Compare International Schools in Brighton and hove, United kingdom

OIC Brighton is in Ovingdean, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 7BA. The campus sits on 23 acres of parkland and ancient woodland, just minutes from the coast and the city centre of Brighton, with easy access to the South Downs and London.

Pre-GCSE Ages 13-14; GCSE Ages 14-16; A-Level Ages 16-18

Independent college

More than 20 nationalities represented; students from over 20 countries

Access to a specialist Learning Resource Centre

England

Shuttle bus provided to and from college (20 minutes)

On-site boarding is available for ages 13–18 on a single-site campus, with four boarding houses: Ainsworth House (ages 13–16); Turing House (ages 16–18); Ovingdean House (Year 11–12 girls); Abacus House (Year 12–13). Boarders receive 24/7 care from House Parents, live in boarding houses with shared spaces, and enjoy weekend trips and enrichment activities. Abacus House provides a shuttle bus to and from college (about 20 minutes). Weekends and enrichment weeks are included, and meals are served in the dining room. Boarding fees cover term time (including weekends) and enrichment weeks; houses close during Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily in the dining room. The menu promotes wellbeing and physical health with diverse cuisines and home-from-home options.

There are four boarding houses: Ainsworth House (ages 13–16) with twin rooms and en suite facilities; Turing House (ages 16–18) with single and twin rooms and a dedicated sixth form common room; Ovingdean House (Year 11–12 girls) with single and twin rooms and shared spaces; Abacus House (Year 12–13) with single ensuite rooms and shared kitchen facilities. Each house provides common rooms, study spaces, and dining areas.

Opened in August 2023, OIC Brighton is Nord Anglia Education's first new UK independent school and is part of the Nord Anglia Education family of premium international schools.

All students follow the English National Curriculum, including GCSEs and A levels. The curriculum rests on three pillars: Academic Excellence, Personal Development, and Career and University Pathways. It features a Super Curricular programme with Nord Anglia collaborations with MIT and UNICEF and career pathways across Healthcare and Biological Sciences; Physical Science and Mathematics; and Social Sciences, Humanities and Commerce. In Year 9 the core subjects are English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography and Computer Science. The College provides English as an Additional Language support, IELTS preparation in the sixth form, and guidance for university applications in the UK and internationally; class sizes are up to 18 and learning is personalised through a strategy tutoring model.

Class sizes are up to 18 students, with a strategy tutoring model that personalises learning.

Guidance on selecting and applying to university courses in the UK and internationally is provided; the Unifrog platform supports university applications; Nord Anglia collaborations with MIT and UNICEF enhance career pathways, with aims toward admission to top universities around the world.

The curriculum and super curricular programme meet the needs of more able students through advanced courses, competitions, visits to universities, and an academic scholarship programme.

OIC Brighton prioritises happiness and wellbeing in everything it does. A dedicated wellbeing centre houses the counsellor and medical team to support student health and wellbeing, and the college counsellor is available for appointments. The Life Skills programme (PSHE) covers wellbeing, healthy relationships, health and economic education, and develops self-esteem, critical thinking and respect for others. The curriculum supports personal development and aims to promote inclusion, equality, and belonging (EDIB) across the student community.

OIC Brighton has a Special Educational Needs (SEN) Policy. It recognises students with SEND and uses a four‑tier framework: Universal (Tier 1), Targeted (Tier 2) with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Specialist (Tier 3), and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) at Tier 4 with annual reviews. The SENCo coordinates assessment and planning, writes IEPs for Tier 2 and above, and works with teachers to adapt teaching and the curriculum. Examinations arrangements and support are considered for SEND, including EHCPs, with processes for adjusting provision. The Curriculum Policy confirms support for SEN and EAL needs through specialist teaching and targeted provision.

OIC Brighton has an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Policy to ensure that all students for whom English is not the first language have access to the full range of subjects and opportunities and an equal opportunity to realise their academic potential. The EAL department provides high‑quality EAL provision across the curriculum and liaises with subject teachers to embed language development and monitor progress. All international students undergo pre‑arrival assessment using the Oxford Placement Test (OPT), and IELTS qualifications are accepted for entry. EAL progression includes Cambridge Preliminary for Schools (Year 9), IGCSE ESL and English Language and Literature (Years 10–11), IELTS (Years 12–13), with the Academic English Pathway and GCSE English language support described where relevant.

Mental wellbeing is embedded in the college's wellbeing framework. The dedicated wellbeing centre hosts a Counsellor and medical team, with the counsellor available for appointments. The school emphasises practical strategies to manage academic stress, including organisation, routine, mindfulness, physical activity, seeking support, and screen‑time management as part of the wellbeing programme (OICB ROCKS). A Strategy Tutor provides ongoing guidance and reassurance to students as part of a supportive pastoral structure.

OIC Brighton has a Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy with a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy DSL, and all staff are trained in safeguarding and online safety. The policy is updated at least annually and outlines roles, safer recruitment, record‑keeping, and multi‑agency working, including reporting concerns to local authorities when required. The safeguarding framework covers online safety, anti‑bullying, and protection of students, including those with SEND, with clear procedures for disclosures and allegations. The college emphasizes a whole‑college approach to safeguarding and a strong governance oversight of safeguarding arrangements.

