Oxford International College Brighton

OIC Brighton is in Ovingdean, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 7BA. The campus sits on 23 acres of parkland and ancient woodland, just minutes from the coast and the city centre of Brighton, with easy access to the South Downs and London.

Pre-GCSE Ages 13-14; GCSE Ages 14-16; A-Level Ages 16-18

Independent college

More than 20 nationalities represented; students from over 20 countries

Access to a specialist Learning Resource Centre

England

Shuttle bus provided to and from college (20 minutes)

All students follow the English National Curriculum, including GCSEs and A levels. The curriculum rests on three pillars: Academic Excellence, Personal Development, and Career and University Pathways. It features a Super Curricular programme with Nord Anglia collaborations with MIT and UNICEF and career pathways across Healthcare and Biological Sciences; Physical Science and Mathematics; and Social Sciences, Humanities and Commerce. In Year 9 the core subjects are English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography and Computer Science. The College provides English as an Additional Language support, IELTS preparation in the sixth form, and guidance for university applications in the UK and internationally; class sizes are up to 18 and learning is personalised through a strategy tutoring model.

Class sizes are up to 18 students, with a strategy tutoring model that personalises learning.

Guidance on selecting and applying to university courses in the UK and internationally is provided; the Unifrog platform supports university applications; Nord Anglia collaborations with MIT and UNICEF enhance career pathways, with aims toward admission to top universities around the world.

The curriculum and super curricular programme meet the needs of more able students through advanced courses, competitions, visits to universities, and an academic scholarship programme.

OIC Brighton prioritises happiness and wellbeing in everything it does. A dedicated wellbeing centre houses the counsellor and medical team to support student health and wellbeing, and the college counsellor is available for appointments. The Life Skills programme (PSHE) covers wellbeing, healthy relationships, health and economic education, and develops self-esteem, critical thinking and respect for others. The curriculum supports personal development and aims to promote inclusion, equality, and belonging (EDIB) across the student community.

OIC Brighton has a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Policy. It recognises students with SEND and uses a four‑tier framework: Universal (Tier 1), Targeted (Tier 2) with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Specialist (Tier 3), and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at Tier 4 with annual reviews. The SENCo coordinates assessment and planning, writes IEPs for Tier 2 and above, and works with teachers to adapt teaching and the curriculum. Examinations arrangements and support are considered for SEND, including EHCPs, with processes for adjusting provision. The Curriculum Policy confirms support for SEN and EAL needs through specialist teaching and targeted provision.

OIC Brighton has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Policy to ensure that all students for whom English is not the first language have access to the full range of subjects and opportunities and an equal opportunity to realise their academic potential. The EAL department provides high‑quality EAL provision across the curriculum and liaises with subject teachers to embed language development and monitor progress. All international students undergo pre‑arrival assessment using the Oxford Placement Test (OPT), and IELTS qualifications are accepted for entry. EAL progression includes Cambridge Preliminary for Schools (Year 9), IGCSE ESL and English Language and Literature (Years 10–11), IELTS (Years 12–13), with the Academic English Pathway and GCSE English language support described where relevant.

Mental wellbeing is embedded in the college's wellbeing framework. The dedicated wellbeing centre hosts a Counsellor and medical team, with the counsellor available for appointments. The school emphasises practical strategies to manage academic stress, including organisation, routine, mindfulness, physical activity, seeking support, and screen‑time management as part of the wellbeing programme (OICB ROCKS). A Strategy Tutor provides ongoing guidance and reassurance to students as part of a supportive pastoral structure.

OIC Brighton has a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy with a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL, and all staff are trained in safeguarding and online safety. The policy is updated at least annually and outlines roles, safer recruitment, record‑keeping, and multi‑agency working, including reporting concerns to local authorities when required. The safeguarding framework covers online safety, anti‑bullying, and protection of students, including those with SEND, with clear procedures for disclosures and allegations. The college emphasizes a whole‑college approach to safeguarding and a strong governance oversight of safeguarding arrangements.

OX Brighton welcomes applicants aged 13 to 18 from all backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are accepted all year round, with programmes starting in September including pre-GCSE, GCSE and two-year A-level options; one- and two-term Study Abroad Programmes are available for Years 9, 10 and 12. The admissions journey begins with an enquiry via the online form to confirm places and obtain any needed information. You then complete the online application form and pay the application fee, and may be asked to provide supporting documents such as school reports, reference letters, or exam certificates. An assessment and interview follow: admissions tests are required and vary by year, with Years 9 and 10 taking online aptitude tests plus English assessment, Year 11 taking online aptitude tests plus maths and combined science papers, and Year 12 taking online aptitude tests plus assessments in maths, physics, biology and chemistry. Successful applicants are invited to an online or in-person interview. After the interview a place is offered; offers for non-native English speakers are conditional on IELTS and other conditions may apply. To confirm the place, a deposit must be paid by the date stated in the offer letter. Ahead of the first day, the admissions team sends a pre-arrival guide and documents, and returns them before starting; overseas entrants receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for visa applications. The team includes Admissions Representatives around the world to support your journey, and the overall process from enquiry to offer typically takes up to two weeks, though timelines may vary. The school aims to respond to enquiries within 24 hours (Mon–Fri).