Background on St Clare’s, Oxford

St Clare’s, Oxford is an independent co-educational day and boarding school situated in the vibrant city of Oxford. Founded in 1953 by Anne Dreydel OBE and Pamela Morris, St Clare’s began with a mission to advance international education and understanding. The school has grown significantly over the years, now occupying 25 Victorian and Edwardian houses in North Oxford, supplemented with modern, purpose-built facilities. The campus includes two main sites: the Banbury Road Campus and the Bardwell Road Campus, providing a dynamic and inspiring environment for learning.

St Clare’s is renowned for its inclusive and international community, welcoming students from over 40 countries annually. The school’s ethos centres on fostering a global perspective, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Curriculum and Academic Programmes

St Clare’s, Oxford specialises in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, making it one of the longest-established IB World Schools in England. The school offers a range of academic programmes tailored to prepare students for higher education and beyond.

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: St Clare’s has been offering the IB Diploma since 1977, focusing on a rigorous and holistic educational approach. Students study six subjects, including languages, sciences, mathematics, and the arts, alongside the core components of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
• Pre-IB Course: Designed for students aged 15+, this one-year course prepares students for the IB Diploma by strengthening their academic and language skills. Entry points are available in September, January, or April.
• University Pathway Courses: St Clare’s offers comprehensive programmes to prepare students for university admission in the UK, USA, and Europe. These include the University Foundation Programme, which spans 28 to 35 weeks, and the Pre-Foundation Programme to develop necessary academic and language skills.
• English Language Courses: The school offers a variety of English language courses for non-native speakers, including English for Life, English for Examinations (IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation), and English plus Academic Subjects. These courses cater to different proficiency levels and are available throughout the academic year.

St Clare’s is known for its high academic standards, with IB students regularly achieving results well above the global average, securing places at prestigious universities worldwide.

Admission Requirements

Admission to St Clare’s, Oxford is competitive and aims to select students who will benefit from and contribute to the school’s vibrant academic and extracurricular environment.

• Application Process: Prospective students must complete an online application form and submit the required documents, including academic records, a personal statement, and references.
• Entrance Examinations: Applicants are required to take entrance exams in subjects such as English and mathematics. These exams assess the applicant’s academic abilities and potential for success at St Clare’s.
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with a member of the admissions team. The interview provides an opportunity to discuss the student’s interests, achievements, and aspirations.
• Additional Requirements for International Students: International applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores. St Clare’s offers support for students who require additional English language training.

Extracurricular Activities and Pastoral Care

St Clare’s, Oxford offers an extensive extracurricular programme, providing students with numerous opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills.

• Extracurricular Activities: The school offers over 80 creativity, activity, and service experiences weekly as part of the CAS component of the IB course. Activities include art club, basketball, football, chess club, Model United Nations, photography club, student council, and theatre club.
• Pastoral Care: The well-being of students is a top priority at St Clare’s. Each student is assigned to a house, with residential staff providing guidance and support. The house system fosters a strong sense of community and belonging, ensuring that students feel supported and valued. The school also has a dedicated team of counsellors who provide confidential support for students dealing with personal issues, stress, or anxiety.