If you are considering secondary education in the UK with the goal of progressing to a world-class university, Oxford International College (OIC) is a private boarding school that attracts significant attention from parents and students alike. Whether you are researching OIC’s ranking, fees, or entry requirements, these are all essential factors when planning your application. In this article, Grove Education provides a comprehensive overview of the school, starting with its background and distinctive academic approach.
Oxford International College: Background
Founded in 2002 and located in Oxford, Oxford International College is a private boarding school renowned for its high academic standards and internationally focused curriculum. Established by local scholars and educators, the school was originally designed to break away from traditional secondary school teaching by adopting a university-style approach, built on three key pillars: academic excellence, career development, and personal growth.
Unlike traditional British boarding schools, OIC operates more like an intensive pre-university college, with the sole objective of helping students secure places on the most competitive courses at the world’s top universities.
OIC welcomes students from over 40 countries, creating a diverse and international community. Pupils are able to flourish not only in a rigorous academic environment but also through a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities.
The school’s outcomes are particularly impressive: in 2024, over 80% of students gained admission to Russell Group universities, with more than half progressing to G5 institutions. Among them, over 30 students were admitted to medical schools, and 13 successfully secured offers from Oxford and Cambridge—clear evidence of OIC’s academic strength and standing in university admissions.[1]
Source: Oxford International College
Oxford International College: Ranking
Oxford International College is renowned for its targeted university preparation, intensive guidance, and personalised learning. The school also employs graduates from world-leading institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge as mentors, ensuring that students excel both academically and in the university admissions process. Its outstanding examination results and progression rates are consistently recognised by major UK media outlets and educational bodies.
In 2025, 70% of OIC students achieved A-A grades at A-Level*, and nearly 80% secured places at G5 universities (including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and University College London). Many students also progressed to other top universities around the world, including those in the United States, Hong Kong and Australia—further evidence of OIC’s strong international outlook and excellent track record in university admissions.[2]
Over the years, OIC has consistently ranked among the top ten schools in the UK for academic performance, and its personalised teaching model has received numerous accolades. In its 2021 official inspection report, the British Council highlighted OIC’s robust management systems, rich learning resources, and curriculum design that fully meets student needs, confirming the school’s overall excellence in teaching quality.[5]
Oxford International College: Curriculum
OIC offers GCSE and A-Level programmes for students aged 15 to 18, tailoring progression routes according to individual aspirations.[6] Its faculty includes subject specialists, many of whom are Oxford and Cambridge graduates, as well as holders of master’s and doctoral degrees, ensuring the highest standards of teaching.[7]
One-Year GCSE Programme
International students may opt for the intensive one-year GCSE programme, which covers seven subjects in a condensed timeframe. The course is designed to strengthen both language and subject knowledge, laying solid foundations for progression to A-Level study.[6]
Two-Year or 18-Month A-Level Programme
The college primarily offers a two-year or 18-month A-Level programme, tailored to ambitious students aiming for the UK’s G5 universities or other top institutions worldwide. A wide range of subjects is available, with particular emphasis on science, medicine, law and engineering.[8]
In addition, OIC provides a variety of preparation schemes such as the Oxford Mentorship Programme, which includes shadowing, internships and interview training to give students deeper insights into their chosen fields and university requirements.[8] Courses are designed with a focus on personalisation and independent learning, complemented by expert university counselling to support academic, career and holistic development.
Oxford International College: Fees
Tuition fees at OIC cover up to four A-Level subjects or eight GCSE subjects, as well as IELTS preparation courses for students scoring below 7.0. Fees do not include one-to-one tutoring, textbooks or stationery. Boarding fees cover accommodation, meals, bedding packs, gym membership and extracurricular activities.[9] The following are the fees for the 2025/26 academic year:
| Item | Fee (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Two-Year A-Level Tuition | £33,637.50 |
| 18-Month A-Level Tuition | £25,227 |
| GCSE Tuition | £35,075 |
| Boarding (depending on residence & programme type) | £24,451- £37,995 |
| Day Student Annual Fee | £5,360 |
| Deposit | £11,400 |
| Application Fee | £390 [10] |
In addition to tuition and boarding, OIC charges extra for extracurricular activities. Actual costs for some activities depend on student numbers and external provider fees. Below are the fixed charges, while other optional programme fees can be found on the school’s website:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) | £500 + VAT |
| Examination Fees | GCSE: £175 per subject; AS/A-Level: £250 per subject |
| UCAS Programme (Year 13 students) | £2,250 |
| Geography Fieldwork (compulsory for GCSE Geography) | £550 |
| Biology Fieldwork (compulsory for Biology students) | £550 |
| Perlego Digital Library | £96 per year [10] |
Source: Oxford International College
Oxford International College: Entry Requirements
Entry requirements at OIC vary depending on the programme applied for. However, all applicants are required either to sit entrance examinations or to provide evidence of previous examination results. The general requirements are as follows:
| Programme | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
| Two-Year A-Level | Minimum age 16; IELTS 6.5; entrance examination and online aptitude test [6] |
| One-Year GCSE | Minimum age 15; IELTS 5.5; mathematics and science assessment tests, plus online Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) [7] |
Oxford International College: Application Process
The two-year A-Level and one-year GCSE programmes commence in September, while the 18-month A-Level programme begins in January. Students are strongly advised to plan ahead and prepare application documents early. The process is as follows:
- Submit Enquiry Form – Students may first complete an enquiry form to learn more about course design, fees, and the admissions process.
- Complete Online Application – Fill out the OIC online application form, pay the £390 application fee, and upload supporting documents such as school transcripts, recommendation letters, or examination certificates.
- Sit Entrance Tests – Applicants for the GCSE programme must complete mathematics and science assessments, as well as the online Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4). A-Level applicants are required to sit subject-specific entrance exams and an online aptitude assessment, followed by an interview if successful.
- Await Admission Outcome – If accepted, students must pay the deposit by the given deadline, settle the registration fee, and sign the enrolment agreement. Applicants from Hong Kong will also need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) in order to apply for a student visa.[11]
Source: Oxford International College
Consult Grove Education for Studying in the UK
The above overview highlights the strengths of Oxford International College in both academics and university progression. If you would like to learn more about the latest tuition fees and admissions guidance for OIC, please contact Grove Education. Our professional consultants are well-versed in the admissions processes and teaching models of UK boarding schools, and can design a tailored study plan to enhance your chances of securing a place at a top British school.
References
1. Oxford International College - Oxford International College Celebrates Incredible Achievements with the Launch of the University Destinations 2024 Booklet
2. Oxford International College - Shaping Tomorrow's Leaders
3. British Council - Oxford International College Inspection report
4. Oxford International College - Admissions at OIC
5. Oxford International College - Our teachers
6. Oxford International College - One-year GCSE programme
7. Oxford International College - A-Level courses at Oxford International College
8. Oxford International College - Supercurricular and extracurricular activities
9. Oxford International College - Terms and conditions
10. Oxford International College - Fees at Oxford International College
11. Oxford International College - Oxford International College’s entry requirements