Oxford Open Learning Trust

Oxford Open Learning Trust: distance learning for adults in the UK

Oxford Open Learning Trust is a non-profit organisation based in Oxford dedicated to distance learning. Its activity focuses on courses leading to British national qualifications: A levels, GCSEs and International GCSEs (IGCSE). The organisation presents itself as one of the UK's leading specialists in this type of training and states that the profits it generates are reinvested in the organisation itself to improve its products and services.

The Trust serves students over 18 years of age. For those under that age, the same organisation has Oxford Home Schooling, which offers similar courses.

GCSE, IGCSE and A level preparation

The catalogue is organised into several levels and subject families. At GCSE, English, English Literature, Latin, Maths, Psychology and Sociology are offered. At IGCSE, the offer includes Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, English, English Literature, French, Geography, German, History, Human Biology, Maths, Physics, Science (Double Award), Science (Single Award) and Spanish. At A level, Biology, Business, Economics, English, English Literature, French, History, Law, Mathematics, Psychology, Sociology and Spanish are listed.

The organisation explains that the IGCSE is widely recognised by higher education institutions and employers around the world and is equivalent, grade for grade, to GCSE. It adds that the IGCSE is assessed entirely by examination, with no coursework. Regarding A level, it describes it as the gold standard of the English examination system, highly rated by employers and required for most university degree courses.

Fast track courses and other pathways

For those who need to sit the next available examination session, the Trust offers fast track courses in Biology IGCSE, Chemistry IGCSE, English IGCSE, Human Biology IGCSE, Maths GCSE and Physics IGCSE.

The catalogue is completed with study skills courses, designed for those who have not studied for a while and want to refresh basic English and maths knowledge or develop study techniques. There are also GCSE courses aimed at teacher training, courses supported by educational videos and thematic groupings by area: Humanities and Social Sciences, Maths, Business, Modern Foreign Languages, English and Science.

Qualified tutors and student support

Each course has a subject specialist tutor, experienced and qualified to teach in UK schools, accessible by email or phone. Most tutors hold a B.Ed or a PGCE and all have UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Before enrolling, the Trust's student advisers offer guidance on enrolment and ongoing support throughout the course. The process begins with a phone call to one of these advisers, who helps choose the course and understand what to expect from the programme.

Materials, enrolment and results

Training is based on comprehensive and flexible study materials, accessible at any time and place, and most courses are linked to nationally recognised qualifications. The website allows you to add courses to a personal area and then complete the application.

The Trust states that last year 79% of its GCSE Maths students achieved a grade C or above, compared with a national average of 50%. The organisation states that its academic standards are the highest in the distance learning sector, an assessment that corresponds to its own presentation.

Practical information for students

The Trust's headquarters are at 4 Kings Meadow, Oxford, OX2 0DP. The organisation publishes on its website information about GCSE and A level course prices, payment methods, terms and conditions, money back guarantee, refunds and returns policy, and admissions policy. It also details student responsibilities regarding examinations, the procedure for booking an exam, entry codes and coursework forms, exam results, useful links, NEA guidelines and exam adaptations for 2022. It also has an exam centre finder and information for those studying from abroad.

Location and contact

4 Kings Meadow, Oxford, OX2 0DP