Explore the Positively Languages Oxford Guide. Discover courses, accommodation options, student life, facilities, and everything you need to know about studying English in Oxford, UK. Start your international education journey with Positively Languages today.
OXFORD
Formerly known as Kaplan Languages Group
OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
CONTENT
NEXT STOP:
NEXT STOP: OXFORD About Oxford
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Why Study in our Oxford School?
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About Positively Languages Oxford
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Courses and Students
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Accommodation in Oxford
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Health and Safety
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Laws, Local Customs & Rules
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Oxford
Holiday Policy
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OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT OXFORD
WHY STUDY IN OUR OXFORD SCHOOL?
Historic architecture, academic heritage and a lively international atmosphere give Oxford its distinctive character, with beautiful countryside just beyond the city.
• Be part of the nearly 1000-year-old academic history of the city of Oxford. • Specialises in Exam Preparation programmes. • Located ten minutes from the city centre with easy access to London. • Boasts a stylish cafe with a garden featuring table tennis and a BBQ area.
LOCATION AND CONTACT INFO Address 108 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6JU Phone
WHY CHOOSE THIS CITY: • Home to the oldest English-speaking University • Plenty of fantastic museums • Great live music scene • Beautiful historic architecture • Bike-friendly city plus e-scooters to hire CITY PERSONALITY: Academic, architecture, bike-friendly, green, historical, museums, picturesque, small town experience, traditional, university town, youthful LANDMARKS: Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church College and Meadows, Bridge of Sighs, Oxford Botanic Garden, Bodleian Library, Carfax Tower THINGS TO DO: See the Headington shark, go to the Thirsty Meeples board game café, find the Turf Tavern, enjoy open mic nights at the Catweazle club TRANSPORT OPTIONS: Buses, e-scooter hire NEARBY CITIES TO VISIT: • London - 1 hour away, £22.50 return ticket • Birmingham - 1 hour away, £37 return ticket
+44 (0)18 6551 5808 Emergency contact +44 204 652 6699
SCHOOL INFORMATION School Director Wayne Ager Total number of teachers 8-15 (Full time teachers: 4-8) Languages spoken by staff Arabic, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Disclaimer: All the information on this school guide is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information
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OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT POSITIVELY LANGUAGES OXFORD COURSES PROVIDED: General English, Semi-Intensive English, Intensive English, Academic Year Abroad, IELTS Exam Preparation, Teacher training: CLIL, Teaching Methodology LEVELS OF ENGLISH OFFERED: Beginner, Elementary, Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, Higher Intermediate, Advanced CLASS BREAK
LIVING COST (SAMPLE PRICES) Bottle of water £1.50 Coffee £2-£3 Meal out for two £30 Sandwich £4 Local bus ticket £3
SAMPLE CLASS TIMETABLES
Language Foundation lessons
MORNING
AFTERNOON
08:30-10:00 14:00-15:30 10:00-10:30 15:30-15:45
Bike rental £10 / week
OTHER SERVICES: Visa support, travel support, airport transfer, University Placement Service (see price list for details) Alternative transfer options: by train, by coach SCHOOL FACILITIES: Air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, interactive whiteboard, self study center, cafeteria (hot meals available), garden, patio, disabled / wheelchair access, prayer facilities. At no extra cost. SCHOOL MATERIALS: P+ Course Books, P+ Learning Space for all students. P+ Extra for Semi-Intensive and Intensive students. BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Be sure to check your email the week before your start date for your class and orientation schedule! Also, don’t forget to complete the placement test and send in any required documents.