OX Brighton welcomes applicants aged 13 to 18 from all backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are accepted all year round, with programmes starting in September including pre-GCSE, GCSE and two-year A-level options; one- and two-term Study Abroad Programmes are available for Years 9, 10 and 12. The admissions journey begins with an enquiry via the online form to confirm places and obtain any needed information. You then complete the online application form and pay the application fee, and may be asked to provide supporting documents such as school reports, reference letters, or exam certificates. An assessment and interview follow: admissions tests are required and vary by year, with Years 9 and 10 taking online aptitude tests plus English assessment, Year 11 taking online aptitude tests plus maths and combined science papers, and Year 12 taking online aptitude tests plus assessments in maths, physics, biology and chemistry. Successful applicants are invited to an online or in-person interview. After the interview a place is offered; offers for non-native English speakers are conditional on IELTS and other conditions may apply. To confirm the place, a deposit must be paid by the date stated in the offer letter. Ahead of the first day, the admissions team sends a pre-arrival guide and documents, and returns them before starting; overseas entrants receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for visa applications. The team includes Admissions Representatives around the world to support your journey, and the overall process from enquiry to offer typically takes up to two weeks, though timelines may vary. The school aims to respond to enquiries within 24 hours (Mon–Fri).

Varndean Sixth Form College is located on Surrenden Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 6WQ. The campus sits on a hilltop with fields and views of Brighton. It is accessible by bus, with the direct 5B service stopping at the main entrance, and Preston Park rail station providing rail access nearby.

Over 30 A Levels, a wide array of advanced vocational courses, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and a Foundation Level programme of GCSEs and vocational courses.

Sixth Form College

Additional Learning Support provides a supportive environment with Learning Support Assistants; supports learners with autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD/ADD, mobility issues and sensory needs. Supported Study Sessions are available; Individual Support includes 1:1 or in-class support and quiet spaces; Exam Arrangements; Health & Wellbeing services are provided through the ALS department.

United Kingdom

The 5B bus runs directly to the main entrance from Brighton; from Hove/Hangleton the 5B serves Surrenden Road. Other routes converge on Brighton town centre where you can transfer to the 5B; additional routes include 55 from Mile Oak, 46 from Southwick, 94 from Kemp Town/Queens Park, and 12/12A/12X from Newhaven. Preston Park is the closest rail station with services from Worthing, Haywards Heath, Lewes and other destinations.

Accommodation is provided via host families for international students; all host families undergo safety checks including a police check, and a Host-Family Co-ordinator maintains contact during the stay. Host families are within about an hour's transport of the college.

There is no uniform requirement; dress reasonably and sensibly.

The College Cafeteria is in the Hone Room on the first floor and serves a range of hot meals, salads and snacks. Opening hours are 8:30 am to 2:10 pm Monday to Friday during term time; vending machines are available.

The Governors of Varndean Sixth Form College form an independent Corporation under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and comprise 17 members: 10 Community Governors, the Principal (ex officio), 2 Staff Governors, 2 Parent Governors and 2 Student Governors.

Over 30 A Levels are offered, alongside a wide array of advanced vocational courses, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and a Foundation Level programme of GCSEs and vocational courses.

A Level pass rate 98%, with over 50% of students achieving A-B and 25% achieving A or A. Vocational qualifications also achieved a pass rate of 98%, with over 50% earning Distinction or Distinction+. The International Baccalaureate Diploma average was 34.65 out of 45, with 50% scoring above 36 points and 24% scoring 40 points or more.

Many Varndean students progress to top universities, including Russell Group universities. The Aspire Programme provides bespoke one-to-one and group support from enrolment through university, with specialist tutors and links to top universities. Recent statistics show that 94.8% of students studying at Russell Group universities graduate with a First or Upper Second Class honours degree.

Aspire Programme provides support for high-achieving students, including Oxbridge and Russell Group applications, subject-specific enrichment, and access to university talks and masterclasses.

A Guide to the Application Process
1. Apply using the online application system for September 2026 entry. The application window opens September 27, 2025. The Priority Application Deadline was 23:59 on December 5, 2025; applications received after this date are still considered if places remain available. An acknowledgement email is sent upon submission; check your spam folder.

2. From December 2025 to January 2026 you will be invited to an admissions interview. If you submitted an application to attend Varndean Sixth Form College, you will be invited to interview in late January. You will receive interview instructions by email. The process is coordinated with the Accord Colleges.

3. From late January 2026 you attend an admissions interview. The interview assesses course suitability and helps staff determine offers. Prepare to discuss your chosen study programme and your educational goals. An interview invitation will be confirmed by email.

4. Within 10 days of an offer, you must reply to accept the place offered. If you wish to accept the place offered, you must reply within 10 days; failure to respond may result in withdrawal of the offer. You will receive a formal offer by email.

5. Thursday 9 July 2026 is New Students' Day; the day includes subject sessions, staff introductions, and opportunities to meet other students. It supports a smooth transition to Varndean Sixth Form College.

6. Late August 2026: Final Enrolment Meeting follows GCSE results; staff discuss course choices and possible alternatives if results do not meet entry requirements. Be prepared to adjust your course selections.

7. Monday 7 September 2026 is Induction Day. Induction introduces college life, timetables, and available support services; you will meet tutors and fellow students and begin settling in.

8. Tuesday 8 September 2026 marks Teaching Starts; you begin your courses according to your timetable and attend introductory sessions.

9. Accord arrangement: Varndean Sixth Form College and BHASVIC are Accord Colleges; you cannot apply to both. You may apply to Brighton MET as well. Data is shared to check applications; if you have applied to both, you may not be treated as a priority and one college will contact you to withdraw; interviews will not be possible until withdrawal is established.

Financial support for 16-19 year olds includes four categories: Bursary; Free College Meals; Discretionary Learning Grant; Awarded Discretionary Learning Grant. Eligibility is means-tested based on household income and requires evidence of income. The Discretionary Learning Grant can cover travel costs, course fees, and educational trips; Free College Meals are available where eligible. The college can assist with travel-related needs such as a Bus Key Card or Railcard, and a bank account is often required to access funds.