Headington Rye Oxford vs Oxford International College
Headington Rye Oxford and Oxford International College are both in Oxford, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer British programmes, and Headington Rye Oxford also offers EYFS. Published annual fees are £15,351 - 30,783 at Headington Rye Oxford and £25,277 - 35,575 at Oxford International College, which puts Oxford International College roughly 32% higher. Headington Rye Oxford takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Oxford International College from 15 to 19. Headington Rye Oxford is the larger school, with around 1,075 pupils to Oxford International College's 150.
EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum
Curriculum
British Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
1,075
Pupils
150
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
15
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1915
Opened
2002
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school has two campuses in Headington, Oxford. The Prep School is on Pullens Lane (OX3 0BY) and the Senior School is on Headington Road (OX3 7TD).
Location
Oxford, United Kingdom. Set in the heart of Oxford. Address: 1 London Place, Oxford OX4 1BD.
Stages
Stages
Prep School for ages 3–11 (co-educational) and Senior School for ages 11–18 (female).
Stages
GCSE programme (Ages 15-16); A Level programme (Ages 16-19).
School type
School type
Independent day and boarding school.
School type
Independent sixth form college with boarding.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
SEND provision is available; 129 pupils require SEND support; 150 pupils speak English as an additional language.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
England
Country affiliation
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Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
Founded by evangelical Christians
Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
The academic year runs from early September to late June with three terms. Boarders may arrive up to 2 days before the start of each term and must vacate one day after the College term ends.
Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration Fees - Registration/application fees apply at the point of application. For UK applicants the published registration fees (2024–25 schedule) are: Prep School (UK applicant) £95 + VAT; Senior School (UK applicant) £150 + VAT. - For overseas applicants the school's overseas-admissions guidance lists an application fee charged directly to overseas families of £180 for Prep-age candidates (Nursery to Year 6) and £300 for Senior School and Sixth Form overseas candidates.
Tuition (termly and annual) — Day pupils - Reception: £5,117 per term — Annual total (three terms) £15,351. - Year 1–Year 2: £6,067 per term — Annual total £18,201. - Year 3–Year 4: £6,886 per term — Annual total £20,658. - Year 5–Year 6: £7,786 per term — Annual total £23,358. - Year 7–Year 11 (Senior School day): £9,346 per term — Annual total £28,038. - Sixth Form (current pupils): £9,346 per term — Annual total £28,038. Sixth Form direct entrants: £10,261 per term — Annual total £30,783.
Tuition (termly and annual) — Boarding (Senior School & Sixth Form where applicable) - Half-weekly boarding (termly): Year 7–11 and Sixth Form current pupils £12,600 — Annual total £37,800. Sixth Form direct entrants £13,922 per term — Annual total £41,766. - Weekly boarding (termly): Year 7–11 and Sixth Form current pupils £15,773 — Annual total £47,319. Sixth Form direct entrants £17,488 per term — Annual total £52,464. - Full boarding (termly): Year 7–11 and Sixth Form current pupils £18,882 — Annual total £56,646. Sixth Form direct entrants £20,688 per term — Annual total £62,064. - Occasional boarding (subject to availability): charged at £120 per night (maximum of 8 nights per academic term).
Nursery fees and pattern-based charges - Nursery fees are charged per term and vary by the pattern of attendance (mornings-only, full days or mixed combinations). Example per-term figures (selected examples from published schedule): 2 full days £2,199; 3 full days £3,199; 4 full days £4,027; 5 full days £4,546. Morning-only and mixed-session charges are published on the nursery fee schedule and Tax-Free Childcare can be accepted for Nursery fees.
