Advancing International Education Since 1953

St Clare’s is a remarkable place of global education with a remarkable story. Our history is rooted in reconciliation, collaboration, and a belief that peace and progress can only be achieved through mutual understanding.

Our Founders

St Clare’s, Oxford was founded in 1953 by two visionary women – Anne Dreydel OBE and Pamela Morris. Both shared the conviction that education could heal divisions and bring people together across borders.

Anne’s story is extraordinary. During the Second World War, a bomb fell on her London home, leaving her paralysed at the age of 22. Where many would have turned to bitterness, Anne chose reconciliation. She dedicated her life to education, convinced that international understanding was the only way to prevent such horrors from happening again.

Pamela Morris, a dedicated teacher and renowned educator, shared this vision. She nurtured her students to become independent thinkers and global citizens. In 2017, our Science and Mathematics building was named in her honour – a lasting testament to her influence and commitment.

Together, Anne and Pamela created an institution that encouraged students from across Europe – and later, the world – to learn together, achieve academically, and embrace shared humanity. Their legacy endures in our mission: to advance international education and understanding.

From Oxford English Centre to St Clare's, Oxford

Our original name was The Oxford English Centre for Foreign Students. As our reputation grew, so did our purpose. The name evolved to St Clare’s Hall, and later to St Clare’s, Oxford – which it proudly remains today.

Oxford was the natural home for such an institution. At the heart of one of the world’s great academic cities, St Clare’s grew interwoven with the resources, traditions, and intellectual spirit of the University and its community. People want to learn in Oxford – and we have always provided a place where international students can do so collaboratively.

A Growing International Community

By the mid-1950s, St Clare’s was already welcoming students from more than a dozen Western European countries. Word of mouth soon carried our reputation further, attracting students from every corner of the world. Today, we remain proudly international, with students from over 50 countries joining us every year.

Over time, we developed new ways to bring international education to life:

A Campus in Oxford

Our campus has grown with our community. From our original site at 141 Banbury Road, we now have 28 residential houses across north Oxford. In 1999, we opened our Bardwell Road campus, home to our International College. In 2014, the Pamela Morris Building was added, housing science laboratories and mathematics classrooms, carefully designed to complement Oxford’s historic architecture. In 2015, our award-winning 121 residence and purpose-built Art Studio opened, providing inspiring learning and living spaces.