Training courses for architects are introduced within the School of Art. 1931 Visiting lecturers include Kenneth Clark, Noel Carrington and Clough Williams-Ellis. 1934 Technical School and School of Art are merged, to form the Schools of Technology, Art and Commerce. John Brookes is elected the first Principal. It is envisaged that the institution can be transformed into a City Technical College.
Negotiations begin for suitable site.
1949 Classes in catering are started. Purchase of a 25-acre site on Headington Hill is completed. Despite Ministry of Education setting aside 250,000 for first phase of the new technical college's development, City Council rejects plans. Amidst public outcry, public campaign is launched by Kenneth Wheare, Oxford University's Gladstone Professor of Government, to create the new college at Headington Hill. Proposals for new technical college are approved by City Council.