnership marks a hopeful and joyful new chapter, rooted in shared heritage and a deep commitment to the Church’s mission. As Oscott and Maryvale journey forward together, we invite you to pray with us for a partnership that will enrich Catholic education and formation in the UK and beyond.
Learn more about Maryvale and its mission at www.maryvale.ac.uk and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected for updates!