Founded in 1973 as a co-educational tutorial establishment. It enjoys an historic site, Greyfriars (originally a Franciscan foundation), in the heart of the city. This comprises two main buildings separated by an open courtyard: the Master's Lodgings; and Cloisters, which house classrooms and laboratories. The library, bistro and common room is in the neighbouring Friary Centre. There are four halls of residence in north Oxford within ten minutes' cycle ride of the city centre, each supervised by a house-mother with a domestic staff. In addition, there are 21 tutorial rooms in the Manor Park Buildings, overlooking the University Parks. There is no prescribed curriculum; tutorial arrangements are designed to suit each pupil's individual needs. With a strong staff of full- and part-time tutors, all core teaching is done on a one-to-one basis, supplemented by weekly seminars in small groups. There are also written tests which aim to develop each student's examination skills and confidence. The teaching is highly organised and concentrated for GCSE, AS, A-level and university entrance; examination results are very good. All pupils have an academic supervisor, for pastoral care and to oversee academic work, and the support of the welfare officer. Organised social functions occur 5-6 times a term. Sport and games are optional but there are facilities for football and basketball, and further provision for a range of activities.
Pupils: Age range 16-19; 150 students, 40 day (20 boys, 20 girls), 110 boarding (55 boys, 55 girls). Entrance: No entrance exam; 5 GCSEs at grade C preferred (but possible to retake alongside AS-levels); high level of interest and motivation is the key. No special skills or religious requirements (college is multi-denominational). State school entry 5%.
Bursaries available for HM Forces families, siblings and for those who have attended Easter courses at the college.
10+% are in theatre, media, music; 20+% doctors, lawyers etc; 45+% industry/commerce. Under 20% live within 30 miles of the school; under 10% overseas.
Principal: Andy Thompson, in post from 2001. Educated at Danum School, Doncaster, and Cambridge University (English). Previously Vice-Principal at the college. Chairman of Academic Affairs Committee and Member of Executive Council at CIFE. Also marathon runner (c 3 hours). Teaching staff: 70 full time, 15 part time. Annual turnover 5+%. Average age 35.
GCSE: On average, 15 pupils in upper fifth: 98% gain at least grade C in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 80 in upper sixth: 65% pass in 4+ subjects; 22% in 3; 10% in 2; and 3% in 1 subject (college policy to stagger the timing of examinations). Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 280.
95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (1% after a gap year), 1% to Oxbridge. 6% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 10% in science and engineering, 16% in law, 51% in humanities and social sciences, 6% in art and design, 9% in vocational subjects eg physiotherapy. Others typically go on to art or agricultural college or directly into work (eg to Sotheby's).
Some GCSE offered, mainly AS and A-levels; also EFL exams. All subjects offered, including Chinese, Russian and A-level communication and media studies. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, general studies A-level optional. 10% take science A-levels; 85% arts/humanities; 5% both. Special provision: Arrangements made for students with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, ME. Languages: All European languages offered to GCSE, AS-level and A-level. ICT: Taught across the curriculum. 6 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), 4 networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 20% pupils play a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Art and design: On average, 15 take A-level. Design, ceramics and photography also offered. Good record with art school entry.
Sport: All sport is optional. A number of pupils of national and international ranking. Activities: Pupils can take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service optional. Many pupils are members of clubs and societies associated with the university.
Uniform: None. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. Religion: Multi-denominational; no compulsory worship. Social: Trips abroad organised, particularly by departments of art and earth sciences. Students may bring own car, bike or motorbike to school. No alcohol allowed in college buildings.
Students want to be at the college and are educated to identify and meet goals and ambitions they set themselves. Where problems they are discussed; tutors offer consistent encouragement and guidance, monitoring and reporting progress monthly. Strictly enforced drug policy.
20% have own study bedrooms; 80% share with 1 other. Mixed houses of 17-20, divided by age group; some self-catering accommodation. Students treated as adults, so exeats not limited but carefully monitored.
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