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
IB World School: We are the oldest IB School in England with over 45 years experience. There are only 13 other institutions in the world that have taught the IB for longer than us. Our teachers write and are involved in the production of the IB textbooks and teach the IB teachers of the future.
Outstanding Results: Our worldwide reputation is due to quality academic results. Over the last 3 years, 90% of students scored above the world average, and every year students achieve the maximum IB score of 45, placing them in the top 1% globally. Read more here.
Student Progress: We are a top IB school in the UK for student progress, read page 6 of our brochure to find out why.
Academic Stretch: Our students think beyond the curriculum through academic clubs, competitions, research and essay projects, and have access to public university lectures and other academic resources in Oxford.
Subject Choices: We offer a wide range of subject options at higher and standard level, including literature in over 25 different languages, making it an accessible and varied study programme, whatever your interests or academic background.
Your Future Made Possible
Careers Support: Our dedicated University and Careers Counselling team give individual support to all our students, alongside an embedded careers programme, in reaching the best university for them, including preparing university applications, internships and gap years all around the world.
Access to Leading Universities and Courses: Our students go on to top universities around the world, and around 90% go to their first choice of university. We have excellent acceptance rates for students applying for challenging subjects – last year saw 100% acceptance for those applying to medical school. Read more here.
Track Record: Students’ social confidence, independence, ability to learn in depth and academic results make our graduates in demand.
Student Experience and Development
IB Ethos: Internationalism is a core part of our values, through our diverse student body of over 45 nationalities and throughout our IB curriculum, resulting responsible and capable global citizens with high aspirations.
Independence and Autonomy: Our students learn to self-manage and balance their academic studies, social lives and the broad range of weekly activities and events.
Individual Development: Learning extends beyond the classroom to all aspects of student life and supports the development of the whole person.
Wellbeing: We cultivate a sense of belonging with a safe and supportive community. You will be cared for by teachers, residential staff, a Personal Tutor and College Nurse. An average class size of 9 supports the learning process because it helps teachers understand individual learning needs for personal support. Our approach is designed to foster the development of the student’s independence and responsibility in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.
Student Experience: Our students stand out for being happy, fulfilled young people readying themselves for the world. It matters hugely to us that our students have an enjoyable experience.
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
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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Why study our UFP course?
Guaranteed University Entry
– secure your place at university upon successful completion
Expert University and Career Counselling
– tailored guidance to help you plan your future
Dedicated Personal Support
– a team of teachers and staff always ready to assist you
Engaging and Personalised Teaching
– learn in a dynamic and supportive environment
Skill-building Coursework
– develop the knowledge and abilities needed for university success
English for Academic Purposes
– improve your study skills and IELTS score
Choice of Pathways
– select subjects that align with your goals and interests
Academic Stretch
– learn beyond the classroom with study visits and weekly themes
Why study our UFP course?
Guaranteed University Entry
– secure your place at university upon successful completion
Expert University and Career Counselling
– tailored guidance to help you plan your future
Dedicated Personal Support
– a team of teachers and staff always ready to assist you
Engaging and Personalised Teaching
– learn in a dynamic and supportive environment
Skill-building Coursework
– develop the knowledge and abilities needed for university success
English for Academic Purposes
– improve your study skills and IELTS score
Choice of Pathways
– select subjects that align with your goals and interests
Academic Stretch
– learn beyond the classroom with study visits and weekly themes