Oxford is a world renowned University City, with its origins dating back over 800 years. The Colleges of the University, with their beautiful architecture dating from mediaeval times in many cases, provide a spectacular and inspiring backdrop for educational, business and cultural programmes for visitors and students from all over the world. Oxford is also a thriving modern city, home to some of the newest developments in business and research. It is also an important cultural centre, with many art galleries, theatres, films and musical performances. It is very cosmopolitan, welcoming people from all over the world for education, business or cultural visits.   

The Institute

The Oxford Institute is a well established college in the centre of Oxford. We are accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Colleges, which is one of the professional organisations licensed by the Government (along with the British Council) for approving independent colleges. We are also associate members of the European Council of International Schools.

The Oxford Institute is situated in the very heart of the University City in the conservation area, between the Town Hall and Christ Church, Oxford most famous College. The school occupies a beautiful and prestigious building which is over four hundred years old, and retains its beamed ceilings and many other original features. Students are taught in the school and in an adjacent building. In summer, the school also teaches many older students in a College of the University. 

The Programmes

The Oxford Institute provides high quality year round programmes and short-term courses which offer:

• Flexibility: many of the programmes are tailor made to best meet the requirements of the individual student or client company
• Excellent contacts with the University, enabling students and clients to be taught in the Colleges of the University in the vacations. Fully residential courses in the University are offered in summer and, subject to status, arrangements can be made for visiting academics to become members of the University libraries
• High calibre tutors and visiting speakers from academia or business
• A range of over twenty subject specialisms, enabling, for example, a student to combine academic English with a University preparation programme
• Strong links with a large number of British and European Schools , enabling younger students to prepare for entry to some of the best Boarding Schools
• Good links with Oxford, Cambridge and other leading universities, and provision of individual educational counselling for students who wish to apply to a British University
• A high level of pastoral care for students, including personal tutors and regular reports
• Well-established links with Companies in the Oxford and London areas, enabling company clients to combine their Oxford programme with meeting new business contacts

Programmes for students preparing for British Universities

A student preparing for a British University would normally combine tuition in English Language (IELTS, Cambridge or TOEFL examinations) at the appropriate level with three (ALevel ) or five (GCSE or IGCSE) academic subjects. The balance of subjects is designed to meet the needs of each student, and additional tuition is available for extra subjects or extra support. Normally s/he would receive 20-25 lessons a week, depending on the subject mix. The programme is taken over one or two years, and we also offer one term or one year courses for those retaking examinations. Each student is allocated a personal tutor, who is responsible for general guidance, study skills support, and University applications. 

Teachers

The teachers and trainers are from leading universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and have many years’ experience of teaching international students and professional clients. 

The Summer Programmes at Oxford University

Our programmes for older students (16+) will mainly be held in the University of Oxford during July and August. This is a beautiful and memorable venue. There is a full leisure and excursions programme in addition to the opportunity to study English and a choice of over twenty other subjects. The study environment forms a memorable experience in itself. All the programmes consist of a weekly schedule of:

• A minimum of 20 to 30 lessons of tuition with specialist teachers, depending on the chosen course
• Projects and cultural visits every weekday afternoon (optional but recommended)
• A full day weekend excursion (optional but recommended)
• The opportunity to have lunch in a College of the University of Oxford

English Language, Culture and Communication

This programme is for those learning English. It is a combination of classroom teaching and activities which make learning the language fun. Participants are grouped according to age and level. The activities for younger people include producing a scrapbook about the city, finding out about where Harry Potter was filmed and Alice in Wonderland was written, or following a treasure trail to find out about the history and culture of the city. For adults activities include taking part in a play with professional actors, making presentations, or visiting companies. If they wish, students can be entered for the Trinity or IELTS examination (advance notification is required). Students may also participate in special Current Affairs Discussion Groups. 

Accommodation

• College of the University (age 17+): summer vacation only
• Oxford family: single room, most meals, with sharing option for friends
• Guest House
• Budget Hotel
• Superior quality hotel with swimming pool and health spa
• Self-catering residential hostel (age 17+)  

All family rooms are inspected by our accommodation manager. If you are a family or school group we can sometimes make special arrangements for you in shared houses. Please write to us with your plans and we will offer advice. 

Cultural Programmes and Excursions

We arrange a regular programme of cultural activities and excursions in the summer, and at any time of year for groups. There are some cultural and social activities for individuals at all times of year, and excursions on some weekends. These include visits to Oxford’s Colleges, Museums and Galleries, and punting on the river in the summer. We can arrange for groups to have lunch or dinner in the university.

Students over sixteen are eligible to join a local Health and Sports Centre, at no additional cost. The Centre has an indoor pool, well-equipped gym, and squash courts.

Oxford is well known as the home of discussion and debate. Many of Britain's leading politicians began their careers at the Oxford University Union and Debating Society. Students are able to become associate members of this Society if they are over 16 and staying for one academic year or more.

This year we are including in Oxford the opportunity to act scenes from a play in conjunction with a professional schools theatre group. This is great fun, and also very good practice for those who are learning English.

We are also providing a Companions Programme. This enables international school and university students to meet with students of similar age from British schools and Universities. This is an excellent introduction to living and studying in Oxford and also the basis of future friendships. The students will join the British students for shopping, cinema visits, going for ice-cream etc, good fun for everyone!

Weekend excursions include London, Warwick, Stratford, Bath and Cambridge, as well as tours to the beautiful Cotswold countryside.

See also One-to-One English Homestays in the United Kingdom