St Clare's, Oxford
St Clare's, Oxford
Oxford, England
St Clare’s is a truly international community — students from 46 nations live and learn here in the historic university city of Oxford. Rather than a traditional boarding school, St Clare’s feels more like an academic sixth-form college: no uniforms, lots of personal responsibility, and a clear focus on university preparation. The proximity to the colleges is more than just geographic — students take advantage of the university’s sports, cultural, and academic facilities. So if you’re looking for a modern, open-minded environment where young adults are supported as equals, this is the perfect place.
The Details
The Academics
St Clare’s offers the IB and a Pre-IB course—with over 40 years of experience in IB education. Although the school is not overly selective academically, students consistently achieve strong results: in 2024, the IB average score was 35 points—six points above the global average. This success is largely due to high teaching quality and a strong focus on independent, university-level learning. St Clare’s also prepares students optimally for the IB: the small class sizes (an average of 8–10 students) and dedicated teachers—many of whom are IB examiners—are key factors.
Languages Taught
Dutch, English as a Foreign Language, French, Spanish, Mandarin, German and Russian.
The Boarding
Boarding plays a major role at St Clare’s—90% of students live in the boarding houses. The 15 boarding houses are all within walking distance of the campus. Particularly impressive is the modern boarding house “121” with bright twin rooms. Many other students live in charmingly converted Victorian townhouses, in single or twin rooms—the atmosphere feels more like student life than a traditional school.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
St Clare’s offers a unique school culture, shaped by a liberal ethos, an international student body from over 45 nations, and a manageable size. Located in the heart of Oxford, the school provides students with access to the facilities of the prestigious university. Students enjoy more freedom than at many other schools to take advantage of the university’s educational, sports, and cultural programs. Still, there are clear rules that promote respectful and responsible interaction.
Independent, intellectually curious, and internationally minded students especially feel at home here.
The school places great emphasis on diversity and inclusion, reflected in its mission to foster international education and understanding.
Overall, St Clare’s is an excellent choice for students who want to grow academically in an international environment and prepare for university life.
Weaknesses
The flip side of the international community is the low number of British students: St Clare’s has just about 30% of them!
Location
St Clare’s is located right in the heart of the historic university city of Oxford.
A great choice for mature, cosmopolitan students who bring a lot of self-discipline and can study well without constant supervision.
Anyone visiting Oxford should definitely try punting – a wonderfully British way to experience the city from the water. Using a long wooden pole, you steer the flat-bottomed boat along the River Cherwell, passing green banks and historic college gardens.
Take a look at similar schools
Kent College, Canterbury
Bromsgrove School
St Edward's School
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