The International Baccalaureate at St Clare’s

St Clare’s is a remarkable school in a magnificent Oxford setting where students enjoy a high-quality international education, achieve outstanding academic results and develop the skills they will need to create truly rewarding futures.
We are frequently the destination of choice for many students wishing to study the International Baccalaureate. As one of the most famous international colleges in Oxford and the first ever IB school in England, we train teachers and leaders from around the world. We are proud to be at the centre of IB education and as such we attract highly experienced IB teachers.

Why IB?
Our students consistently achieve academic results far beyond their apparent potential. Our IB average is consistently far above the world average every single year. Indeed, some of our students achieve full marks, which puts them in the top 1%, and many go onto the best universities in the world. Our results place us among the top IB schools internationally for student progress, so coming to St Clare’s gives you a greater chance of achieving your potential. Our teaching methods are engaging and student-centered. Lessons are varied, challenging and fun, with an excellent staff-to-student ratio.
Despite our academic successes, St Clare’s is not only about impressive exam results. The college was founded with a mission to advance international education and understanding. These values remain as true today as they did when the college was first established. With a student body of more than 40 different nationalities, our pupils come across many different perspectives and develop a wide range of thinking skills.
Our educational programme is holistic, developing talents in music, arts and sports. It also builds relationship and leadership skills through a broad range of co-curricular activities and service-learning projects. St Clare’s graduates are mature, responsible, creative, well-informed and inspiring people with a deep sense of respect for themselves and others. They leave the college as confident young men and women, able to make a difference.
With outstanding academic results, international understanding and strong personal development, our graduates are particularly attractive to universities and employers, and as a result many go on to enjoy remarkable careers. Our university counselling and careers guidance programme, staffed by fully accredited advisers, enables students to explore their options carefully, and make well-informed decisions about their future. We continue to offer students advice after they graduate and support them in their adult lives.
St Clare’s is a challenging, enriching and highly enjoyable experience. Our exceptional pastoral team look after the wellbeing and development of every student. Relationships between students are respectful and generous, and all our students belong to a close-knit community where friendships can really flourish. We are diverse and inclusive, appreciating students for who they are and empowering them to help shape the community.
At a glance
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WHY STUDY OUR PREPARATORY IB COURSE AT OUR IB WORLD SCHOOL?
Subject offering
Our Pre-IB course develops your knowledge in the key subjects covered in the IB Diploma including English Literature, English Language, Maths, Science, Arts and Humanities
Progression route
If you successfully complete our Pre-IB course you can develop onto our IB Diploma
Internationally recognised qualification
Our Pre-IB offering gives you the chance to gain IGCSEs in English and Maths
Quality IB teaching
We have been offering the IB Diploma for over 40 years. Our Pre-IB course is taught by specialist IB teachers; many of whom are IB examiners
England’s first IB World School
Our experience reflects our academic resources, including modern teaching spaces, well-equipped science laboratories and a state of the art design studio
Flexible course entry
You can start our Pre-IB course September, January or April. September starters can utilise our full academic offering and achieve up to 2 IGCSEs upon completion of the course
Pre-IB methodology
Our Pre-IB course links in with the qualities and attributes of the IB learner profile which encourages learners to become balanced, caring, communicators, inquirers, knowledgeable, open minded, principled, risk-takers, reflective and thinkers
Discover new experiences
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) promotes the opportunity to develop new skills through unique experiences. Create your own CAS programme from over 50 experiences a week.Service is not a compulsory element, instead you can choose between 2 Creativity and 1 Activity, or 2 Activity and 1 Creativity.
Dedicated support through small class sizes
Provides a positive academic environment for you to thrive
Experienced pastoral support
Our dedicated team supports your wellbeing during your studies
Inspiring learning environment
Oxford offers a range of academic resources as it is a world famous student city
AS AN IB WORLD SCHOOL, WE PREPARE FOR YOUR IB STUDIES AND HELP YOU ACHIEVE UP TO 2 IGCSE QUALIFICATIONS
The IGCSE adds to the scope and quality of our Pre-IB provision. The key benefits include:
- Excellent preparation for the IB Diploma: If you are selected to take the IGCSE in Maths, you will gain a recognised qualification in Maths and be equipped for our 2 new IB Maths courses ‘Analysis and Approaches’ and ‘Applications and Interpretation’
- Complements progression to the IB Diploma: Our IGCSE award in English either as a native and non-native speaker, enables you to be fully prepared for either our Group 1 or Group 2 course offering at IB level
- Flexible course options: the majority of students will be able to access one of our IGCSE English courses. More able mathematicians will also be able to access our IGCSE Maths course
- IGCSE awards: You can take up to 2 IGCSE qualifications. Our next cohort starts in September 2021
- Prestigious awarding body: Cambridge Assessment is a quality provider of the IGCSE
- Benefits future career aspirations: A specialist qualification in Maths and English complements university applications, supports professional development and strengthens career prospects; IGCSEs are recognised by employers worldwide.
Compulsory subjects
- The core subjects are English and Maths. All students take 4 hours of mathematics a week, 2 hours of World Literature and 8 hours of English (IB groups 1, 2 & 5). English and Maths classes are arranged by ability so that you receive the right level of support. Students taking the Maths IGCSE will have an additional 2 hours of weekly mathematics tuition.
Optional subjects
- You will select 3 of each per semester (in subject groups 1 to 6). We offer 4 Humanities subjects, 4 Sciences and 4 Arts subjects (groups 3, 4 & 6).

