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EF Academy Oxford

United Kingdom, Oxford

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £31,000 - 68,055
Ages 16 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 117
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages English, Spanish, German, French, Italian
Typical class size 13
Strengths Sport, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

EF Academy Oxford is an international boarding high school in Oxford, England, offering students aged 16 to 18 the choice of two diploma pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and Cambridge A-Levels. The school provides a personalised graduation path, with advisors helping students select subjects from a range of options. All courses are taught in English, and students prepare for IELTS as part of language support. A dedicated pathways team offers Growth Mindset, study skills, Personal and Social Health Education, and University Preparation. On campus, students live in Marcus Lower (girls) and Brewer (boys) houses, with house systems such as Magdalen, Folly, and Osney. They benefit from Oxford Brookes University facilities nearby, including a gym, climbing wall, library, and sports courts. Graduations take place at the Sheldonian Theatre, and the Divinity School is highlighted as a historic space. EF Academy Oxford provides comprehensive university counseling and ongoing academic support.

Cotuit Hall, Pullens Ln, Headington, Oxford OX3 0DA, United Kingdom

The Essentials

EF Academy Oxford has 117 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.

Location

Oxford, England; in the historic university city of Oxford. The campus sits in the academic heart of the UK.

Stages

Two-year high school programs for students aged 16–18, with options to pursue the IB Diploma Programme or the A-Level Programme.

Type

Private boarding high school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Pupils come from 30+ nationalities; the campus hosts a global community.

Additional learning support

English language support is available, including the EF Academy Preparation Program for students entering in grades 9 or 10 to accelerate English to the level required for the diploma program.

Country affiliation

International; not affiliated with a single country.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is full residential life on campus with daily mentorship and 24/7 support from tutors, pathway managers, house parents, and the wellness team. Students live on campus alongside peers from around the world, which builds independence and a global perspective.

Uniform Requirement

No formal dress code. You can wear whatever expresses your personality; dress in a way that doesn't cause discomfort to others.

Food Options

Evening meals are provided as part of boarding life. After the evening meal, dorm life continues with Study Hall and opportunities for social activities in the dorm.

House System

Pupils are allocated to Magdalen, Folly, or Osney houses upon enrollment. The houses have colors and emblems, and students participate in inter-house games and activities.
Fees

Annual tuition at EF Academy Oxford ranges from GBP 31,000 to GBP 68,055 for 2026/27.

Application and one‑time fees

- Application fee: GBP 60.
- Enrollment (registration) fee: GBP 600.
- Refundable security deposit: GBP 1,000 (refunded less any deductions; reimbursement processed in GBP).

Tuition and boarding fees (annual and per‑term equivalents)

- Tuition (annual): GBP 31,000.
- Boarding fee (annual): GBP 18,500.
- Student life & activities fee (annual, mandatory): GBP 3,495.
- VAT (20%) is applied to published tuition and boarding charges where applicable; published totals including VAT are shown alongside component amounts. The published total annual cost (tuition + boarding + student life & activities, including VAT where applied) is GBP 62,895.

- Per‑term equivalents (simple division of the published annual amounts by three terms — presented as a per‑term calculation):
- Tuition per term (annual GBP 31,000 ÷ 3): GBP 10,333.33 per term (simple division).
- Boarding per term (annual GBP 18,500 ÷ 3): GBP 6,166.67 per term (simple division).
- Student life & activities per term (annual GBP 3,495 ÷ 3): GBP 1,165.00 per term (simple division).

Tuition by year group / programme

- The published fee structure applies as standard rates across the Oxford campus programmes (the same tuition and boarding fees apply across cohorts/years at the Oxford campus). Tuition and accommodation are presented as campus program fees rather than separate published amounts per individual year group.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- First Installment (new students): GBP 3,500 is payable immediately on admission to secure a place (the "First Installment"). Payment of the First Installment confirms the place and triggers cancellation terms.
- CAS / visa requirement: For issuance of a CAS (visa confirmation), payment of 50% of the program fee (tuition + accommodation) is required as part of the documentation conditions.
- Final balance due date: Final balances for a course must be settled no later than June 30 in the calendar year of the course start.
- Continuing students: To secure a place for the following school year, continuing students must pay 50% of the program fee as per invoices issued at the end of the first term each calendar year; if 50% is not paid by the invoice date a late fee of GBP 750 is applied. The total balance is due by June 30 in the calendar year of the course start; further GBP 750 late fee may apply if the full payment is late.
- Overdue payments and sanctions: Overdue fees may lead to suspension or cancellation of enrollment; if all fees are not paid by June 30 a late payment fee of GBP 750 is applied and the school may suspend or cancel enrollment or send the student home for outstanding financial obligations.

