Here are some of our frequently asked questions and important information you may need. If you can’t find the answer to your question below, please feel free to email us at any time at info@oxfordspires.education.
The weather in the UK can change very quickly, so a variety of clothes for hot and wet days is a good idea.
Have a look at our recommended packing list!
And don’t forget: towels are provided in homestay accommodation, but not in the residences! So please bring these with you.
This is up to you, and depends on your normal spending habits. Whilst you are with us, all entrance fees and travel to the activities on the social programme are included in the course fee.
If you want to buy souvenirs, snacks, and do some shopping, then about £50 per week should be enough. We don’t recommend travelling with lots of cash!
If you are from the European Union you do not need a visa to study in the UK.
Students travelling from countries outside the EU will need to get a visa before travelling to the UK. Once you have booked and paid for your course, Oxford Spires will send you a letter of acceptance to take with you to your local embassy to apply for your visa.
To check if you need a UK visa visit: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
Medical emergency treatment in the UK is free for everyone, however you may need to pay for an appointment with a general practitioner for less urgent issues.
Students from the EU should bring their European Health Insurance Card and we recommend that all students have their own medical insurance as a precaution. At an extra cost we can supply medical insurance. If you require this, then please let us know at the time of booking your course.
Please bring any medication that you need to take with you, and please inform us of any medical conditions, allergies or behavioural issues at the time of booking. There are trained first-aiders on-site during the school opening hours.
If you feel unwell you should speak to a member of staff or your teachers as soon as possible. Outside of school opening hours you should contact the Centre Manager, our emergency number on your wristband, or if it is an emergency, call 999.
If you have requested an airport transfer, you will be met in the international arrivals hall by a member of our team who usually will be with you during your stay with us.
When you come through customs, look out for a sign showing our Oxford Spires logo.
We might ask you to wait in the airport if there are other students arriving shortly after you, but this will always be a reasonable length of time (usually not more than 90 minutes) and we will help you buy drinks and snacks if you are thirsty or hungry.
Then you will travel to your accommodation, you’ll check in and then have some time to unpack and settle in.
On departure we’ll get you to the airport at least three hours before your flight is due to leave, giving you plenty of time to check in.
During your stay we’ll let you know what time to be ready to be collected from your accommodation.
Oxford Spires Summer Schools take place in many different locations! These include Oxford, Cheltenham, Cambridge, and Banbury!
For details on each location, please take a look at our course pages.
Staying with a host family is a great way to experience British life and practice your English in a family setting. Host families can be of all different sizes and backgrounds; some might have children and pets, and some might have grown children who have left home. All of the families will give you a warm welcome, make sure you are comfortable, and invite you to join in their family life!
Homestay accommodation: Oxford Our host families are carefully selected and many of them have been working with us for many years. They are located in the Cowley, Kidlington, Yarnton, Begbroke, Woodstock and Headington suburbs, a 15-30 minute bus journey from school and the city centre.
Our host family accommodation in Oxford is organised by a small agency local to Oxford.
Homestay accommodation: Cheltenham All host families are inspected regularly and selected according to our and British Council standards and regulations. The host families in Cheltenham will drop you at school each morning (or in some cases you might walk if you are near enough!) and collect you again at the end of the day.
Our host family accommodation in Cheltenham is organised by a small agency local to Cheltenham.
When you arrive you will be given a welcome pack with a letter inside. This letter gives you the details of your host family (name, address, telephone numbers).
In Oxford Your welcome letter also gives you detailed instructions of how to get to school by public transport. Follow these directions carefully, and ask your host family on the first evening if you have any doubts.
On the first evening or first morning they will show you the nearest bus stop. Make sure you have understood where to get off the bus, and ask the driver if you are not sure. Bring your letter with you as it also shows the address of the school.
In Cheltenham Your host family will either drive you to school or walk with you if their home is near the school. They will come and collect you at the end of the day as well, either in their car or on foot.
You will also be allowed to join some evening activities during your stay, so your host family will bring you back to school after dinner on these days, and collect you again when the activity has finished.
The residences at all locations have rooms which are comfortable and functional. We have members of staff at the halls 24 hours a day for the duration of the summer school who are on-call to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable stay.
Each study location has its own residence with its own characteristics. Please take a look at the venues pages for more information.
All of the residences will have:
Don’t forget to bring a towel, because they are not provided!
In residence Self-service, coin-operated washing and drying machines are available at the residences. The cost is between £2-3 per load. Oxford Spires staff will help you if you need it!
