Oxford Online School

If you wish to know more about the school, our programme and how to apply, please read below answers to the questions we get asked the most.

About Oxford Online School

Oxford Online School is a fully recognised online school for the delivery of GCSE/iGCSE, A level and International A-Level courses and examinations. It is also a co-educational school offering a blended full-time syllabus to students from all over the world. Currently, the school is already offering IAL but, in the near future, we are set to offer iGCSE/GCSE as well as expanding our number of subjects offered. In order to receive our validation, the school has partnered with Pearson Connexus and will deliver the present programme through their online Connexus platform.

We have chosen Pearson/ Edexcel as Pearson is one of the largest awarding bodies not only in the UK, but also around the world. Through its world class combination of learning platforms and assessment tools for remote study, Pearson has been creating thousands of products and services each year. These technological advances are now helping tens of millions of students reach their educational goals every year.

Our programme

Oxford Online School (OOS) offers a comprehensive range of educational programs including Iprimary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE, and A-Level courses, catering to students from the earliest stages of formal education through to university entrance qualifications. Our curriculum is designed to provide a seamless educational journey, ensuring students receive a robust and consistent learning experience at every level.

At Oxford Online School, we provide International GCSEs, commonly referred to as IGCSEs. These are esteemed two-year courses recognised globally and offered in an extensive range of subjects, forming a robust groundwork for further education such as A Levels.

International GCSEs, while parallel to the British GCSEs in rigour and recognition, have distinct advantages. They can be pursued from any location around the world, offering greater flexibility for international students. Additionally, the content of some International GCSE subjects is tailored to be more internationally oriented. To cater to a diverse student body, International GCSE examinations at Oxford Online School are scheduled across two sessions: May to June and November.

International A levels are comparable to UK A levels. All IAL subjects are taught in modules, with an examination at the end of each module whereas, A level students have to sit a final exam at the end of their two-year programme. This means that international students have more time to prepare for exams and are able to receive feedback on their progression from the start of their IAL academic journey. Furthermore, for students sitting science IAL subjects, their practical skills are tested in the exam rather than in a lab, therefore they are not required to have access to a laboratory and can still achieve high marks.

A-level

Linear Structure: A-Levels are linear, meaning that students take all their exams at the end of the course, typically after two years of study. 

Standalone Qualification: The A-Level is a standalone qualification and no longer part of the cumulative GCE A-Level grades.

Examination Schedule: Examinations for A-Levels are held only once a year, during the May/June examination period.

Assessment Method: Assessment is mainly through examinations, though some subjects may include coursework.

International A-Level (IAL):

Modular Structure: IALs have a modular structure, allowing students to take exams for different units/modules at several points throughout the course.

AS Contribution: The International AS Level exams can contribute 50% towards the final IAL grade, reflecting the modular nature of the course. Alternatively, the International AS Level can be taken as a standalone qualification.

Examination Schedule: IALs offer a more flexible examination timetable, with sessions available in January, May/June, and October.

Assessment Method: IALs are 100% examination-based, with no coursework elements.

These differences mean that the IAL offers more flexibility in both the pacing of the study and the timing of assessments, accommodating international educational calendars and different learning preferences.

Please follow the link: Primary | Secondary | Sixth Form.

Yes, all students will be provided with a school  timetable.

Oxford Online School operates on a weekday schedule, from Monday through Friday. Students are anticipated to partake in a mix of virtual classes and extracurricular activities offered during this period. Accessible via our digital platform, students can engage in their education remotely, experiencing the following:

  • Real-time, interactive classes.
  • Personalized sessions with educators to monitor and discuss their academic development.
  • Regularly scheduled extra curricular.
  • House meetings and a variety of events.

Beyond the academic curriculum, students are invited to join various clubs. While participation in these clubs is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Engaging in extracurricular activities not only fosters social connections and strengthens community ties but also plays a significant role in personal growth and enhancing university admission prospects.

