Oxford International College

A universal pastoral framework supports students throughout their time at the college. Each student is assigned a Strategy Tutor and a Boarding Mentor who oversee academic progress and wellbeing. Strategy Tutors meet with students daily for registration and conduct a one-to-one meeting every three weeks. A Mental Health First Aid Team is available as the first point of contact in a crisis or for wellbeing support. The Life Skills PSHE program teaches personal, social, and ethical development to build self-esteem, critical thinking, and respectful relationships.

The college aims to meet students' needs across academic development, physical and mental health, wellbeing and special educational needs. SEN support is coordinated by the SENCo and delivered through a team including Strategy Tutors, Boarding Mentors, Heads of Year and Wellbeing staff, with targeted interventions such as counselling and medical support. In some cases, six consecutive sessions with a Specialist Teacher or Counsellor are provided. External referrals to Educational Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, CAMHS or other services may be arranged when appropriate. The college recognises that some students require additional support due to neurodiversity or other needs.

English as an Additional Language is identified at application. Entrants to the A-level programme normally require IELTS 6.5 and GCSE entrants IELTS 5.5 or equivalent; some students may join via a pre-sessional programme or additional EAL classes. Year 12 students attend at least two IELTS classes weekly until achieving 7.0 in each component and 7.5 overall; Year 13 students continue until meeting the university language requirement, with regular progress assessments and additional classes if needed. EAL support spans the curriculum, with all teachers attentive to language; they liaise with the IELTS team and the Director of Studies for further support. The college emphasises using English as the working language during the day.

World Mental Health Day 2024 featured wellbeing activities such as wellbeing trees and Headspace mindfulness resources. Students could sign up for the Headspace app to access mindfulness tools and mental health support. The college promotes mental wellbeing through a comprehensive welfare system, including mentors, progress tutors, and confidential support via a Mental Health First Aid Team. Sleep Champion status recognises the college's focus on healthy sleep as a contributor to wellbeing.

Safeguarding is a core responsibility with a Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputies. The college has a safeguarding and child protection policy with procedures aligned to national guidance. The policy outlines safeguarding roles, responsibilities, and staff training, with annual updates and routine safeguarding meetings. The college works in partnership with external agencies as needed to safeguard students. The safeguarding policy is publicly available.