In homestay Your host family will do one load of laundry for you each week. Please ask the host when they are able to do this for you.
Our host families are carefully selected and many of them have been working with us for many years, via our trusted homestay agency. They are located in the Cowley, Kidlington, Yarnton, Begbroke, Woodstock and Headington suburbs, a 15-30 minute bus journey from school and the city centre.
Host families provide breakfast and an evening meal every day. During the week, hot lunches are provided by the school, and packed lunches are provided by the school on excursion days.
On your first day you will receive an induction to welcome you to the school. The induction includes meeting points, rules, what to do in an emergency and an introduction to the staff.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to any of the staff! This is a chance to let us know how you are doing and to report any problems or worries.
Classes are on average 12-13 students with a maximum limit of 15.
Excursions will take place on different days of the week depending on which study centre you are attending.
Please have a look at the course page for more information and a sample timetable!
Our online booking form can be found here.
Please email info@oxfordspires.education if you have any difficulties or questions.
All prices are listed in UK sterling, unless otherwise stated, and all payments must be made in UK sterling.
You can pay online through Flywire; you can use a credit card or by bank transfer, in your local currency with no bank fees.
Alternatively you can pay via a bank transfer (you will need to add £15 to your invoice total, in respect of international bank fees).
No, there is no deadline; we will accept bookings as long as we have a space available for your child’s nationality/language.
However, our programmes can fill up quickly, so it is better to book as soon as possible.
If your child is from the European Union, they do not need a visa to study in the UK.
Students travelling from countries outside the EU will need to get a visa before travelling to the UK. Once you have booked and paid for your child’s course, Oxford Spires will send your child a letter of acceptance to take with them to their local embassy to apply for their visa.
If you need to cancel your child’s booking before your child comes to Oxford Spires International, you must write to us to let us know. We will confirm the cancellation in writing back to you. Cancellations will be subject to the charges listed below. If your child leaves their course before it is finished, no refund will be given.
Cancellation charges:
If you wish to make any changes to your child’s booking, you must do so to us in writing. Oxford Spires International reserves the right to charge you a further administration charge of £100 for any changes to your child’s booking. All changes will be subject to availability.
All summer school programmes operate on specific arrival and departure days (for example Sunday to Sunday or Wednesday to Wednesday) and transportation should be organised accordingly.
Transfer services are available at an additional cost depending on the airport or station of arrival. Please see our dates and prices list for individual airport prices.
Arrivals and departures in unsociable hours or for students travelling on an unaccompanied minor service will be subject to an additional cost, which is available on request via info@oxfordspires.education.
Students from the EU should bring their European Health Insurance Card and we recommend that all students have their own medical insurance as a precaution. At an extra cost we can supply medical insurance. If your child requires this, then please let us know at the time of booking their course.
Please pack any medication that your child needs, and please inform us of any medical conditions, allergies or behavioural issues at the time of booking.
There are trained first-aiders on-site during the school opening hours.
Oxford Spires International must be made aware of any existing medical conditions, allergies, prescribed medication, behavioural needs, and any other matters relating to the student’s health and well-being prior to their arrival.
Any prescription medication must be handed over to school staff upon arrival, together with details of the contents, administration and storage instructions written in English.
Student safety and welfare is a top priority for us! We understand that sending your child abroad can be worrying and at Oxford Spires we want to ensure that each student is happy, healthy and safe.
Our team takes special care to ensure the welfare of all young learners studying with us. Our staff undergo regular training sessions, and we have designated safeguarding leads who ensure our students are safe at all times.
For more information, visit our Student Welfare page.
Yes, we can accommodate special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free. You must send us full information of your child’s dietary requirements in advance so that we can be prepared.
Students usually share rooms with students of a similar age and from a different country, which helps them to speak English and make new friendships. Boys and girls stay in separate accommodation.
We accept accommodation requests, but these are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
If you and your child feel that more pocket money is necessary for your child’s stay in the UK, then of course you may send your child more pocket money. A bank transfer to your child is the best option. Please contact us if you need further advice.
Please view our Terms and Conditions for individuals.
As a group leader, you will travel with your students to the UK and back again from their home country, and will have overall responsibility for many aspects of their welfare whilst studying with us.
In order to keep your students safe, happy and healthy during their stay with us, and to facilitate the smooth overall running of the centre, we request the following from you:
It will depend on your specific programme as to whether you are required on site. You must check with the Centre Manager before going off site. If you are given approval to go off site, make sure you leave your contact details with the Centre Manager and any other members of relevant staff. Make sure you are contactable at all times.