A-level and International GCSE courses at Oxford Online School feature 60-minute classes, providing ample time for in-depth learning and interaction. Meanwhile, classes for Lower Secondary and Primary levels are tailored to a concise 30-minute format, suited to the concentration spans and educational needs of younger learners.

At Oxford Online School, we advise students enrolled in A-level and International GCSE courses to dedicate between 2.5 to 3 hours per subject for self-study. This independent study time is recommended to reinforce the material covered in the 60-minute classes and to ensure a thorough understanding of the course content.

With so much evidence indicating that smaller classes have a huge benefit on academic results, we are pleased to say that our class sizes are typically between 5 and 8 students. 

Absolutely, Oxford Online School offer taster sessions to all prospective students. We believe that these are a very good way to help prospective students have a feel for what to expect from studying online. In addition, those students who are not certain of which subjects to choose, will have the opportunity to talk with a subject tutor, who can advise them on their subject choice. Click here to learn more about upcoming taster sessions. 

Oxford Online School supplies all necessary ebooks for its courses. If students prefer to own physical copies of the textbooks, they are welcome to buy them independently. These books are typically accessible for purchase on Amazon or other prominent online bookstores.

Our school is looking at the option of a term of study in Oxford. We will be keeping all our students and parents informed of the latest developments in this area. 

The tuition fees for Oxford Online School encompass the following number of subjects. If you opt to enroll in extra subjects beyond these, an additional fee will be charged per term:

  • Key Stage 2 includes 5 subjects.
  • Key Stage 3 includes 6 subjects.
  • Key Stage 4 includes 5 subjects.
  • Key Stage 5 includes 3 subjects.

Our teachers bring a wealth of experience and a thorough understanding of the British curriculum. Majority of our teachers are located in the UK, we also have teachers who opt to work from various international locations such as Denmark, Spain, Poland etc.

Typically, students at Oxford Online School can expect to receive weekly homework for each subject they are enrolled in, although the precise volume of homework is determined by the individual teacher’s judgment. The nature of these assignments can vary, encompassing a range of activities such as brief quizzes, assignments requiring hand-drawn or written work, and more extensive written task.

Teaching Platform

Students of Oxford Online School will now utilise the ManageBac platform to obtain their educational resources, ensuring a streamlined and integrated learning experience. Additionally, live sessions will be conducted through Zoom, providing a virtual classroom environment where students can engage in real-time with their instructors and peers.Most importantly, they will also need to log on to the internet using one of the following browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.

By means of the digital Pearson Connexus platform, where they will be able to collect a wealth of data on students’ learning progression for each subject. Moreover, the live classes and one-to-one tutorials will allow each teacher to individually discuss and address any learning issues. By using breakout rooms, teachers will also be able to assess how much knowledge has been gained through self-study during lessons and provide support for any gaps. 

Yes. Each parent will be provided with their own read-only access to the learning platform. The system will allow parents to track progression in real time. The school will also organise parent meetings, where they will be able to discuss their child’s progression with the teachers. 

Attending an online school has several benefits to be considered:

Flexibility – students can attend from anywhere in the world without needing to be physically present.

Independence – By undertaking the compulsory self-study element, students will improve their ability to manage their time, develop self-discipline and become more independent learners, all of which are key skills for studying at university level. 

International Networking – Students can benefit from being part of an international community. They will have the opportunity to understand other cultures better, develop new friendships and broaden their international knowledge and skills.

Improved Virtual Communication – Learning to work with other students in a virtual environment can help you become a more effective collaborator or leader, and also enable you to adapt to other similar environments more quickly.

Refined Critical Thinking Skills – Online learning facilitates the ability to think critically about what you do every day and how to best utilise your time to your benefit. The fact that online learning is such a recent phenomenon means there will be ample opportunity for learners to develop their critical thinking skills, both as individuals and in partnership with teachers.