Deposits and Advance Fee - Prep School acceptance deposit (day): £500. - Senior School acceptance deposit (day): £1,000. Senior School boarding deposits (UK boarders): half-weekly £1,500; weekly £2,000; full £2,500. Overseas boarders' deposit: £3,250. An Advance Fee for overseas placements is recorded at £12,500. Deposits are generally credited against the final invoice but are non-refundable except in limited, published circumstances.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is divided into three equal parts and invoiced termly. Each term's fees fall due for payment on the first day of that term. Fees must be paid in full by direct debit or direct bank transfer on or before the first day of the term to which the invoice relates. Interest may be charged on late payments at a published rate (the school's contractual rate above its bank base rate). The school may refuse attendance, withhold references or take other contractual steps if fees are not paid.
Fee payment options and related arrangements - Accepted methods include direct debit and direct bank transfer. Tax-Free Childcare payments can be used for Nursery fees, Aftercare and clubs outside the school day, and for Reception children who have not yet reached compulsory school age; childcare vouchers are accepted for Aftercare and clubs up to Year 10. The school operates a Fees in Advance (FIA) scheme under separate terms. The school may, at its discretion, agree alternative arrangements in writing.
Supplemental charges and other regular additional costs - Optional extras and commonly charged supplemental items (examples, per term unless otherwise stated): - Senior School breakfast club: £236 per term. School supper: £6.20 per session. Individual music lessons (10×40 minutes): £540 per term. Instrument hire: wind £80, string £62 per term. Speech & Drama (10×30 minutes): £393 (individual) / £472 (pairs) per term. EAL group lessons: from £56 per hour (senior) / £52 per hour (prep). Aftercare: £7.50 per hour; full aftercare session (to 6.00 pm) £15; late-collection and emergency extension charges also apply. All optional extras are charged as supplemental charges and invoiced termly unless otherwise stated.
Uniform and supplier - A school uniform is required for all pupils below Sixth Form. The school's specified uniform supplier is Stevensons (Oxford). A second‑hand uniform shop operates from the Prep School site. Specific items (blazer, pullover, tartan skirt or navy trousers, sports tops and socks) and transition arrangements to the unified Headington Rye Oxford uniform are set out in the published uniform policy. (Uniform item prices are set by the supplier and second‑hand shop; the school publishes the required list and supplier details.)
Refunds, deposits and withdrawal terms - The acceptance deposit is ordinarily non‑refundable if a place is declined or a pupil fails to take up a place, except in limited circumstances where the school fills the vacancy and refunds the deposit less administrative costs. If you wish to withdraw a place before your child starts you must give a term's written notice or pay a term's fees in lieu of notice. After a child has started at the school, a term's notice in writing is required to withdraw a child (longer notice is required at certain key points such as end of Year 11), otherwise fees in lieu of notice become payable. Fees and supplemental charges will not be reduced or refunded for absence due to illness or any other reason; suspension, exclusion or removal from school does not entitle parents to a refund. For exceptional events outside either party's control there are specific contractual provisions that may allow pro‑rata adjustments or cancellation after prolonged disruption; these are subject to the terms set out in the school's contract.
Other points of cost and concessions - Bursaries through the Headington Access Programme are available but are limited in scope (bursaries are typically for local day Sixth Form pupils and not generally available for boarding or Prep School). Pupils with a parent working in full‑time UK military or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (posted overseas) may qualify for a 20% discount on fees. The school may waive application fees or deposits in exceptional cases of financial hardship as part of the financial assistance process.
If you require the exact numeric totals listed above entered into a specific format for your database, use the per‑term figures provided (they are the published termly charges) and multiply by three to obtain the standard annual totals; the per‑term figures above are the published charge points for each category and are current for the September 2026 term schedule.
Fee details
Application and acceptance charges
- Application fee: GBP 390.00 (payable on application; non‑refundable as an administration fee). - Deposit: GBP 11,400.00 (paid to accept a place; held by the College and refunded without interest after the pupil leaves provided there are no outstanding fees or other sums owing; deposit is not refundable if the pupil does not take up the place except in the limited circumstances described in the College terms).
