Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

OOS offer IGCSE and  International A-level syllabus. We are set to expand soon, meaning a greater selection of both programmes and subjects.

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.

Yes. All timetables will be issued to students before the term starts.

Oxford Online School runs from Monday to Friday , with students expected to attend our blended classes and activities during these times. Through our online portal, students can attend from the comfort of their home:

  • Live Lessons.
  • One-to-one meetings with teachers to discuss progression.
  • Weekly assembly.
  • House meetings and events.

Students can also attend clubs. Although these are optional, students are encouraged to participate in order to develop their friendship bonds and enhance their chances of university progression.

Note: Clubs will incur an additional fee above the tuition fees.

 IGCSE lessons lasts 50 minutes each

 International A-level lessons lasts 60 minutes each

Student are required to undertake 5 hours of self -study per subject. In addition students will also be required to attend 2 hours of live lessons per subjects. On the IAL programme, each student also has a minimum of a 20 minute one-to-one tutorial with their subject tutor as standard. 

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. 

Yes. All students will be provided with e-textbooks for each subject. These will be in addition to their online learning platform and are to be used as a self-study resource throughout their course. 

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. 

Teaching Platform

Oxford Online School is powered by Pearson’s leading Connexus platform, currently used by over 70,000 learners worldwide. It is extremely secure, robust and user-friendly and gives students instant access to their learning materials and subject activities. Teachers also have access to their students’ performance and are thus able to monitor, intervene and support them accordingly. For maximum efficiency, students are required to have continuous wi-fi access on a laptop or personal computer throughout the duration of their course. 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.
For Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, we further recommend that all students purchase a USB graphics tablet. 

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. 

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.

For those who do not have English as their native language, a minimum of IELTS 5.5, or CEF B2 level is required. If you do not hold a valid IELTS certificate, we can arrange for an internal English test to be carried out by a member of our academic team.
Pupils whose English is slightly below our criteria can be offered a preparatory English language course for one term. Successful completion of this course means they will have attained the language level required for the IAL programme. 

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

The Oxford Online school tuition fees are £3000 per term. This sum also covers the registration and examination fees of the IAL awarding body. 

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. At present, all payments can be made by bank transfer only. 

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)
Quick Links
Oxford Online School

Prama House
267 Banbury Road
Summertown
Oxford
OX2 7HT

+44 (0) 1865 339 437
admissions@oxfordonlineschool.org

Oxford Online School