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St Clare's

United Kingdom, Oxford

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £44,802 - 49,730
Ages 15 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 278
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1953
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Mandarin, Spanish, German, French
Typical class size 15
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Languages, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St Clare’s, Oxford, founded in 1953, operates as a co-educational day and boarding college in North Oxford. It is the longest-established International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in England. The curriculum focuses on the IB Diploma Programme for students aged 16 to 19, alongside a Pre-IB pathway and Middle School options for younger students. The campus consists of 25 Victorian and Edwardian buildings integrated into the residential Summertown area, featuring specialized science laboratories, an art studio, and a dedicated library with over 35,000 volumes. Students benefit from the "Oxford as a Classroom" initiative, which utilizes the city’s university museums and academic resources for field trips and research. Residential life is organized across several houses, where boarders from over 45 nations live in a supervised environment. The college is known for its history as a center for international cooperation and its focus on preparing students for university entry through a non-denominational, multicultural lens.

139 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 7AL, United Kingdom

The Essentials

St Clare's has 278 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
St Clare's is located in North Oxford, near the city centre of Oxford. The main reception and IB campus are at 139 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7AL, United Kingdom. The school operates with two campuses during the academic year and a third in summer, reflecting its international college and IB offerings.

Stages
Levels include a Pre-IB course and a Middle School Programme as part of the IB pathway, culminating in the IB Diploma. The International College offers a University Foundation Programme, English plus Academic Subjects, and an Undergraduate Programme.

Type
Independent, coeducational school in North Oxford.

Additional learning support
St Clare's provides learning support for students with learning difficulties or disabilities. A Learning Support Coordinator leads assessment and planning, arranging Educational Psychologist reports and Individual Education Plans (IEPs). The program includes inclusive assessment arrangements for IB and related courses.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
St. Clare's has 12 residential houses in North Oxford. Houses are single-sex and accommodation aims to mix cultural backgrounds within each house; a ballot determines the allocation of single, double and triple rooms and which house the student will live in for IB2. Residential IB and PIB students are full-board; each house has a kitchen for light snacks and a laundry, with sheets, pillowcases and towels laundered by the College. The College offers places to students either as boarders or non-residential (day) students under separate offer letters.

Food Options
Residential IB and PIB students are full-board. Each house has a kitchen for light snacks.

House System
St. Clare's operates a house-based residential system with 12 houses in North Oxford. Houses are single-sex and mixing of IB1 and IB2 students within houses is planned where possible; a ballot determines room allocations and which house a student will live in for IB2. The College reserves the right to move students between rooms and between houses.

Governance and Ownership
St. Clare's, Oxford is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It is registered in England No 01986868 and is a Registered Charity No 294085.
Fees

Annual tuition at St Clare's ranges from GBP 44,802 to GBP 49,730 for 2026/27.

Application fees and deposits

- A non‑refundable registration fee of GBP 100 is payable on application for all courses.
- Enrolment deposits vary by programme: the standard enrolment deposit for the IB Diploma is GBP 2,500. For Pre‑IB entry points the deposit is GBP 1,000 (Autumn or Spring), GBP 500 (Summer), or GBP 2,500 for a full year; International College courses typically require a registration fee of GBP 100 and a course deposit of GBP 500.

Tuition fees by programme and term (specified per term and per year where published)

- IB Diploma (annual/term breakdown for full IB enrolment):
- Annual fee for boarding students: GBP 49,310. Annual fee for day students: GBP 23,592. A term breakdown is published as follows: Autumn term (boarding) GBP 20,428; Spring term (boarding) GBP 15,498; Summer term (boarding) GBP 13,384. Day term amounts are Autumn GBP 9,774; Spring GBP 7,415; Summer GBP 6,403.
- IB additional fees: final IB exam registration (second year) GBP 420; private music lessons approximately GBP 55 per hour; music and drama exam fees GBP 51–119; approximate IB book costs GBP 450–650; art materials (if required for Visual Arts) circa GBP 150 for two years. Weekend activities and other compulsory trips are itemised separately (see "Other costs").

- Pre‑IB (term fees and instalment options):
- Pre‑IB enrolment deposit and termly fee structure depend on the chosen entry point; deposits and specific term fees follow the same registration and enrolment rules as the IB Diploma. Term‑by‑term Pre‑IB fees are included in the College fee schedule and are aligned with the term breakdowns above for Pre‑IB students where applicable.