Tuition fees by programme (annual, with per-invoice and per-term equivalents)
All tuition figures below are shown as yearly fees (inclusive of VAT). The College issues fee invoices in two equal instalments (see Billing schedule). Per-invoice amounts shown = annual fee ÷ 2. Per-term equivalent shown = annual fee ÷ 3 (for budgeting clarity).
Boarding fees (annual and instalment/equivalent values)
Boarding fees below are annual amounts for the boarding provision and include full accommodation, meals and the College's boarding pastoral support and enrichment as described by the College. Per-invoice and per-term equivalent values are included for budgeting.
- Alice House | Premium Studio Ensuite | Year 13 students - Yearly boarding fee: GBP 37,995.00. - Per invoice: GBP 18,997.50. - Per‑term equivalent: GBP 12,665.00.
- Wavy Gate | Studio | Year 13 students - Yearly boarding fee: GBP 37,495.00. - Per invoice: GBP 18,747.50. - Per‑term equivalent: GBP 12,498.33.
- Wavy Gate | Standard Double Ensuite | Year 13 students - Yearly boarding fee: GBP 36,995.00. - Per invoice: GBP 18,497.50. - Per‑term equivalent: GBP 12,331.67.
- St Clements | Standard Single Ensuite | Year 13 students - Yearly boarding fee: GBP 36,495.00. - Per invoice: GBP 18,247.50. - Per‑term equivalent: GBP 12,165.00.
- Thames Street | Standard Single Ensuite | Year 11 & 12 students - Yearly boarding fee: GBP 36,495.00. - Per invoice: GBP 18,247.50. - Per‑term equivalent: GBP 12,165.00.
Additional and optional charges (examples and typical costs)
The College charges additional fees for optional enrichment, certain courses and activities. Typical additional charges for the academic year include:
- Biology field trip: GBP 650.00. - EPQ (Extended Project Qualification): GBP 1,545.00. - Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Bronze/Silver/Gold, programme cost): GBP 875.00. - LAMDA course: GBP 825.00. - Native Languages (e.g., Chinese or Russian A Level tuition): GBP 1,995.00 per year. - Perlego digital library access: GBP 120.00 per year. - HeadStart pre‑sessional course (Year 12): GBP 3,495.00. - Pre‑sessional UCAS programme (one‑week): GBP 2,295.00.
These items are charged as supplemental charges and are invoiced separately as described under Billing schedule.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The annual fees are divided into two equal parts and invoiced separately in June/July and in November/December; those invoices together are intended to cover the College's three academic terms. Payment dates are stated on each invoice. - All fee invoices (tuition, boarding and applicable supplemental charges) must be paid in full by direct bank transfer on or before the payment date shown on the invoice. Supplemental charges for each term are included in the November/December invoice or invoiced separately in April as applicable. - Late payments may attract interest at 2.5% per annum above the School's bank base rate, charged daily from the due date until payment. The College may refuse attendance, withhold references and/or withdraw visa sponsorship while fees remain unpaid, and may recover costs of debt recovery from parents.
These billing and payment terms are contractual and apply to all parents who sign the acceptance form.
Refunds and withdrawal charges
- The application/administration fee is non‑refundable in all circumstances. The deposit is not refundable if a pupil does not take up the place, except in the limited circumstance where the College receives proper notice and is able to fill the specific vacancy; the deposit is otherwise held and refunded (without interest) after the pupil leaves provided there are no outstanding balances. - If you wish to withdraw a pupil before they join, you must provide a term's notice or pay a term's fees in lieu of notice. If a pupil is withdrawn without the required notice, a term's fees will be payable as a debt. - Fees and supplemental charges are not reduced or refunded for absence due to illness, study leave, shortened terms or remote provision. Additional charges (for example, public examination fees, individual music lessons, certain trips, damage or cleaning of boarding accommodation) are billed as supplemental charges.
