PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION
JUMP TO SECTION:
After booking onto a Summer Course at St Clare’s, there are still a few things left to do before you arrive:
- Check if you need a UK visa.
- Book your flights, remembering that Arrival Day is normally Sunday, with Departures on a Saturday.
- Let us know your travel plans: we will send you an email where you can book airport transfers and let us know your arrangements. Please book transfers as soon as possible to ensure we can make the necessary arrangements for you.
- Download and complete the Letter of consent to travel form for immigration. You will need to show them your passport, visa (if required), St Clare’s course confirmation letter, and your 'Letter of consent to travel’ form.
Visas
We welcome students from all over the world, and if a visa is needed, we can guide and support you through the application process.
It is easy to check if you need a visa on the UK Government website.
The UK Government have created a leaflet with key information, including required documentation and the application process.
Visa types may vary according to your individual circumstances. If you are unsure, please go to the UK Government Visa and Immigration website or contact us.
If you plan to study beyond the summer at another school in the UK, please inform us at the time of booking.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Students who plan to study for short-term courses of six months or less and from countries that don’t require a standard visitor visa for the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
| Read More... |
You must provide a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. You may also be asked to prove that:
It is quick and simple to apply for an ETA. It permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. To apply for an ETA, you need to:
You usually get a decision within 3 working days but may get a quicker decision if you use the UK ETA app, download here for Apple or Android. You must travel using the same passport used when you applied for an ETA. To check if you need a visa or ETA please click here. For more information about the ETA and instructions on applying please click here. |
Placement Test
A few weeks before the course begins, students taking either Interactive English, IB Introduction, or Intensive English Exam Preparation will receive a placement test to complete at home.
This test is designed to give us an accurate measure of overall English ability and to ensure you are placed in the right class according to your English level.
It is not a record of achievement, and it is not a pass or fail exam, so please do not worry too much about your performance.
We will combine this information with our spoken interview on your first day to get a better picture of your overall ability. Your test results will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone.
Transfers
We offer private transfer service by car from all the major London airports as well as train or bus stations. Please book your transfer as soon as possible.
Airport transfer prices from other airports are given as a guide below.
Airport Transfers
| From/To | Number of Passengers | Cost (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow Airport (LHR) | 1-3 passengers | £198 |
| London Gatwick Airport (LGW) | 1-3 passengers | £252 |
| London Luton Airport (LTN) | 1-3 passengers | £222 |
| London Stanstead Airport (STN) | 1-3 passengers | £276 |
| Birmingham Aiport (BHX) | 1-3 passengers | £246 |
| London City Airport (LCY) | 1-3 passengers | £300 |
| Southampton (SOU) | 1-3 passengers | £258 |
Other Transfers
| From/To | Number of Passengers | Cost (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| St Pancras Railway Station | 1-3 passengers | £300 |
| Central London | 1-3 passengers | £276 |
*Prices are valid from October 2025 and are reviewed on a regular basis.
Reduced transfer prices apply only when two or three students travel together on the same flight and are booked at the same time in advance. Our dedicated taxi company has the right to group students in the same car without a reduction in the price.
| Additional Charges |
|
Booking a Transfer
Airport transfers should normally be booked and paid for at least 3 weeks before arrival.
Please email summer.transfers@stclares.ac.uk to book a taxi to and/or from the airport or train station.
If you are travelling together with friends on the same flight, we can collect you together. It is essential that you provide the names of your friends at the time of booking the transfer.
Please do not book your flights until you have received confirmation of your child’s place on the course.
Alternative Travel Options
The Oxford Bus Company runs an excellent bus service between Oxford and Gatwick and Oxford and Heathrow. Please take a look at the most recent timetables and routes. Bus companies also operate between Oxford and Luton and Oxford and Stansted.
If you prefer to travel by train please look at the National Rail website for timetables and prices.
All Students
- Parental consent to travel form – completed by your parents and printed to show at immigration (must be in hand luggage)
- Secure bag or money belt (must be in hand luggage)
- Passport (must be in hand luggage)
- E-ticket/travel information for the journey to and from the UK (must be accessible or carried in hand luggage)
- Phone for use in the UK
- Emergency contact telephone numbers for parents (home, work, holiday home or hotel) – digital and print copies (must be accessible or carried in hand luggage)
- Prescription medication (recommend in hand luggage)
- Writing paper and a pen
- English money or credit/debit card with chip & PIN (recommend in hand luggage)
- UK adaptor for electronic devices
Specialist Course Students
- Art & Digital Design: iPad (iOS 14.4 or later) – can be borrowed from St Clare’s if needed.
- Intensive English: Tablet or laptop
- IB Introduction: Graphical calculator
Please see our Travel Insurance Policy for complete coverage details.
You Can Also Bring:
- Camera
- Tennis racquet
- Suitable machine-washable clothes for an English summer (at least one jumper/sweatshirt and a waterproof coat or jacket)
- Swimwear and swimming towel
- Umbrella & sunscreen
Sports shoes suitable for an artificial pitch
We highly recommend bringing a bank card instead of large amounts of cash. Our café, activities office, and major shops only accept bank cards. Cash can be safely stored in our safe. Travel cash-free on buses using contactless.
Do Not Bring:
- Bed linen (sheets, sleeping bag, blankets, etc.)
- Expensive jewellery or items of sentimental value
- Designer clothes requiring dry cleaning
- Towels
WHAT TO BRING
Did you know you can download a printable packing list?
How to Find Us
The programme offers a vibrant international community set on its own IB World School campus in north Oxford. The campus comprises several buildings and features well-equipped science labs, an art studio, modern teaching spaces, and a large library. Located within walking distance of both Summertown and Oxford city centre, it provides the perfect setting to experience living and studying in Oxford.
Address
St Clare’s, Oxford: 139 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7AL