Boarding specifics

- Standard accommodation: Shared double rooms for 7‑day and 5‑day boarding are provided as the standard option; single room upgrades are available at an additional cost where approved. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided Monday–Friday; brunch and dinner are provided on weekends for full boarders. Airport transfers at the start of term are included.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Student life & activities fee (mandatory): GBP 3,495 per year (covers Welcome Days, domestic fall immersion trip, weekend activities & transport, laundry card and similar).
- Exam fees (where applicable): IB Diploma exam fee example listed as GBP 550; IB Certificate example listed as GBP 495 (exam fees apply depending on course selection and are charged separately once courses are finalised).
- Travel insurance: A group travel/medical insurance product is included in the program fee for most students (US and Canadian residents have separate insurance arrangements).
- Airport transfers: First airport pick‑up at start of school for all students is included. Additional transport costs for weekend activities and external tickets/entrances are not included.
- Uniforms: No compulsory uniform fee or mandatory uniform charge is published in the school's student handbook or the published fee list; no separate uniform cost is listed among the published "Other fees." (If uniform items are required, they are not shown as a published campus fee.)

Refunds, cancellations and withdrawal charges

- The application/enrollment fees are non‑refundable.
- Security deposit refund: The refundable security deposit is reimbursed in GBP within 120 days after the student's final year with the school, less any deductions for damage or outstanding charges.
- Cancellation/refund schedule (standard policy highlights):
- Cancelling before the specified early cut‑off receives a full refund of paid fees including the First Installment (example cut‑off referenced in the published enrollment agreement: full refund including First Installment if cancelled before the stated early date).
- Later cancellation windows carry specified retained amounts (examples in the published enrollment agreement list staged retained amounts depending on the cancellation date, and 100% of annual tuition/accommodation/mandatory fees is charged for cancellations after course start or for withdrawals after arrival). The agreement sets precise date ranges and fixed retained sums or percentages depending on the timing of cancellation; expulsion carries no refund.

Accepted payment methods and payment processing

- The school accepts payments via its payment partner Flywire and by bank transfer (international payments must include full student name, school and booking reference). Senders are responsible for all bank charges and commissions.

Notes on invoicing and term payments

- Each student receives an individual payment schedule with their initial invoice; invoicing may reflect the timing of the student's admission and the academic calendar. The school issues invoices ahead of each academic year specifying the fees for that year. For summer preparation courses the school requires payment of at least one term of the subsequent course (tuition + accommodation) prior to arrival.
Academics

EF Academy Oxford teaches IB (DP), Cambridge A Levels for students aged 16 to 18.

Curriculum

The school offers two diploma pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB Diploma) and the A-Level Program. Oxford advisors help craft a personalised graduation path by selecting classes from a wide range of subjects. In the IB Diploma, students take six courses per year with three mandatory Core components: Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), the Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge. In the A-Level Program, students typically study three to four subjects over two years, with an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) option. English is studied in preparation for IELTS, and Pathways Support covers study skills, Growth Mindset, Personal and Social Health Education, and University Preparation.

Student Teacher Ratio

Average class size: 13

Exam Results

EF Academy Oxford graduates have a 99% university admission rate, and 92% are admitted to their first or second-choice universities. In 2024, 192 students graduated, many completing AP courses, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, or the A-Level programme. A-Level achiever percentages: 54% A*-A (EF Academy) vs 28% worldwide. IB Diploma pass rate: 82% (EF Academy) vs 80% worldwide. IB Diploma average total points: 31.5 (EF Academy) vs 30.32 worldwide. Worldwide offers include University of Oxford, University College London, Cambridge, and other top universities.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates gain admission to leading universities worldwide, including the University of Oxford, University College London, Cambridge, and other top UK, US, and global institutions; 99% university admission and 92% first- or second-choice offers are reported.
Parent Experience

History

EF Academy Oxford is part of EF Education First, founded by Bertil Hult in 1965. It was launched as a new kind of international school in Oxford, designed to fuse the best of the past with the best of the future, with total immersion at its core. The campus emphasizes personalized, hands-on learning within a global community of 30+ nationalities. Oxford is a historic university city dating back to the 12th century. Students study either the IB Diploma Programme or the A-Level Programme.

