History & Mission

A brief History

Oxford School of Learning Ltd was started in 1986. Even in its early days the college was a trend-setter. We had no set fees, merely charging ‘50% below our competitors.’ Tutors had no set rate. They were merely paid ‘10% more than you can earn elsewhere’.

This caused significant problems as clearly, competitors could not afford to let us succeed. One of our freelance tutors was called in by the Principal of ‘College X’ and told that the Oxford School of Learning Principal ‘had a criminal record for embezzlement’ and therefore the tutor should not work for him. Another Director of Studies for ‘College Y’ told parents that we changed exam papers before sending them off and that’s why the pass rate was so high. Another college telephoned our Accommodation officer and told her she would be blacklisted (she was part-time) if she worked for us.

That was the tutorial world in Oxford in the 1980s!

Even now, 29 years later, our fees are still considerably below those charged by our competitors. We also pay our tutors substantially more than they are paid by other colleges. This is to ensure we can always recruit only the very best of tutors available. They must have enthusiasm for their subject and for their employers – in this way the student will receive the best possible tuition.

It is not unknown for us to run Business Studies classes for free!

Much the same approach is taken towards examinations. An ‘A’ grade at Business Studies A level can take as little as 4 weeks. You do not have to believe us – check the newspaper articles.

We have been heavily criticised for being so successful, especially over this:

But look at it this way.

It is to our financial DISADVANTAGE to enable students to pass in a short period. The shorter the course – four hours – the lower the fees!

As the exam board regulations have now changed and t is no longer possible to take A levels in January we have had to change our approach. Now we offer only one year courses. Sure, if you wish to take two years or have numerous lessons a week then fine, we will take your money. If not then three hours a week per A level, is easily enough.

We were the first tutorial college to support a charity – The Dystonia Society.