There is no formal dress code for group leaders, however your clothes must be appropriate, smart and comfortable. Remember that you will be walking a lot during activities and trips, so comfortable shoes and clothing is a good idea.
The students must also wear appropriate clothing at all times. Whilst they do not have to be formally dressed, they should be dressed smartly and practically. They will also need to move around and be active on trips and activities, so sensible footwear and comfortable clothing is necessary.
Be aware that the weather in the UK can be unpredictable. Please ensure that both you and yourstudents bring waterproof coats and/ or umbrellas, as well as sufficient clothing to keep warm in cold weather.
This will depend on which centre you are attending. Please let us know in advance if you require access to a computer, and we will speak with you about making arrangements.
Yes, we can accommodate most special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free. Please send the full details of your (or your students’) requirements in advance so that we may prepare our staff and the kitchen staff or homestay hosts.
If you witness a problem with another student, immediately inform the relevant members of Oxford Spires staff. Who you speak to will depend on the type of problem; if it is a problem to do with class work or homework, you must inform a teacher. For most other problems, inform the Centre Manager, the Senior Activity Leader, or the Designated Safeguarding Officer.
Talk to the student, try to find out why they are feeling unhappy. Depending on the issue, you may need to talk to their teacher, the Senior Teacher, or if it is something more serious, you will need to contact the Centre Manager or the Designated Safeguarding Officer.
Students & Group Leaders from the EU should bring their European Health Insurance Card and we recommend that all students & group leaders have their own medical insurance as a precaution. At an extra cost we can supply medical insurance. If you require this, then please let us know at the time of booking your course.
Please pack any medication that you need, and please inform us of any medical conditions, allergies or behavioural issues at the time of booking.
In the UK, we have certain laws in place to ensure the adequate protection of children. You may not need to know all of them, but the relevant ones are outlined here. Schools are obligated to follow them. We appreciate your co-operation with this.
Please remember this is particularly important not only for your students, but also because you may come into contact with other students who are not in your group.
As part of British safeguarding procedures, every adult who has a role involving responsibility for or substantial access to under 18s will have a police check (DBS). Each school will have at least one Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Officer.
Safeguarding includes all areas of the safety and welfare of your students including homesickness, bullying, general health and well-being, including that they are eating properly.
Your duties in terms of safeguarding:
If you are worried about a problem relating to a safeguarding issue please speak to the Centre Manager. If you do not wish to speak to the Centre Manager about this issue, please contact the Academic Manager.
In line with our Safeguarding Policy and in accordance with the British Council guidelines, we have a duty of care to protect our young learners, and because everyone who is 18 years old or above is considered an adult in the UK, we have certain rules that you must follow at Oxford Spires International:
The Prevent Duty, or "Prevent" for short, is now a legal requirement in the UK. It is the first part in a larger government plan to try to stop extremism and terrorism, and tries to identify people who might be developing extremist values so they can be educated as to why this is not in keeping with British values.
Extremism is defined as: “Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values ….. And calls for the death of members of our armed forces whether in this country or overseas.”
Prevent is not: • Spying on students and staff • Trying to change someone’s culture • Stopping people from having opinions • Stopping students from having discussions about criminalising people
To fulfill our legal requirements we ensure that our students, staff, host families, suppliers and group leaders exemplify British values.
These include:
• Democracy • Rule of law • Individual liberty • Mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs.
It is your duty to remind your students of British law. We will talk to the students about these in the first days of their course, especially to make sure that students realise that there can be no discrimination against anybody. All staff, including Group Leaders, have a responsibility to report any ‘extreme’ comments to senior school staff.
You will receive a copy of your weekly activity and excursion timetable before arrival, which might still be subject to small changes. When you arrive we will give you a finalised copy.
You will meet with a member of staff (usually the Centre Manager or the Senior Activity Leader) on a regular basis to discuss the activities programme, as well as any other issues regarding your group and their stay.
Child protection is a key issue for Oxford Spires International in ensuring that we keep our students safe.
All Oxford Spires staff, in addition to Group Leaders travelling with students, are required to obtain an Enhanced DBS disclosure (or the equivalent police check/criminal record check if the staff member or group leader lives in another country), which is the highest level of check required for positions that can involve caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children or vulnerable adults.
Please view our OSI Terms and Conditions for Groups
Please send an email to our team, and we will be happy to help you!