- International College (University Foundation, Undergraduate Programme, English Language and combinations):
- University Foundation Programme (example published prices): 34 weeks tuition GBP 23,358 (various accommodation options priced separately); 27 weeks tuition GBP 18,549 (fee varies by accommodation type). Accommodation and room‑type rates are published per course and per term.
- English language and short courses: term and weekly price schedules are published with examples such as 14‑week terms and short‑course 5–7 week prices; weekly course prices vary by course length and are shown on the College fee schedule. Optional one‑to‑one English tuition is charged at GBP 60 per lesson for in‑college provision; online personal language training is charged at GBP 60 per lesson.

Boarding fees and accommodation

- Boarding is charged annually or by term depending on enrolment. The published annual boarding figure for the IB Diploma is GBP 49,310, with the term breakdown shown above (Autumn GBP 20,428; Spring GBP 15,498; Summer GBP 13,384). Accommodation options and room‑type differentials are published for International College programmes and vary by course and residence type; room‑type pricing appears alongside each course fee listing. Travel and fees insurance are included in the published boarding/course fees where specified.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard billing: fees are invoiced in instalments. For first‑year entry the general rule is 50% of the fees payable no later than three weeks before the student's date of entry and the balance no later than three weeks before the published first day of the Spring Term in the student's first academic year. In subsequent years invoices are payable no later than three weeks before the first day of each Autumn and Spring term respectively. A surcharge may apply for payments made by credit card.
- Where programme‑specific instalment dates are published (for example two Instalments with stated payment deadlines), those instalment amounts and deadlines must be observed as invoiced. Late payment may attract interest and collection costs; the College may exclude a student for overdue fees and may charge a term's fees in lieu of notice if notice requirements are not met.

Other costs and optional charges

- Meals and meal plans (examples for International College): breakfast and dinner pay‑as‑you‑go or weekly meal plans are available; examples published include breakfast pay‑as‑you‑go GBP 5.40 per day, dinner GBP 11.00 per day, weekly meal‑plan combinations (e.g. breakfast & dinner) with prices published per week. Airport transfer one‑way charges are published by airport (examples: Heathrow GBP 198, Gatwick GBP 252, Luton GBP 222, Stansted GBP 276). One‑to‑one English lessons and online lesson rates are published separately.
- School extras and likely additional costs for IB students: study visits and field trips (examples: Biology field trip GBP 450; Geography/ESS field trip GBP 250); UK day trip allowances (free up to GBP 50); European cultural weekends GBP 600–700; weekend activities GBP 250 per term; team sports kit GBP 80–120. Pre‑IB and IB book and materials estimates: Pre‑IB books circa GBP 200; IB books circa GBP 450–650; art materials circa GBP 150 for two years. Private music tuition is charged per hour. Additional examination/legalisation fees (for official documentation) and activity charges are published where applicable.

Refunds, deposits and cancellation rules

- Enrolment deposit handling: the College retains the enrolment deposit until after the student leaves and will repay it within 60 days of the last scheduled day of the student's course, subject to deduction for outstanding fees or costs. The College will refund the enrolment deposit in specified circumstances (for example, if the College withdraws an offer after acceptance or if a visa application is refused and documentary evidence is provided), but will not refund deposits where visa refusal is caused by the applicant's failure to comply with visa requirements or where the student does not take up the place.
- Course fees and refunds: Course and term fees are not normally refundable for absence through illness, shortened terms, temporary closures for adverse weather, or similar circumstances, except in exceptional cases at the sole discretion of the Principal or where there is a legal liability. Refunds are normally made only to the person who made the original booking and to the country from which the original payment was made. Detailed refund and cancellation provisions are set out in the College's Terms and Conditions for each programme.

Fee payment options and bank details

- International payment facilitation: Flywire is used for international payments; Flywire supports card payments, local online payment methods in many countries, and bank transfers and allows payment in a payer's home currency where available. Payment via Flywire includes a payment reference (Web ID or Student ID) to ensure correct allocation.
- Bank transfer: bank transfer details are provided for GBP payments (payable to St Clare's, Oxford; account and sort code published for GBP; SWIFT and an IBAN for Europe are provided). Payers must cover all bank charges. Cash payments are accepted only up to GBP 250. A credit‑card surcharge may apply. Specific bank details and payment references are published for use when paying by bank transfer.

Summary notes on fees content

- Application and registration fees: GBP 100 registration fee; deposits differ by programme (IB enrolment deposit GBP 2,500; IC deposit GBP 500 in examples). Published tuition and boarding figures are itemised per term and as annual totals for IB and are shown per programme and per course length for International College programmes. Instalment and payment deadlines, late‑payment interest, and refund/cancellation rules are set out in the College's Terms and Conditions.
Academics

St Clare's teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 15 to 18.