10:30-12:00
15:45-17:15
CLASS
Specialist Skills lessons
MORNING (MON-THU)
MORNING (FRI)
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Museum Visit Free In-School Party £5-£7 Punting £6.50 Bowling £7.50 Board Game Café £8 Christ Church College Visit £20
12:30 - 13:45
12:30 - 13:30
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: You should plan to attend class and orientation on your first day. Please bring your passport (and visa information if required) NUMBER OF BUILDINGS: 2 NUMBER OF FLOORS: 3 NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS: 12 (0 without windows) WHEELCHAIR / DISABLED ACCESS: Yes
SCHOOL LOCATION AND TRANSPORT
SAMPLE SOCIAL SCHEDULE
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
DAYS
FIRST WEEK
SECOND WEEK
5-10 minutes 5-10 minutes
5 minutes 5 minutes 6 minutes 5 minutes 8 minutes 17 minutes 6 minutes
5 minutes 5 minutes 6 minutes 5 minutes 13 minutes 14 minutes 6 minutes
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
Tour of Oxford
Visit to Christ Church College
MONDAY TUESDAY
Film Night
Bowling
17 minutes
Karaoke Party
Restaurant Night
WEDNESDAY
5-10 minutes 30 minutes 60 minutes 10 minutes
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
Visit Ashmolean Museum Afternoon Cream Tea
THURSDAY
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
Theater Trip
Visit to Blenheim Palace
FRIDAY
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
Visit to London
Visit to Warwick Castle & Stratford
SATURDAY
THE CITY CENTRE
Number of social activities per week: 2-4. These are a combination of staff-led and suggested independent activities
For the most up-to-date prices, please visit www.oxfordbus.co.uk
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OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
Enhance your English in an immersive environment. Whether you want to upgrade your language fluency, prepare for university or gain career skills, you will have 6, 9 or 11 months to study the language, live like a local and make lifelong friendships. ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMME
Courses & STUDENTS
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE • Semi-Intensive • Intensive • Multi-Destination Year
UNIVERSITY PREPARATION • IELTS Exam Preparation • English for Academic Pathways
SEE THE AYA BROCHURE
“The teachers were not only professional, but also genuinely cared about helping us grow. The city of Oxford itself is so beautiful and full of history and studying there felt like living in a dream. If I had the chance, I would definitely do it all over again.” Iyad from Algeria
TOP 10 STUDENT NATIONALITIES: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Switzerland, France, South Korea, Chile, Italy, Spain, Kuwait STUDENTS PER CLASS: 11–16 (Maximum: 17) MINIMUM AGE: 16 years old AVERAGE AGE: 22-25 years old STUDENTS PER AGE GROUP: • Under 18: 13%
• 18-24: 57% • 25-29: 14% • 30-49: 12% • Over 50: 3%
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OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN OXFORD
ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD RESIDENCE
STUDENT CASTLE
COMMON AREA
COMMON AREA
LIVING ROOM
VISITORS OR GUESTS ALLOWED? Yes, 3 nights maximum. All visitors must sign in and out at reception daily NOISE RESTRICTIONS? Yes, after 23:00 24-HOUR SECURITY? Yes, an out of hours team is available on site RESIDENCE CLEANING: Rooms will be cleaned on arrival only. Communal areas will receive a weekly light clean, which consists of the cleaning of the floors and worktops in the kitchen area. This does not include tidying up, taking out rubbish / bins, washing the dishes, cleaning the fridge or oven. The overall cleanliness of the kitchen is the responsibility of the students. LINEN CHANGING: On arrival only MINIMUM AGE: Over 18s only AVAILABILITY: From 13/09/2025 to 04/09/2026 MINIMUM NUMBER OF WEEKS: One week CHECK-IN: From 16:00 on Saturdays and anytime on Sundays. CHECK-OUT: On Saturdays by 10:00 ROOM DEPOSIT? No, but all students must sign a Code of Conduct on their first day
ADDRESS: Osney Ln, Oxford OX1 1TE ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Two room choices; studio rooms with ensuite bathroom and kitchenette or single rooms with ensuite bathroom, shared kitchen and shared communal living area. Rooms will be in flats of 4 to 6 Positively Languages students, mixed nationalities and mixed genders BEDROOM: Small double bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, mirror, lamp, storage and ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. All bedding is provided and included in the price. Towels and hairdryers are not provided KITCHEN: Oven / hob / microwave, fridge, freezer and all crockery and utensils provided SERVICES: Wi-Fi, laundry room (£3.60 per wash and £1.80 per dry) FACILITIES: Common room, study areas, gym, laundry facilities, bike room, 24-hour security, superfast WiFi. All included in the weekly price LANDMARKS NEARBY: Bodleian Library, Christ Church College, Ashmolean Museum SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE RESIDENCE? No, outside in the designated smoking area only
HOMESTAY INFORMATION
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
Only students aged 18 and over can go into private accommodation. If you are 16 or 17 years old you will be housed in a homestay and should be home by 23:00 each night. SOME TIPS TO FIND YOUR OWN APARTMENT OR SHARE A HOUSE WITH FRIENDS: • The Regional Accommodation Coordinator can provide a list of local letting agencies • Check whether the accommodation you are going to see is in a safe area • Take a friend with you when you go to view any accommodation • If you are sharing an apartment or house find out who has access to it • Make sure to ask the landlord to see a copy of the gas safety certificate, check that all cookers and electric fires are safe, and that smoke alarms are fitted. • Make sure your room is secure and that you have insurance for your laptop, camera, TV and other valuable items • If you rent your own accommodation you will be expected to pay Council Tax • Keep in mind that in addition to rent, you may be responsible for paying for additional fees and taxes
THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING: Toiletries, personal items to make your room feel like home, prescription medication SERVICES INCLUDED: Bed linen, towels, laundry once a week. All included in the price MEALS PROVIDED: Yes Breakfast: Usually a light meal consisting of cereal, fruit, toast, juice, or coffee. Hosts will usually ask you to prepare your own breakfast Lunch: You will be responsible for buying your own lunch at school, from a local restaurant, or the local shops Dinner: You will usually eat dinner with your host, or occasionally you may prepare your own meal with food supplied by your host WHERE ARE THE HOMESTAYS LOCATED? Kidlington, North Oxford, Marston, Headington, Cowley, Blackbird Leys WILL THE HOMESTAY ARRANGE TO PICK YOU UP FROM THE AIRPORT? No DISTANCE TO SCHOOL: Homestays are approximately 25 to 50 minutes by bus. The maximum travel time from all homestay options is 60 minutes TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL: Your host will help you to find your way to and from school on your first day and will show you how to use public transport
