Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What is the difference between d'Overbroeck's International Study Centre (ISC) and d'Overbroeck's College? D'Overbroeck's International Study Centre is part of d'Overbroeck's College, which is also made up of the d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form. The International Study Centre offers courses specifically for international students aged 15-19. It prepares students for entry to d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form or to another Sixth Form in the UK. d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form is an independent Sixth Form College which admits both British students and international students to study A levels. Many teachers who teach students at the Study Centre are also full-time teachers in the Sixth Form and are very experienced in teaching this age group.
  1. What are GCSEs and A levels? These are British academic examinations / qualifications. For a detailed explanation please click here
  2. Do I need to get a VISA to come and study in the UK? This depends on your country of origin. Please click here for information on how to apply for a visa. Once you have been awarded a place on the course, we will provide you with all necessary documents to support your visa application.
  3. Do I automatically get a place at d'Overbroeck's College to study A levels if I study the OPAL Programme first? Choosing to study the OPAL Programme first does not guarantee you a place in our Sixth Form to study your A levels. However, it greatly increases your chances of getting a place as you will be well prepared; used to the UK education system; and be more confident in your English.
  4. Will I receive help with my application to a Sixth Form after the OPAL Programme? Yes- we will advise you on the next best step after the OPAL Programme and we hold various talks and advisory sessions throughout the year to aid future decisions.
  5. Does it matter how old I am? Our courses are aimed at students aged between 15-19. We have also sometimes accepted older students who we felt would benefit from our courses.
  6. Do I need to have a guardian in the UK?All international students under the age of 16 are required to have a guardian in the UK. For more information on guardianship, please click here
  7. What will my accommodation be like? Students on the OPAL Programme live with host families during their time in the UK. They have their own room with bed, desk, study space and storage. Breakfast and evening meals are provided by the host families. Our host families are inspected regularly to ensure that they provide a safe and welcoming environment for our students.
  8. What English language qualifications will I get? On the OPAL Programme you will study for the Trinity ISE Exam. This exam assesses all 4 language skills: listening; reading; writing and speaking, interacting with each other as they do in the real world. This qualification takes into account both a student's portfolio of work and also the work that they carry out in the classroom throughout the year examining a wider and more varied sample of learner work.
  9. What will I eat? You will be provided with breakfast and dinner at your accommodation. Breakfast is usually a light meal including cereal, toast, tea or coffee and fruit juice. Dinner is normally a hot meal and can include food from all over the world. You buy your lunchtime meal yourself.
  10. Is there a school uniform? There is no school uniform at d'Overbroeck's so you will need to bring clothes you feel comfortable in. Even in summer it can sometimes be a little cold in the UK!
  11. If I am on the OPAL Programme, will I have any contact with Sixth Form students? Yes- you will have the chance to mix with Sixth Form students during extra-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, societies and other events and trips.
  12.  How do I get to Oxford? We strongly recommend that you arrive at either gatwick or Heathrow airport. There are direct buses to Oxford from both Gatwick and Heathrow airports. You can also be collected from the airport by our taxi transfer company at an extra cost. Please click here for further details.
  13. What should I do if I have a complaint? Please click on the link on the right to see the College's complaints procedure.