Oxford International College Review
Located in the one of the world’s most renowned cities for academic excellence, this top-ranking sixth form college offers a day and boarding education to students from countries worldwide. Oxford International College (OIC) is a small standalone college of around 250 students, and offers a strong choice of A Levels, GCSEs and short courses.
Established in 2002, OIC initially provided one to one tuition to school-aged students and expanded in 2012 to become a fully operational college with boarding facilities. In March 2021, OIC was acquired by the Nord Anglia Education Group of over 70 UK and international schools; Nord Anglia also owns d’Overbroeck’s, and Oxford Sixth Form College. By becoming part of the Nord Anglia family of schools, students at OIC could benefit from the group’s collaborations with global institutions including MIT, Kings College London, Juilliard, and UNICEF; they will also have access to Nord Anglia’s Global Campus, a learning platform that connects students worldwide.
The college is led by CEO Yasmin Sarwar who previously founded Cardiff Sixth Form College.
OIC was rated Good in its most recent Ofsted inspection, which took place in 2019. While inspectors praised teachers;’ expert subject knowledge, the college’s ambitious curriculum, and students’ positive behaviour, they said the school needs to improve its SEN provision and personal, social and health education (PSHE).
The curriculum
OIC offers an intensive one-year GCSE programme. All students study maths, additional maths, chemistry, physics, biology and English; options include business studies, computer science, psychology, history, geography, and languages. There are also non-examined subjects including study skills, research skills, teamwork skills, PE and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education).
OIC is for the academic and hard-working. A Level students follow a six-day timetable, which sees them taking short exams in each A Level subject on most Saturdays. Designed for the college’s international student community, the curriculum offers various A Level pathways, and a choice of two-year and 18-month programmes:
- UK universities: 3 to 4 A Level subjects, UCAS preparation
- US universities: 3 to 4 A Level subjects, ACT/SAT preparation
- Universities of Hong Kong/Singapore: 5 A Level subjects, Chinese
- Rest of the world: 4 A Level subjects, plus native language if required
While OIC focuses on teaching A Levels in maths, the sciences and economics, it promises that “all subjects can be offered if the student’s preferred degree requires them” so students won’t have to make any compromises here – something that is reflected in the college’s high annual tuition fees. Students are also encouraged to develop their independent research skills by completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
A standout feature of the college’s curriculum is its focus on careers. OIC has created its own Supercurricular programme which goes one step further than traditional extra-curricular programmes by offering several career-centred activities alongside sports, charity work, and arts clubs. Students have opportunities to attend degree-related guest lectures, complete work experience, and enter competitions related to their chosen career. In addition, all students are supported by University of Oxford mentor who offer them the benefit of their knowledge and experience of applying to a leading university.
Academic results
In 2019, OIC was ranked the UK’s top performing college for A Levels; 92% of grades were A*-A, and 53.2% were A*. In 2020, it maintained this status with 98% A*-A grades and 100% A*-B grades.
OIC students go on to universities worldwide, including the UK, the US, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. The college has high aspirations for its students; in 2020, over 50% of students went on to Oxford, Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London, or London School of Economics.
Campus and facilities
Located just a short walk from Oxford city centre, OIC is housed in a small but modern building with well-equipped classrooms. Students board in purpose-built student accommodations; there is a range of options located across Oxford, all modern and with transport to and from College provided.
The college does not have sports facilities of its own, so students use the nearby Oxford University Sports Centre and Gym for team sports and other extra-curricular activities; membership is included in the college’s boarding fees.
Admission and fees
All students must complete admissions tests in their chosen subjects and an online aptitude test, as well as an interview in person or by Skype. Offers to non-native English-speaking students are conditional upon the student’s IELTS.
Students have the choice of two-year (September start) and 18-month (January start) programmes. Annual tuition fees for the two-year A Level programmes are £23,970 (day students) and an extra £24,210 for the boarding accommodation package.
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