Community

EF Academy Oxford hosts a global community with classmates from 30+ countries. Daily mentorship and 24/7 support from house parents, advisors, and teachers help students thrive. An advisory group, led by an Advisor, meets multiple times per week to support learners. Students also engage in real-life learning activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and UK-wide excursions, enriching their campus experience.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

EF Academy Oxford is a private boarding high school in Oxford, England. Boarding life runs on campus with daily mentorship and 24/7 support from tutors, pathway managers, house parents, and the wellness team. Students reside in Marcus Lower (girls) and Brewer (boys) houses, and participate in Magdalen, Folly, or Osney house systems. EF Academy Oxford provides access to shared facilities at Oxford Brookes University, located a short walk down Pullens Lane, including a gym, basketball courts, a rock climbing wall, squash courts, sports fields, and a library. Graduations are held in the Sheldonian Theatre, and the Divinity School is highlighted as the oldest lecture hall in Oxford. Academic programs include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or A-Levels, with customized university counseling and pathways.

Sports Facilities

EF Academy Oxford offers access to sports facilities at Oxford Brookes University, a short walk along Pullens Lane. Facilities available include basketball, rock climbing, squash, gym, and sports fields. On-campus co-curricular programming includes a broad range of sports such as tennis, running, cycling, volleyball, basketball, football, and swimming. Students can also participate in additional activities such as paintball and river punting. These facilities and activities support a physically active and team-based learning environment.

Academic Facilities

All courses are taught in English. EF Academy Oxford offers either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the A-Level Programme, tailored to students' interests and goals. Every student receives personalized university advising and support from a dedicated university and academic counselor. Students have access to Oxford Brookes University facilities, including the library, for study and research. Graduations take place in the Sheldonian Theatre, with the Divinity School as a historic space used for events.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extracurricular activities are an integral part of boarding life with a wide range of clubs, sports, and activities. Clubs include Economics and Business, Model United Nations, Debating, STEAM, Theatre, Music, Art, Italian culture, and Polyglot clubs. Volunteer work, leadership opportunities, and student governance are available through Duke of Edinburgh, OSIS, and Student Ambassador programs. Sports options include tennis, rock climbing, running, volleyball, basketball, football, cycling, and swimming. Additional activities include painting, short-story contests, and river punting.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school has Economic and Business and STEAM clubs, focusing on macroeconomics and interdisciplinary problem solving. Model UN and Debate enable students to engage in real-world issues and argumentation.

Arts & Creative

The Theater, Drama, Music, and The Arts clubs offer performance and visual arts opportunities. Yarn and Book clubs provide creative and literary activities.

Cultural & Language

Italian Culture explores art, language, and heritage; Polyglot encourages multilingual communication and cultural exchange. Culture Fair and related celebrations also enrich language and culture experiences.

Social & Hobbies

Yarn, Mahjong, and Book clubs foster social and hobby-based activities. Culture Fair, TED-Ed Student Talks, and Short Story content provide additional informal opportunities for social engagement.

Community & Service

Volunteering offers opportunities to contribute to local communities.

Leadership & Professional

Student Council and Ambassador Program give students leadership roles, while Duke of Edinburgh provides outdoor challenge experiences and service activities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports include tennis, rock climbing, running, volleyball, basketball, football, cycling, and swimming. Social events and wellbeing activities include paintball, punting, ice skating, hot chocolate nights, and cultural celebrations.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction for all academic courses. If needed, EF Academy offers an EF Academy Preparation Program to accelerate English before starting diploma studies; students may complete A-Levels in Oxford in their native language, subject to availability.

Immersion Programs

Total immersion is the guiding approach at EF Academy Oxford; learning is highly individualized, totally hands-on, in a global community of 30+ nationalities.
Admissions

Admissions

EF Academy Oxford is an international boarding school in Oxford, England. The campus sits in a historic university city. Students come from 30+ countries. The two-year programs are the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the A-level Programme; one-semester or one-year enrollments are not offered. All courses are taught in English. EF Academy Oxford offers merit-based scholarships for students who demonstrate strong academic ability, creativity, leadership, or community engagement. Boarding is full on-campus with daily mentorship and 24/7 support from tutors, pathway managers, house parents, and the wellness team. Class sizes are small and learning extends beyond textbooks. Customized counseling provides one-on-one university advising from early on to help students select courses and target universities. The pathway system pairs classes with clubs, enrichment activities and practical experiences to meet students' passions and future goals. The faculty are experts in international education with global classroom experience. The Advisory Council includes Dr. Fernando Reimers, Dr. Mukul Kumar and Dr. Laurie Santos. Campus visits are possible via a scheduled tour. Accreditations and memberships are listed on the page. Scholarships and financial support are available on a merit basis. The school emphasizes a global, immersive learning environment with a diverse student body.

Scholarships

EF Academy Oxford offers merit-based scholarships for students who demonstrate strong academic ability, creativity, leadership, or community engagement.
School Events
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