Payment methods and arrangements
- Standard payment method: direct bank transfer (parents must pay invoices by the due date by bank transfer). The College may agree in writing to accept payment from a third party but this does not remove the parents' contractual liability for fees. - The College operates a Fees‑In‑Advance (FIA) scheme for lump‑sum prepayments under separate FIA terms; where used, the FIA arrangement is administered against termly fee obligations and any shortfalls or supplemental charges remain payable under the standard contract.
Specific bank details, invoice deadlines and any alternative payment arrangements are provided to parents on the fee invoice and acceptance paperwork.
Other practical points and incidental costs
- Students do not wear a uniform; a dress code applies. There is therefore no uniform cost charged as part of the College fees, but parents should allow for personal clothing and incidental items. - Public examination fees, optional trips, certain extracurricular activities and services (e.g., individual music tuition, specialist language tuition, transport or property damage/cleaning charges for boarders) are charged in addition to tuition/boarding fees as supplemental charges.
Please use these figures and conditions for fee entries and budgeting. If a particular programme, boarding option or optional activity is selected, use the specific annual figure above and apply the billing schedule (two equal invoices in June/July and November/December) when recording instalments.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Headington Rye Oxford provides a broad, balanced curriculum across linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education. It promotes intellectual and personal growth, enabling pupils to make the most of opportunities and to develop their talents. The curriculum offers breadth, balance and progression and provides access to a broad range of GCSE and A Level subjects with the option to specialise. Languages include English Language, English Literature, French, Spanish, German, Latin and Greek, with Italian added from 2025. The curriculum also covers Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Trilogy Science; Computing, Three‑Dimensional Design, Food Technology, Fashion and Fabric Design, Graphic Communication; Geography, History, Religious Studies and Classical Civilisation; plus a range of arts subjects such as Art, Drama and Music, and enrichment options including HPQ and Headington Rye Awards.
Curriculum details
GCSE Ages 15-16 and A-level Ages 16-19 programmes. Academic Pathways with Purpose: clearly structured Global pathways aligned to intended degree areas, ensuring subject choices, enrichment, and preparation are coherent from the outset. University Guidance is built in with a dedicated University Counsellor providing strategic guidance across UK, US, and international applications. University Preparation, timetabled: University and careers guidance is embedded into the timetable, developing research skills, informed decision-making, and application readiness. Academic Depth Beyond the Classroom: Supercurricular portfolios through wider reading, competitions, research, EPQs, debating, and targeted enrichment.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
1:8 staff to pupil ratio.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
GCSE results for 2026 show 61% of grades at 8 or 9, 78% at 7 or above, and about 20% of the year group achieved 8/9 grades or A* in all subjects. A Level results for 2026 show 65% of grades at A* to A and 89% at A* to B, with A* to A achieved in eight subjects. Subject-specific A Level achievements include 100% A* to A in Fine Art and Lens-based Media, and 100% A* to A in Politics, Spanish and Economics.
Exam results
In 2025, A Level results featured A* as the most common grade. There were nine Oxbridge offers, spanning the sciences, humanities and future-shaping disciplines. Seventy-eight percent of offers came from Russell Group universities.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Leavers destinations include universities around the world. In the UK, leavers go on to institutions such as Bristol, UCL and King's College London. In the US, graduates have joined Brown, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Yale, Harvard and NYU, among others.
Higher education progression
Graduates secure places at Oxbridge, G5 universities, and other leading global destinations. Each student is supported by a dedicated University Counsellor, providing guidance across UK, US, and international applications. University preparation and careers guidance are embedded into the timetable.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) and Headington Rye Awards in Creative Writing, Global Citizenship and Philosophy are offered. The school provides a wealth of supra-curricular enrichment opportunities, including cross-curricular links, educational visits, exchanges, lectures and workshops.
