Real-life learning—way beyond textbooks

The best way to learn is to roll up your sleeves and make your own discoveries—in and outside the classroom. We keep class sizes small so you focus on building skills and knowledge through group projects that bring concepts to life. You also tackle real challenges and find real solutions through field study and service learning.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Each year, EF Academy Oxford students participate in the renowned Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), a global program fostering life skills through diverse challenges. They boost language skills, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. To earn the award, students volunteer for community service, engage in physical activities, and independently plan a 4-day expedition, testing leadership, project management, and resilience.

Interactive learning— without leaving campus

Literature students create social media profiles for characters from the book they’re reading—imagining how they would use the platform and what kind of content they would share. Also, by using VR headsets, you complete virtual dissections, take field trips to study diverse ecosystems, experience immersive historical re-enactments, and explore complex mathematical concepts through three-dimensional visualization.

The city of Oxford becomes your campus

For English and literature class, our students explore the literary landmarks and environments that inspired writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Our IB Art students visit local art galleries, like the renowned Christ Church Picture Gallery. Students studying mathematics visit the Mathematical Institute of Oxford University for lectures on topics like "Knot theory", and our global Politics students recently attended a lecture on "The Future of European Security" at Oriel College.

Activate your learning throughout the UK

You go on excursions to places like London, Brighton, Bath, and Stratford-Upon-Avon. For example, all students recently visited Bletchley Park to learn about code-breaking in World War II and the founding of modern computing. And, each autumn, you embark on a multi-night educational trip to locations like Cardiff and Liverpool.

EF & the Nobel Prize Museum Partnership

Through EF’s partnership with the Nobel Prize Museum, students hear directly from Nobel Prize laureates and even display their own work alongside Nobel Prize winners in the museum in Stockholm.

Daily mentorship

House Parents, Advisors, and teachers work as one team to look after your well-being and success. You also join an advisory group, led by your Advisor, that meets multiple times per week.