The frequently asked questions (FAQs) below may help you but, if not, please contact us directly.
What happens on arrival day?
Come to the reception at 139 Banbury Road on Sunday. A member of the Ambassador Team gives you a Welcome Pack, tells you about the programme and gives you a tour of the college. Your room is available from 14:00 and refreshments are provided in the café or dining room. Don’t forget, there is a welcome event for you in the evening so join in the activities on site!
When do I start my course?
Teaching programmes start at 09:00 on Mondays in the Hall. The Course Director welcomes you and you are divided into random groups for the placement test. You return to the Hall for a briefing about life at College and life in Oxford; and there is another group activity to help assess your English Language level before lunch. Formal classes begin on Tuesday mornings.
When does my course finish?
Classes finish on the last Friday of each course with the formal presentation of Reports & Certificates in the Hall.
When do I leave at the end of my course?
Departures take place on Saturdays and we ask you to vacate your room by 10:00 in the morning.
Is insurance covered in the course fees?
Yes. The course fees include travel insurance cover with an independent insurance company organised by St. Clare's brokers. For full details please download: Travel Insurance Policy. If you need to make any claims on the policy you must contact the insurance company directly. Some parents choose to buy additional insurance for their children, in addition.
Are the airport transfers included in the course fees?
No. St. Clare’s arranges transfers between the airport and Oxford at the request of the parent. If you would like a transfer, it must be booked at least three weeks before your course starts. Please download: airport transfer charges.
Are there any course rules?
Yes. At St. Clare’s we expect every teenager to behave in a way that shows respect and consideration for their fellow students and the college community as a whole. In brief, students must be polite, observe the curfew in the evening and laws that apply to use of alcohol or drugs. Fuller details are available: ‘Expectations of teenagers on summer courses’. Please note: We reserve the right to expel any student whose behaviour we find unacceptable. In this unlikely event the student/parent will bear any additional costs.
How much spending money should I bring?
We recommend £70 per week for personal expenses. NB The House Warden requires a damage deposit of £30 from the student on arrival: in most cases this is refundable on departure day.
Who looks after me in my house/ residence?
Each house is supervised by a residential warden.
Can I share a bedroom with my friend?
It is part of St. Clare's mission to promote international understanding through education. Every effort is made to integrate students from different nationalities. You may, therefore, request the same house as a friend, but not the same room.
What about personal laundry?
Washing machines are available for use by students although a small charge is made for soap.