Schools in Oxford

The British school system

Students apply to and attend secondary school starting at the age of 11.

  • 11-15 years – KS4 – secondary school
  • 15-16 years old – students take GCSE exams (General Certificate of Secondary Education). They usually consist of 9/10 subjects, including compulsory subjects such as Maths, English and Chemistry/Biology/Physics.
  • 16-18 years old – KS5 – Sixth form
  • A-Level / IB – 2 years – students usually choose 3-4 subjects that they study intensively over the course of 2 years. Ultimately, they take exams that are crucial for university admissions.
  • Private schools are divided into girls’, boys’ and mixed co-educational.
  • The school year in British schools is split into three terms, each lasting approximately 12 weeks.
  • UK grading: GCSE (Grade 9-1) A -level (Grade A*-E)
d’Overbroeck’s school in Oxford
Wychwood School Oxford
Oxford International College

Facts about schools in Oxford

  • In 2025, there are a total of 17 private schools in Oxford, 13 of which are boarding schools, attended by 7196 students.
  • Many of these schools are among the most prestigious in the UK and often rank at the top of UK private school rankings.
  • These schools are known for their centuries-old traditions, emphasize the quality of teaching, and support the creative and physical development of students.
  • Studying at a private school in Oxford provides students with a world class education , opening up opportunities for entrance exams not only to British but also international universities.

Studying abroad is an investment that is definitely worth it

Why study at Oxford?

  1. They will refine their English skills. During a long-term stay, the student is placed in a normal classroom and interacts with native speakers all day.
  2. They will gain an advantage over their peers, leading to new opportunities. The GCSE and A Level secondary school certificates issued in England provide opportunities for students to gain entry into prestigious universities worldwide. Many graduates choose to further their education in the UK, where universities consistently rank among the top 100 in the world. The most renowned institutions include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London, along with other members of the Russell Group. IntoOxford also offers guidance for students interested in studying at a university in the UK.
  3. They will gain experiences that will last a lifetime. They will spend time with their peers not only at school but also during their free time. Schools offer sports and organize various cultural events, trips and other activities.
  4. They will immerse themselves in a different culture and develop a broader global perspective. The UK is a cosmopolitan society and the schools we work with are no exception. Your child will connect with peers from around the world.
  5. They become independent and discover that they can function in a foreign environment without having their parents around.

Prices + dates

Tuition fees for overseas students vary according to age and boarding accommodation. 

Boarding fees range from  £14,153 per term. The fees usually include accommodation, meals ( full board ), tuition, school clubs, and learning materials. 

Day student fees start from £7,975 per term, plus host family accommodation and transportation.

Extra charges include:

  • Registration fee/application: approx. 150 pounds
  • Refundable deposit for international students: range £1000 – £5000
  • Most administration fee: £500 – £1000
  • Uniform: 250 – 500 pounds
  • Trips and extra English lessons EAL
  • Musical instrument/drama lessons
  • Guardianship
  • Flights and transfers
  • IntoOxford agency services

It usually takes 6-8 weeks to apply and process your application. We recommend starting as soon as possible. The ideal period is September-December. If you decide later, applications can also be processed during the period of January-May 2025 (for the 2025 school year).

In case of urgent situations, please contact us as soon as possible – We have experience with “last minute” applications.

Facts about Oxford

  • A world famous university city. The first mention of Oxford dates back to the 10th century.
  • Oxford is located north-west of London and is the county town of Oxfordshire.
  • Oxford University was founded in 1096. It is the 2nd oldest university in the world (after the University of Bologna)
  • In addition to the large number of students and private schools and universities, Oxford is home to many important publishing houses, pharmaceutical and automotive industries.
  • The River Thames runs through the city. Oxford is located 50–60 minutes by train/car from London. The nearest airports are:
  • Oxford is the city with the highest number of published authors per square metre in the world. Some of the most famous include JRR Tolkien (Lord of the Rings), Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), CS Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia) and Mark Haddon (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime).

Let’s discuss more.