Curriculum
St Clare's offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma and a Preparatory IB course, plus a Middle School Programme. The International College provides a University Foundation Programme, English plus Academic Subjects, and an Undergraduate Programme. English Language provision includes English for Life, English for Examinations, and Online Personal Language Training. Summer Courses are offered for adults and teenagers, and Teacher Training is available through IB Teacher Workshops, CELTA, and DELTA. Boarding and day options are available as part of the college offering.

Exam Results
Outstanding IB examination results. The average points score over the last three years is 35, higher than the world average of 30, and 90% of students scored above this. The school regularly has students achieving the maximum IB score of 45, placing them in the top 1% globally. Every student completes the full IB Diploma and the school reports a 100% pass rate.

Higher Education Progression
University Destinations and Careers guidance provide unlimited one-to-one support and a rigorous careers education programme to help IB students choose courses and locations. The program supports applications to top universities worldwide. Recent destinations include Bocconi University, Durham University, ESADE, ESCP, IE University, Imperial College London, King's College London, LSE, Maastricht University, Minerva University, NUS, NYU, UCL, University of Amsterdam, UC Berkeley, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and many others.

Gifted and Talented
IB World School scholarships are offered, including day and boarding scholarships that may be full or partial and awarded for the full two-year IB Diploma. Anne Dreydel Foundation Scholarships are a designated award for selected IB students. Scholarships are means-tested, and shortlisted applicants attend a Scholarship Assessment Day.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The curriculum includes social and emotional learning as a core component of education. It delivers social and emotional learning through PSHE and RHSE and other curriculum contexts, and students learn about safeguarding so they recognise when they are at risk and how to get help when they need it. The online safety education is part of the curriculum to help students understand the risks of new technologies and how to use them responsibly. Students are encouraged to talk about their feelings and are offered access to a range of appropriate adults for support as needed. The safeguarding framework supports safe, respectful interactions and includes anti-bullying measures. The safeguarding and pastoral teams (IB World School and International College) meet weekly to monitor welfare matters.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Staff are trained to recognise the needs of children with special educational needs (SEND) and to respond with appropriate support. The safeguarding policy notes that some students have SEND and may require early help. Training for staff covers the needs of children with SEND and the importance of timely assessment and intervention. Safeguarding procedures emphasise equality and fairness, ensuring SEND students are considered in safeguarding planning. Safeguarding records, including those related to students with SEND, are maintained in CPOMS or relevant safeguarding systems as part of the college's welfare monitoring.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English language courses are offered through St Clare's International College, including English for Everyday Use, English for Examinations, English Combination Course, and Personal Language Training.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health is addressed within safeguarding. All staff should be aware that mental health problems can be indicators of abuse or risk; only appropriately trained professionals should diagnose mental health issues. Staff should observe students and escalate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, with emphasis on early help and intervention. The policy recognises the impact of trauma on mental health and wellbeing and the need for a safeguarding-pastoral approach to support students' resilience and self-esteem.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and child protection are central responsibilities. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Elena Hesse, with deputy leads including Emily Woodeson, Kelly Gilbert, and Julia Radlinger. The safeguarding and pastoral teams meet weekly to discuss welfare matters. The governing body monitors safeguarding arrangements, safer recruitment practices, and related governance. Safeguarding records are kept securely, staff receive ongoing safeguarding training, and there are clear procedures for reporting concerns and liaising with external agencies when required. Online safety and anti-bullying measures are in place as part of safeguarding provisions.
Parent Experience

History
St. Clare's comprises two colleges, the IB World School and the International College, based in the conservation area of Summertown in north Oxford, about twenty minutes' walk from the city centre. The school is international, independent, co-educational (50:50), residential and a registered charity (No. 294085). St. Clare's operates 48 weeks a year and runs three business streams: the IB World School; the International College (University Pathways, English language and other adult courses); and Summer courses (English language, Academic and IB preparation). Over the course of a year, students from up to 80 nationalities study at St. Clare's; the IB World School educates students from 50 countries, of whom 12 per cent are British.

Community
The college hosts an international community, with students from up to 80 nationalities and 50 countries represented in the IB World School. Admissions-related events include open days, scholarship day and taster events. Alumni relations and development are growing areas within the central Marketing Department, supporting fundraising for scholarships and bursaries and fostering cross-college connections.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
We are located in North Oxford just 1.5 km from the city centre. Our campus is made up of over 25 Victorian and Edwardian buildings and consists of three key sites: Banbury Road Campus, Bardwell Road Campus and the Summer Juniors Campus at Headington Rye School. Banbury Road Campus houses the IB World School, Summer Teenagers, and part of Teacher Training, while Bardwell Road Campus hosts the International College and Summer for adult students, with a portion of Teacher Training also based there. Our Summer Juniors Campus operates at Headington Rye School for July and August. A virtual tour allows exploration of spaces including classrooms, science laboratories, art and music studios, the library, a cafe, social spaces and accommodation.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include classrooms, science laboratories, and art and music studios. The library is available for study and research.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
St Clare's offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) and a Preparatory IB course. The IB Diploma is a two-year program for ages 16–18 with six subjects (three Higher Level and three Standard Level) plus Core Elements: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service. The average class size is nine students, with 30 hours of classroom lessons per week, and the start date is 3 September 2026. The college is the oldest IB World School in England and emphasises independent learning, personalised support, and extensive university guidance, with around 90% of students scoring above the world average and many achieving the maximum 45 points.

