International Baccalaureate Diploma
• in-depth preparation for university
• the Sixth Form specialists
At a Glance
| Age: | 16-18 years old |
| English level: | B2 Mid (this is a guide, not a minimum requirement) |
| Start date: | 28 August 2025 |
| Length: | 2 years |
| Class size: | Average is 9, maximum is 15 |
| Lessons: | 30 hours of classroom lessons Monday to Friday |
| Lesson length: | 55 minutes |
| Course Structure: | 6 subjects (3 standard level + 3 higher level) plus Core Elements: TOK, CAS and EE |
| Sample Timetable: | IB Sample Timetable |
| Term dates: | IB Diploma term dates |
| Annual fees 2024/25: | Day students: £23,592 Residential students: £49,310 (exclusive of VAT) |
| Deposit and instalments: | |
| Brochure: | International Baccalaureate Diploma brochure |
Why study the IB Diploma with us?
We are a co-educational sixth form college for day and boarding students in beautiful north Oxford. The atmosphere is informal and friendly, with an equal emphasis on hard work and encouraging personal responsibility. We put our success down to a combination of factors:
Academic Excellence and Recognition
We are a top UK IB school, with 90% of students scoring above the world average and many achieving the maximum 45 points (top 1% globally). Our international reputation for excellence is built on high expectations, academic stretch, and personalised support
Nearly 50 Years of IB Expertise
As the oldest IB World School in England, St Clare’s offers unmatched IB expertise. Our teachers help write IB textbooks and train future educators, ensuring a high-quality, globally aligned learning experience.
International and Inclusive
Internationalism is a core part of our values, reflected in our diverse student body of over 45 nationalities and our IB curriculum. An inclusive culture of mutual respect, intercultural dialogue, and open-mindedness fosters globally minded, aspirational individuals.
Holistic Wellbeing
Our students stand out as happy, fulfilled young people readying themselves for the world. We foster a safe and kind environment where every student feels supported, with strong relationships and a dedicated pastoral system creating a sense of belonging rooted in mutual respect.
Personalised Learning for Life
With an average class size of just 9, every student receives individualised support. Our personal tutor system provides tailored academic and pastoral guidance, helping students grow in confidence and take ownership of their learning.
Oxford: Academic Stretch
Located in the academic city of Oxford gives students unique opportunities: public university lectures, research projects, and learning from Oxford-affiliated faculty. Our undergraduate-level library, academic clubs, and global competitions stretch thinking far beyond the curriculum.
Independence and Autonomy
Students are empowered to manage their own time, balance commitments, and make meaningful decisions about their learning. This trust builds resilience, independence, and maturity, skills essential for life after St Clare’s. Our alumni often feel well-prepared for university and beyond.
Future Global Leaders
At St Clare’s, leadership is a mindset. Our Leadership Programme is integrated into student life, with students developing skills in decision-making, teamwork, ethical leadership, and initiative, to become future influential changemakers.
Unmatched University Guidance
Our University and Careers Counselling team provides individual support and a careers programme to help our students reach the best university, internship, or gap year for them worldwide. About 90% attend their first-choice university, including globally leading institutions and competitive courses.
Global Impact, Guided by Purpose
Founded after World War II, St Clare’s is driven by a mission to “advance international education and understanding.” Students are encouraged to think critically, challenge ideas, collaborate across cultures, and engage with real-world issues – graduating ready to make a positive difference in the world.
Explore our IB World School
Which should I choose: IB or A Levels?
The college has a worldwide reputation for its expertise in providing the IB Diploma and embraces internationalism and academic excellence as its core values.
As more parents and students are choosing the IB instead of A Levels, it is clear that we can offer a better standard of education for those who want something different.
Hear from our Alumni
Hear from our Students: Shat is Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay?
IB study options
How do I choose the subjects I want to study?
A number of factors need to be considered before making subject choices. What do I want to study at university? What subjects do I enjoy? What subjects am I good at?
