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BOARDING
Key Facts
15-19
years old
40+
nationalities
24/7
care from our house parents
BOARDING AT OIC
A COMMUNITY OF PIONEERS
Boarding at OIC goes beyond having a place to stay. It’s about belonging to a nurturing, inclusive community where every student is known, valued, and cared for - especially when they’re away from home for the first time. From day one, our priority is that each boarder feels safe, settled, and supported, with a team that works closely with academic staff to help students balance ambitious goals with wellbeing and enjoyment.
A PLACE TO BELONG
INDEPENDENTLY RECOGNISED
Boarding is integral to the school's provision and supports pupils' academic study, personal development and preparation for independent living
ISI Inspection Report 2026
Designed for confidence, care, and progress
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE OIC BOARDING
OIC is built for ambitious students and boarding is a key part of that experience. Our approach combines structure and independence, academic focus and real rest, and high standards with genuine warmth.
Our boarding includes:
- 24/7 care from dedicated House Parents and staff.
- Boarding staff and Strategy Tutors work closely to help students build healthy routines, manage workload, and develop independence.
- Compassionate leadership that ensures students feel understood, respected, and supported through every transition.
- Student voice prioritised through house committees and regular feedback channels that shape boarding life.
DISCOVER OUR BOARDING HOUSES
Our purpose-built boarding houses are a home away from home, offering the security, comfort, and modern facilities our students need to thrive.
Wavy Gate
Set in a secure gated community just walking distance from the college, Wavy Gate houses 87 spacious ensuite bedrooms and studios. Each group of six rooms has a shared kitchen and common room, mirroring the layout found in many university halls of residence.
Alice House
Close to Magdalen Bridge and just a short walk to our teaching buildings, Alice House is an apartment-style building with 14 self-contained studio flats. Complete with a comfy double bed, study area, kitchenette, and shower room, our modern flats offer our oldest students a taste of post-college life.
A balanced lifestyle, built in
BALANCE AND ENRICHMENT
At OIC, we believe students succeed best when ambition is supported by balance. Boarding life creates space for friendships, fitness, creativity, leadership, and confidence — alongside focused academic routines.
Why Boarding at OIC?
- Sports, fitness, and outdoor activities
- Creative clubs, cultural trips, and student-led events
- Leadership through house roles and committees
Oxford: inspiring, historic, and made for students
LIFE IN OXFORD
Boarding students live in one of the world’s most academically celebrated cities — rich in tradition, culture, and opportunity. From museums and galleries to cafés, theatres, festivals, and green spaces, Oxford offers an exceptional environment for young people to thrive.
Why Oxford?
- A compact city-centre environment means less time commuting and more time for study, rest, and friendships.
- Students learn to navigate daily life responsibly — building practical life skills in a world-famous academic city.
- Museums, libraries, galleries, historic sites, and seasonal events are moments away — making weekends genuinely restorative and inspiring.
- Oxford’s transport links make it easy for students to travel safely and for families to visit.
BOARDING FEES
Our fees reflect the innovative education we offer at OIC – one that’s designed exclusively for you. We’ll map out your entire learning journey, ensuring you follow a tailored pathway that nurtures your talents, embraces passions, and prepares you for success at your dream university.
Our Boarding feesFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
- What meals will I eat?
- From Monday to Friday, our boarders enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which they eat together in the college’s dining halls. We offer brunch on Sundays, which gives our young people time to relax in the morning. Our menus change regularly and always include a variety of options. We cater to all dietary requirements, too.
- Will I have my own room?
- It depends! Most of our accommodation is single occupancy, either in single bedrooms or small studios. We do, however, offer some ensuite twin rooms.
- Can I stay in my accommodation during the holidays?
- Our boarding fees cover your accommodation during term-time and OIC Amplify Weeks (enrichment weeks). All our houses are closed during for Christmas, Easter and Summer.
- Is there a curfew?
Curfews varies across year groups, Sunday to Thursday curfew is as follows: Year 11 7pm, Year 12 8pm, Year 13 9pm.
Fridays allow a 30 minutes extension to the times above and Saturday allows a 1 hour extension.
Please note that during the Summer term, curfews become later (however curfews do not extend passed 10pm)- Can my family visit?
- Yes, of course. If your family plans to visit, they should get in touch with our boarding staff in advance. On the day, they’ll need to report to our house parents or wardens, and follow our signing in and out procedure.
DEFINING FUTURES
Excellence at OIC is never one-size-fits-all. Built in Oxford, we define futures that transform ambition into outstanding university offers and lifelong success.
Enquire now