Develop Technical Skills – Learning online necessitates that students develop their technical skills. As both business and educational institutions are becoming increasingly innovative in this field, embracing technology is absolutely paramount.

Examination and University progression

IGCSE and IAL are both essay and exam based. For further information click here.

Year 10,11, 12 and 13 students will be able to sit their exams in May/June at an approved Pearson Edexcel Centre. Oxford Online School has secured an arrangement to use British Council Exam Offices based in the student’s home country. If a BC office is not available in your home country, an Edexcel Approved centre will be arranged by us. In the Spring term, the school will also assist students in locating a centre that is convenient for them. 

Oxford Online School students will all sit their mocks at home under our strict invigilation procedures. 

Yes the school is a UCAS centre. 

Yes. The Pearson Edexcel IAL examinations have been developed to the same high standards as the Pearson Edexcel GCE A levels taken at many British state and private schools. Both are recognised and accepted by universities worldwide, as well as in the UK itself. For further information, please read here. 

Those students who have an interest in applying for the more competitive UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, will be given additional support from our academic team. Exam preparation programmes for STEP, MAT, PAT and NSAA will also be available for whoever would like to take one of these pathways. Those looking to apply to Ivy league or other US universities will also receive extra support from our academic team. 

Students can take most examinations internationally.

Most of our IGCSE and A Level programs necessitate that students undertake two exams. However, certain qualifications might be assessed with just a single exam, and there are others which involve completing three exam.

For June 2024 exam entry: The deadline to register 28th February 2024.

The school fees include the examination costs for both International GCSE and A-level assessments. Please note that invigilation fees may differ based on the chosen examination centre.

Examination centres can be found in numerous countries globally. Should there be an absence of such a center in your country of residence, we will strive to assist you in locating an alternative center that is within a reasonable travel distance.

Admissions and application

Step 1. Complete the online application form

Step 2. Submit copies of all documents requested – these may include copies of your passport, English language certificates and 2 years of academic school reports.

Step 3. Make a registration payment.

Step 4. Book your academic entry assessment. Students will automatically be placed onto the English and Mathematics assessments.  

Step 5. Once students have completed their assessment, they will be invited for an admissions interview. Those intending to apply for a scholarship will also be required to attend an academic interview

Students whose primary language is not English are required to demonstrate a proficiency at a B2 level on the Common European Framework (CEF). If they do not possess evidence of this proficiency, our academic team can administer an in-house English language assessment. For students who are just below the proficiency threshold, we offer a one-term preparatory English language course. Completion of this preparatory course will bring them up to the language standard needed for the International Advanced Level (IAL) or iGCSE  program. In addition, all students will sit for the Password English test, which serves as a measure of their English language abilities.

This scenario will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will also be dependent on whether the applicant has been studying the same, or a similar, curriculum and is able to cover any missed subject material. 

Fees and Finance

Please follow the link to our fee page.

Our entrance deposit is £500* and is due within 28 days of the offer and invoice being issued.

*All fees include VAT, where applicable. 

Our finance team will issue an invoice payable at the beginning of each term. Payments can be done either online or via bank transfer.

Yes. We offer families the option of either paying the full tuition fees in advance, or on a termly basis, as preferred. 

The termly tuition fees do not cover:

Extra remedial or bespoke one-to-one lessons.

Yes. Oxford Online School offers a sibling discount, with each child after the initial entrant receiving a reduction of 10%. 

Prospective students who have demonstrated excellent academic skills before or during the application process may be offered a 20% reduction in termly fees. All scholarships will be awarded on academic merit only, and those intending to apply are required to sit an additional entrance test, as well as attending an interview with the academic team. Should you have any questions regarding this entrance test, please contact our admissions team via admissions@oxfordonlineschool.org 

If a student wishes to withdraw from his studies a terms notice is required. Please read further the school terms and conditions here (https://oxfordonlineschool.openapply.com/pages/8058)