We will require you to sign our Partnership Agreement, and to provide us with references of schools with whom you are already involved in a productive partnership.
Email info@oxfordspires.education for more information and to get started on this process.
Our online booking form is here and can be used for booking individual students onto any summer course.
For group bookings, please contact us directly on info@oxfordspires.education for a customised quote based on your specific needs.
Alternatively you can pay via a bank transfer (you will need to add £15 to your invoice total in respect of international bank fees).
There is not a deadline, we will accept bookings as long as we have a space available for your nationality/language.
Our programmes can fill up quickly, so it is better to book as soon as possible.
If before you come to Oxford Spires International, an individual student or group cancels their booking, you & the student or group must write to us to let us know. We will confirm the cancellation in writing back to you. Cancellations will be subject to the charges listed below. Also, in the event of the student or group leaving their course before it is finished, no refund will be given.
If the student or group wishes to make any changes to their booking, you & they must do so to us in writing. Oxford Spires International reserves the right to charge the student or group a further administration charge of £100 for any changes to their booking. All changes will be subject to availability.
Yes, we can usually accommodate special diets such as gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian and vegan. We must receive full information of the student’s dietary requirements, including any allergies, in advance so that we can be prepared.
Student safety and welfare is a top priority for us! We understand that sending your children abroad can be worrying and at Oxford Spires we want to ensure that each student is happy, healthy and safe. Our team takes special care to ensure the welfare of all young learners studying with us. Our staff undergo regular training sessions, and we have designated safeguarding leads who ensure our students are safe at all times.
Staying with a host family is a great way for students to experience British life and practice their English in a family setting. Host families can be of all different sizes and backgrounds; some might have children and pets, and some might have grown children who have left home. All of the families will give your students a warm welcome, make sure they are comfortable, and invite them to join in their family life!
Host families provide breakfast and an evening meal, and lunches are provided by Oxford Spires at school.
Homestay accommodation: Oxford Our host families are carefully selected and many of them have been working with us for many years. They are located in the Cowley, Kidlington, Yarnton, Begbroke, Woodstock and Headington suburbs, a 15-30 minute bus journey from our Oxford schools and the city centre.
Students will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the canteen of the school or university where they are studying. Packed lunches will be provided on excursion days.
Don’t forget to remind your students to bring a towel, because they are not provided!
It is a set of policies and procedures to ensure that students aged under 18 are kept safe and out of harm at all times.
Most of these are part of British law and each school will also have policies adapted to their individual school. Safeguarding includes; DBS (police check), staff ratios, risk assessments, Policies, training and E-safety.
Prevent is now a legal requirement in the UK. It is the first part in a larger government initiative to try to stop extremism and terrorism and tries to identify people who might be developing extremist values so they can be educated as to why this is not in keeping with British values.
To fulfil our legal requirements we ensure that our students, staff, host families, suppliers and group leaders exemplify British values.
It is your duty to remind your students of British law. We will talk to the students about these in the first days of their course, especially to make sure that students realise that there can be no discrimination against anybody. All staff, including Group Leaders, have a responsibility to report any ‘extreme’ comments to Senior school staff.
At Oxford Spires International we place great emphasis on learning outside the classroom; our Excursions Programme is a vital part of the experience.
Students will visit local attractions, museums, points of interest, and try exciting new activities on all of our spring and summer programmes!
Students will receive their weekly activity and excursion timetable upon arrival, but please have a look at the venues pages for a standard sample timetable for each programme, or feel free to contact us for a provisional copy at any time.
In line with our Safeguarding Policy and in accordance with the British Council’s guidelines, we have a duty of care to protect our young learners, and as all at 18 years old or above are adults in the UK, we have certain rules that adults must adhere to at Oxford Spires International:
Yes, Parental Consent Forms are required for all students to attend an Oxford Spires International programme and participate in all its activities. It will include what procedure should take place in the unfortunate circumstance of a child requiring hospital treatment or first aid, in addition to asking about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies or behavioral needs. Anything written on the form will be held in confidence by Oxford Spires International & follow current GDPR Procedure.
Therefore, all Oxford Spires staff, in addition to Group Leaders travelling with students, are required to obtain an Enhanced DBS disclosure, or the equivalent check from their home country.
In addition, the equivalent disclosure would be required if the Oxford Spires staff member has been based in another country for more than 6 months previously.
Please view our OSI Terms and Conditions for Individuals here.
And our OSI Terms and Conditions for Groups here.
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