There are two routes to university at King's School Oxford. You can take A-levels, or you can study on our Higher Education Foundation Programme.
This is an academic programme specifically designed for international students. It provides a stimulating alternative to GCE A-levels, and is proven as an effective route to university in Britain: since the course started in 1997, 100% of students who have passed the course have secured the university place of their choice. You can read interviews with students who have taken this course.
You can take the Higher Education Foundation Programme as a one-year or a two-year programme which will develop your intellectual, academic and language skills, and will prepare you effectively for higher education at a British university.
Students may take only the Preparatory Year, only the Foundation Year, or both years, one after the other. These courses help students to become accustomed to the British educational system, to develop good study habits, and to get used to studying in English.
Students on the Higher Education Foundation Programme have lessons in small groups, of no more than eight people. They get to know their teachers very well.
In addition to your classes and lectures, you will be encouraged to make use of the computer room and the library. There are electronic and internet resources for you to research your assignments. There is a listening and video centre to help you with your English. There is also a public library near to the school, where you can borrow books.
Each term you will have to complete written assignments and tests. Assessment is continuous, so your results depend on how well you complete your assignments. The standards are set by an independent Advisory Board, with representatives from three different universities, so the system is fair, and the course is of a high quality.
All students have classes in English Language and in Information Technology.
If you choose to study Humanities, you will take modules in History, Geography I, Geography II, Business & Society, and Mathematics I. If you choose to study Sciences, you will have modules in Geography I, MathematicsI, Mathematics II, Physical Science, and Business & Society. This allows students to make their own choices to suit their interests.
All students have classes in Communications, Study Skills, European Thought, Science in Society, Data Handling, and Information Technology.
If you choose to study Humanities, you will take modules in Economics, Politics, Government & Law, and Human Geography. If you choose to study Sciences, you will have modules in Human Geography, Physics, and Mathematics. This means that you can take a course suitable for the degree you wish to take at university.
Each HEFP course lasts two semesters.
The Preparatory Year starts in September and finishes in June. Some
students may join the course in January for the second semester only.
The Foundation Year has two entry points: you can start in September
and study until June, or you can start in January and study until
August. Both courses will take you on to university the following
September.
There is a holiday over the Christmas period, and another holiday over Easter. Students who start in January also have a short break in June.
The Foundation course is recognised by a large number of British universities. Here is a list of some of them (.PDF). It doesn't matter if you don't know which university you want to go to, or what you want to study. We will advise you and help you to choose the right course at the right university. We will also guide you through the process of applying to university. Read about a Universities Fair at King's.
If you are 16 to 17 years old, have had 10/11 years of schooling and have an English level of minimum IELTS 4.5, you can probably take the Preparatory Year. You can then go on to take the Foundation Year.
If you are 17 to 19 years old, have had 11/12 years of schooling and have an English level of minimum IELTS 5.5, then you probably can take the Foundation Year. This will take you on to university.
You must complete an Academic Course Application Form and send it by post or fax to King's School. You must also show that your level of English is good enough to follow the course. If you have not taken IELTS or TOEFL or a similar exam, you can complete our English Language Suitability Test. This is not a substitute for these exams but it will help us assess your ability to follow the course.
Download the Academic Course Application Form here. Download the English Language Suitability Test here.
More detailed information for admissions tutors and education advisers gives details of course structure, learning outcomes, assessment and equivalence etc.
The entry dates and prices for this course are available in the Dates, Fees and Bookings section of our site.
If you have specific questions about the Higher Education Foundation Programme, please email info@kingsoxford.co.uk.