Oxford International’s English language schools in Brighton, Greenwich and Oxford have been rated as exceeding expectations for the quality of education in their latest Educational Oversight inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).
The inspection, conducted from 2–4 June 2026, found that all Standards for Educational Oversight were met, with the quality of provision judged to be excellent across each of the three main areas assessed: curriculum, teaching and learner achievement; student welfare; and governance, leadership and management.
The result builds on the schools’ previous ISI inspection in November 2024, when Oxford International also exceeded expectations, and provides further independent recognition of the quality and consistency of our UK English language and multi-articulation centres provision.
Excellent teaching and student outcomes
Rated excellent, the ISI rated report specifically highlighter thorough initial assessment, well-planned teaching and courses designed to meet students’ individual needs and progression goals.
Inspectors found that teachers understand their students and adapt lessons appropriately, using engaging and collaborative activities to support learning. Assessment was also found to be timely and consistent, with academic tutorials helping students understand their progress and the steps they need to take to improve.
Importantly, the report highlighted strong student outcomes. The majority of students complete their courses, while progression rates to university for students on foundation programmes are high. Inspectors also recognised the close relationships between Oxford International and its academic partners, which provide students with support throughout their studies and as they progress into higher education.
The schools’ locations also form an important part of the student experience. Inspectors noted how each school uses its local environment – from Greenwich’s World Heritage sites to Oxford’s museums and Brighton’s cultural and coastal setting – to enrich teaching and provide opportunities for cultural immersion.
Supporting students throughout their studies
Student welfare, including health and safety, was also judged to be excellent.
The report highlighted high attendance, rigorous monitoring procedures and strong pastoral care, noting that students feel very well supported by their teachers. Safeguarding arrangements, including those for students under 18, and the management of residential and homestay accommodation were also rated excellent.
Inspectors additionally recognised the schools’ culturally sensitive learning environments and the range of social and additional activities available to students.
Strong governance and a culture of continuous improvement
For our students and partners alike, maintaining consistently high standards requires strong systems behind the classroom.
ISI rated Oxford International’s governance, leadership and management as excellent, recognising effective strategic planning, rigorous oversight of academic standards and well-developed quality assurance processes.
The report highlighted how performance, progression, outcomes and attendance data are used to inform quality improvement plans, while regular student feedback helps shape both provision and facilities. It also recognised the sharing of best practice between schools and the role of staff appraisal, teaching observations and professional development in continually improving teaching and learning.
Further recognition from the British Council
The ISI findings follow positive British Council inspections of our Oxford and Brighton English language schools earlier in 2026, providing further independent recognition across several important areas of our provision.
Management and student administration stood out across both schools, with the British Council identifying strengths in strategic and quality management, staff management and student administration at both Oxford and Brighton.
The inspections also recognised important aspects of the wider student experience. At our Oxford school, additional areas of recognition included learning resources, care of students, leisure opportunities and safeguarding under 18s.
Together with the latest ISI results, these inspections add to the strong external recognition received by our UK English language schools in 2026.
Gary Palmer, Managing Director English Languages UK, said:
“The excellent results we’ve seen across our inspections in 2026 are a real reflection of the work our teams put in every day across our schools. It’s particularly encouraging to see recognition spanning so many aspects of the student experience – from teaching and learning to student support, safeguarding and strong management. For our students and partners, this provides important independent reassurance of the quality and consistency they can expect from Oxford International. Thank you to everyone across our English language division for the care and passion they on a daily basis.”
To learn more about our UK English language schools and programmes, visit the Oxford International English website.