The IB Diploma allows students to choose subjects from six subject groupings. This means that every student chooses one subject from each of the following groups. Three subjects are studied at Higher (H) Level and three at Standard (S) Level for two years.
- The three Higher Level courses should be subjects you enjoy and which support your career aspirations. These are the subjects you will study in depth.
- The three Standard Level courses will provide you with an interesting, balanced programme.
We offer an exceptionally wide choice of IB subjects. You will choose one subject each from groups 1 to 5 and then a sixth subject from either group 6 or another from groups 1 to 4.
International Baccalaureate subjects
Group 1: Studies in Literature and Language
First language or native language
This is your first or best language. The following Literature courses are offered:
- H and S: English, German, Italian.
- S only: Albanian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Dutch, French, Greek, Icelandic, Japanese, Korean, Lithuanian, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, and other languages on request. Language and Literature is available only in English.
In the past, we have offered the above Standard Level subjects, however, whilst we will make every effort to offer any language within Group 1, there may be exceptional circumstances when we cannot provide a given language due to staffing reasons. In such cases, we will discuss alternatives with the applicant.
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Second language
This is the language you are learning. Most students choose English as this helps with the study of other subjects. Some of our students are bilingual or trilingual and study another second language.
- H and S: Dutch, English, French, Spanish, Chinese B and German. Previous study of at least three years is necessary.
- S only: Dutch, Chinese for beginners and Spanish for beginners.
Group 3: Individual and Societies
Individual and Societies currently includes:
- H or S: History, Geography, Psychology, Economics.
- H only: Business and Management.
- S only: Global Politics.
Group 3 or 4: Interdisciplinary
There is only one course in this group — Environmental Systems and Societies. When making a subject choice, Environmental Systems and Societies can be included in either Group 3 or Group 4.
Group 4: Science
Science currently includes:
- H or S: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science.
Group 5: Mathematics
Analysis and approaches is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in mathematics at university or subjects that have a large mathematical content; it is for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications, with and without technology. Mathematics: Analysis and approaches will be a development from the current Mathematics HL and SL subjects. At HL, the course is intended for students who wish to study Mathematics at university, or subjects with a substantial mathematics content such as engineering or physics.
Applications and interpretation is being designed for students who enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics; those who are interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models and enjoy the more practical side of mathematics. Mathematics: Applications and interpretation SL will be developed from Mathematical studies SL. The HL course will include new content and elements of the current HL statistics and discrete content At HL, the course is intended for students who wish to study social sciences, psychology, economics, business management, medicine or design at university.
Group 6: Arts and Electives
Arts currently includes:
- H or S: Music, Theatre or Visual Arts
OR you can choose one of the following:
- another language from Groups 1 or 2
- another subject from Group 3
- another science from Group 4
Hear from our Students
The Good Schools Guide
“The college which offers excellent preparation for the IB for students from predominantly affluent but forward-thinking international families. First-class teaching, supportive pastoral care, very high-calibre careers advice and the nurturing of independent learning create a unique offering for future global citizens.”
The Good Schools Guide is an independent organisation, and the UK’s number one school guide, that is trusted to provide unbiased and candid school reviews. Uniquely, each school is selected on merit alone and the Guide retains full editorial control. Their writers visit and interview the Principal and key staff, speak to pupils and parents, analyse academic performance and challenge the marketing hype to provide a clear picture, so prospective parents can gain an impression that, perhaps, a website cannot fully offer.
IB World School brochure
Related IB courses
You will benefit from our experience as an IB World School, which provides the possible best chance for success in the IB study route:
- Preparatory-IB course – Enhance your study skills for the IB Diploma and gain up to 1 IGCSE (English Language)
- IB Introduction (3-week summer course) – Provides excellent preparation if you wish to start the IB Diploma in September
- IB Teacher Workshops for new and experienced teachers, in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)
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