Arts & Creative
The school offers a broad range of Creative Arts pathways, including Drama, Fashion & Textiles, Art Foundation, Visual Arts, Music, Creative Writing & Journalism, Film & Media Production, Animation, and Interior & Furniture Design. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is integrated into Pre-IB and IB, providing creative experiences such as studio art and theatre. The University Destinations page highlights these Creative Arts options as part of its subject areas. CAS offers over 50 experiences per week, with students able to select up to three per term, supporting creativity and personal growth.

Cultural & Language
Group 1 languages include English, German, and Italian. Group 2 languages include Dutch, English, French, Spanish, Chinese (for beginners) and German, with some languages offered for beginners. The school describes itself as international and inclusive, with a diverse student body of over 45 nationalities. This combination of language options and intercultural emphasis supports multilingual learning and intercultural dialogue.

Social & Hobbies
The study programme offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities in sport and culture. Students can try windsurfing, surfing in Cornwall, go-karting, studio art, punting, and treasure hunts in Oxford. For IB students, a full range of sports and activities is included as part of their CAS experiences. The school also runs weekend trips and visits to places like Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, London, and other destinations.

Community & Service
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) is an integral part of the Pre-IB and IB programme, offering more than 50 CAS experiences a week. The CAS program encourages initiative, problem-solving, teamwork, and open-mindedness, with reflection on experiences and alignment with the IB learner profile. CAS supports cross-cultural engagement, collaboration, and community service, including opportunities to improve life conditions in communities. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is also included as part of Pre-IB and IB experiences.

Leadership & Professional
The Leadership Programme is integrated into student life as part of the IB World School experience. The University Destinations and Careers and Higher Education support provide unlimited one-to-one guidance and a rigorous careers programme to help students secure places at top universities and competitive programs. The college embeds Careers & Higher Education into the learning experience, hosting career events, university visits, and tasters to support informed choices.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
St Clare's emphasises holistic wellbeing with a safe, supportive pastoral system. For sport and culture, IB students have access to sport facilities and clubs in the city, with staff-supervised activities. The school provides a wide range of sports and activities as part of CAS and beyond, including theatre and cultural experiences such as trips to London and other destinations.
Languages

Language Provision
Group 1 languages offered are HL & SL: English (Literature and Language & Literature), German, Italian, Russian; French (Literature only); SL languages include Albanian, Chinese, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, Danish, Romanian, Lithuanian, Bulgarian, and Korean. Group 2 languages (Language Acquisition) are HL & SL: English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese (ab initio); SL only: Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, German. The majority of students have a mother tongue other than English and are taught a range of subjects through the medium of English, with English language support available in small groups or one-to-one. A Pre-IB course provides English language development, and all teachers are responsible for the English language development of EAL students.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
The school has accreditations and memberships including the IB Diploma being accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, and English Language courses accredited by the British Council. It is a member of the Independent Schools Association, Independent Schools Council, Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and the Independent Schools Inspection (PFE). English UK, Quality English and the British Boarding Schools' Network (BBSN) are also associated, and it partners with the University of San Diego for its Undergraduate Programme. It runs a Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre and participates in the PRELIM language-improvement initiative.
Admissions

Admissions
St Clare's offers International Baccalaureate Diploma and Preparatory IB (Pre‑IB) programmes. Registration of Interest provides information about the IB courses; you complete the online form and the admissions team will contact you. The form collects the student's first and last name, date of birth, sex, parent/guardian contact details, title, country, home and mobile phone numbers, email, choice of course (IB or Pre‑IB), and proposed date of entry (month and year). Open Day/College tour information is available through the school's IB World School materials. The campus is located at 139 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7AL, UK.

Scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries are available for entry onto the IB Diploma. Scholarships can be full or partial and are means‑tested. Award decisions are based on an assessment of the applicant's school records, confidential references, and performance in an examination and interview held in Oxford; attendance in Oxford for interview and examination is required to be considered for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded to exceptional students who could not otherwise attend the College and may cover tuition fees and accommodation fees; no more than two full awards are made, with most awards being partial.
School Events
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