Gifted and talented
Supercurricular portfolios are built through wider reading, competitions, research, EPQs, debating, and targeted enrichment.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Apply and pay the registration fee. Submit the online application form and pay the Registration Fee for 2024-2025: Prep School UK £95 + VAT; Prep School Overseas £150 + VAT; Senior School UK £150 + VAT; Senior School Overseas £250 + VAT. 2. Entrance assessments and interviews. Prep School entry (Nursery to Year 2) is determined by a visit or virtual meeting; Reception uses emergent tasks; Years 3–6 entry is by assessment in Mathematics, English and Non‑Verbal Reasoning plus an interview and a day with peers. Senior School entry (Year 7/11+, Year 9/13+, Year 12/16+) involves entrance papers, interviews and, for overseas applicants, remote assessments where appropriate. 3. Language, EAL and international considerations. English as an Additional Language is assessed; candidates may take the OUP language test and EAL lessons are compulsory and chargeable if needed. International candidates may be interviewed and assessed remotely and there is no requirement to use an agent unless language support is needed. 4. Decisions and offers. After the relevant entrance examinations, results, interviews and reports are reviewed by a panel; offers are sent by e‑letter, usually within three weeks of the entrance day; in some cases, candidates may be invited to join a waiting list. 5. Appeals and progression. If a decision is contested, parents may appeal via the Director of Marketing and Admissions; the Headmistress's decision is final. 6. Transition and additional information. Transition events help prep pupils familiarise themselves with the Senior School; international and additional considerations are addressed through the admissions team as needed.
Admissions
MAKE AN ENQUIRY: Complete our online enquiry form and our Admissions Team will respond within 24 hours (Mon–Fri) to guide you through the next steps. They will confirm availability and answer any questions. You'll then complete our online application form. Admissions representatives are based around the world to support families.
SEND US YOUR APPLICATION: Apply online when ready, uploading supporting documents such as school reports, predicted grades, or examination certificates. The Admissions Team reviews the application and guides you through the next steps. Successful applicants may be invited to visit the College.
ASSESSMENT AND INTERVIEW: Applicants complete CAT4 aptitude testing, Maths and English placement assessments (OPT), and a personal interview. The assessment helps determine readiness for OIC's high-performing academic environment. Successful candidates may be invited to visit the College.
OFFERING YOU A PLACE: Following assessment, successful applicants receive a formal offer and clear support through deposit, registration, and enrolment. From enquiry to offer, the process typically takes no more than two weeks. You will receive guidance on deposits, registration, and enrolment.
GETTING STARTED AT OIC: Before arrival, the Student Services Manager ensures a smooth transition through secure pre-arrival forms covering wellbeing, guardianship, and arrival guidance. This support helps international students settle in and navigate arrival logistics. On arrival, staff provide ongoing welfare and onboarding assistance. The college maintains ongoing communications to support families.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships recognise merit and offer opportunities to develop in the chosen area; most scholarships do not carry a financial award, but there are special academic and music scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+; music scholarships may include free tuition for a musical instrument. Scholarship holders benefit from the school's enrichment and extension programmes. Scholarship candidates may also apply for means‑tested support worth up to 100% of day fees. Financial assistance through the Headington Rye Access Programme (HRAP) can provide up to 100% of day fees for Year 7 (11+) and up to 50% for Year 9 (13+); HRAP awards are separate from the scholarships programme and are means‑tested. Financial assistance for Prep School or boarding fees is not available; HRAP awards are confidential and based on entrance performance and family circumstances.
Scholarships
Bursaries are means-tested and designed to support families who require financial assistance. Awards are based on a confidential review of income, savings, and reasonable household circumstances and bursaries are reviewed annually. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional ability, potential, and commitment and provide fee remission. Becoming a scholarship holder means contributing actively to College life as a role model, innovator, and future leader. Scholarships align with four Global Strategic Pathways: Clinical & Life Sciences; Physical & Applied Sciences; Social & Commerce Sciences; Computational & Data Sciences. Scholarships are available for both Under 16 and 16+ Entry. Scholars participate in enrichment opportunities, competitions, and academic societies.
Waitlist
Waitlist
In some cases, suitable applicants may be asked to join a waiting list.