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
35 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 10 minutes 5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
THE SCHOOL
N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT
THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET
5 minutes
THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
N/A N/A
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
N/A N/A
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
15 minutes
35 minutes
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
5 minutes
N/A
N/A
THE CITY CENTRE
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OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
HEALTH & SAFETY MEDICAL INSURANCE: All students must have
LAWS
• No one under the age of 18 in the UK may buy or consume tobacco or alcohol, including beer and wine. It is against the law to buy tobacco or alcohol for someone you know is under the age of 18 • Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime and police make regular random checks • You will need international ID to enter bars, clubs or pubs (e.g.passport, ID card, driving licence) • Buying, selling and using drugs is illegal
within the UK legal framework and criteria of our educational oversight and accrediting bodies. We endeavor to ensure a safe, positive and pleasant study and home environment for all students. We show an additional duty of care towards our students who are legally minors, monitoring them more closely than other students and requesting all parents or legal guardians of Under 18s to sign a Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form. • All Positively Languages staff and hosts adhere to our Safeguarding Policy, which includes training and regular guidance • All staff and hosts in regular contact with Under 18s are subject to rigorous recruitment procedures and necessary police checks • Each Positively school has a named contact person for Under 18s who meets the students on a regular basis, explains the legal status of Under 18s, monitors any accommodation issues and liaises with the homestay and students’ parents if necessary • We ensure there are activities in the school which are suitable for Under 18s to participate in and inform Under 18s about learning and socializing outside of the classroom
medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the UK. You need to organize your own medical insurance before you travel. Positively Languages does not offer travel and medical insurance in the UK, but you can either use the link on the Positively Languages website to book travel and medical insurance directly with an insurance provider, or can choose your own. IF YOU GET SICK: If you fall ill while in the UK you should visit a doctor. You can ask the Student Services Manager or your host where the nearest doctor is. If you have a minor illness you can ask staff at a local pharmacy for advice. Remember to bring any relevant insurance or medical documentation with you. You may need to register with a local doctor. PROTECTING YOUR BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend you take out insurance for your personal belongings, especially cameras, mobile phones and laptops. Personal items cannot be covered by Positively Languages homestay or residence insurance. UNDER 18 STATEMENT: Positively Languages recognizes its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of students aged under 18,
LOCAL CUSTOMS
• In the UK, everyone, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or background, is treated equally and with respect. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all students feel welcome, valued, and supported • Always stand in line and wait your turn when buying tickets, at a bank or post office, or waiting for a bus. Keep to the right when standing on escalators • Chatting to strangers in public areas is a great way to practice English, but caution should be taken. You should not give out your address and telephone number, or accept inappropriate invitations. Although most people are friendly, some may be reluctant to speak with strangers • “Please” and “Thank you” are widely used in the UK. Always use them if you ask someone to do something for you, or if they help you or give you information
POSITIVELY RULES
MEDICAL COSTS Medical costs are at the discretion of your local doctor or hospital. Minimum medical costs are as follows: CONSULTATION WITH A DOCTOR: £40 PRESCRIPTIONS AT A CHEMIST: £9.90 per item DENTAL TREATMENT: £50 EYE TEST OR NEW GLASSES: £30
EMERGENCY SERVICES Call 999 in case of fire, medical emergency or if you need the police Call 111 for non urgent medical advice
• If you leave your Positively Languages course, the government may revoke your student visa and advise you to return home • You must attend all classes. If you do not attend your classes your representative will be informed. If a student is under 18, parents will be informed. If you do not then improve your attendance you will be sent home and no refund will be given • Be on time for all your lessons • Always tell Positively Languages if you are going to be absent from school for any reason and tell your host if you are going away overnight • If you commit a criminal offence or have to be severely disciplined, you will be sent home and no refund will be given. We will also inform the immigration authorities
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OXFORD
SCHOOL GUIDE
HOLIDAY POLICY
UK PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January 2026 3rd April 2026 6th April 2026 4th May 2026 25th May 2026 31st August 2026
NEW YEAR
GOOD FRIDAY
EASTER MONDAY
EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY SPRING MAY BANK HOLIDAY SUMMER BANK HOLIDAY
25th December 2026 28th December 2026
CHRISTMAS DAY
BOXING DAY
CONTACT US
SCHOOL CLOSURES: The school will be closed from 21st December 2026 to 28th December 2026 with an additional closure for New Year’s Day on 1st January 2027. ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD STUDENTS: There are preset session breaks for all Academic Year Abroad students. These dates depend on your start date and cannot be changed. Please check with the school if you are not sure when these are. 1st January 2027 These dates are observed as holidays in the year. If you arrive on a week where the Monday is a holiday, your first day of school will be a Tuesday NEW YEAR
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