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We’re On A Mission to Help Students Reach Their Potential

We cultivate extraordinary learning experiences that combine a vibrant university setting with real-world professional challenges.

Our immersive programmes give young people with big dreams the opportunity to get a true understanding of what life in their chosen field is like.

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The Oxford Scholastica Academy Story

The Oxford Scholastica Academy (OSA) was founded in 2013 by Jamie and Sophie, two former University of Oxford students, who have built a dynamic education company dedicated to empowering young people to chart their path in the world and make it better.

Group of students at an Oxford Scholastica graduation
High shot over the Radcliffe camera and the surrounding colleges.
Our Purpose

Every Great Journey Starts with Optimism

The world’s never been so alive with possibility. Opportunities we once thought inconceivable, or could scarcely have foreseen, are now right in front of us. We see this every day in medicine, technology, science, law, engineering, and other rapidly emerging fields.

Young people are excited for what awaits. They are also uncertain in a world faced with wars, political upheaval, climate change, increasing division, and social media addiction and misinformation.

We help students see the path ahead with resolve and optimism. OSA gives students the tools to thrive in this everchanging environment. We teach young people how to think critically, actively, and long-term. Here they’ll develop a strong sense of independence, and how to write their own story, while also learning the value of collaboration and community. All while pursuing their academic passion to its fullest.

We help young minds seize the future, not fear it.

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Our Talented Students

This group of passionate and driven individuals hails from all over the world, bringing a wealth of perspectives, ideas and experiences that will enrich your time in Oxford.

Juanita Sele-Matthew
Juanita Sele-Matthew

15, Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Meadowhall School

FUN FACT:
I don't eat red apples.

DREAM CAREER:
Dietician or Food Scientist

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Sainsbury's runs with Lampl House are the one thing I can never forget!

Eliah Cibambo
Eliah Cibambo

Age 17, Experience Business & Enterprise Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Lycée Prince de Liège

FUN FACT:
I’m a big fan of languages and I often try to understand how dialects and languages influence each other throughout the world.

DREAM CAREER:
Anything that helps better people’s lives.

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Definitely the ball on boat!

Adela Jung Foncillas
Adela Jung Foncillas

Age 17, Experience Psychology & Neuroscience Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
FES Lörrach

FUN FACT:
I love Spain with all my heart.

DREAM CAREER:
Doctor

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Singing with all of St Thomas's House at the Talent Show!

Pippa Manning
Pippa Manning

Age 17, Experience Medicine Academy

CURRENT SCHOOL:
Nottingham Girls' High School

FUN FACT:
My favourite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You.

DREAM CAREER:
Dermatologist

FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE:
Ceilidh, and the Boat Ball.

Our Teaching Philosophy

Since 2013, we’ve welcomed thousands of students to our academic programmes. Over the years, we’ve honed our unique three-dimensional teaching philosophy:

LEARN: Deepen Your Subject Knowledge

Deepen your subject knowledge through engaging classes and Masterclasses with expert tutors who will help you build a solid foundation of knowledge while encouraging critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

SEE: Be Inspired by Industry Experts
Meet inspirational tutors, mentors, and Heroes who will give you practical insights into what a career in your chosen field is truly like, offering valuable advice based on their real-world experience.
DO: Tackle Real-World Challenges
Apply theory to practice through hands-on activities, problem-solving, and academic challenges, gaining experience and developing essential skills for future success.

Our Leadership Team

The leadership team, headed up by husband and wife Jamie and Sophie Dear, have many years’ experience of running education programmes and are passionate about the care Oxford Scholastica gives to every student.

Jamie Dear

Co-Director

Jamie, our Co-Director, has founded and led education ventures for the past 15 years, with ten years of experience running summer schools. After studying at Oxford University, he founded OxFizz, a social enterprise helping students with university preparation, with profits going to charities (over £1m raised). He’s the former chair of Jacari, an Oxford University charity that provides free tutoring to children who don’t speak English as their first language.

Sophie Dear

Co-Director

Sophie is a consultant doctor who completed her medical training at Oxford University. She’s the founder of Psyched Up for Medical School, a programme that inspires and supports students interested in psychiatry with structured work experience opportunities. Sophie is part of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Leadership and Management Fellowship scheme and has run Oxford Scholastica with her husband Jamie for the past ten years.

Lavinia Abell

Co-Director

Lavinia is our Co-Director, and she oversees the smooth running of the Oxford Scholastica residential and online programmes. Lavinia studied Classics at Jesus College, Cambridge University, and has been on the Oxford Scholastica team since 2016. She’s a former Trustee of Oxfordshire Youth and currently sits on the board of a family of independent schools in Cambridge.

Joanna Cruse

Strategy Consultant

Jo is our Strategy Consultant and a former teacher at one of the UK’s leading schools, where she was also a university admissions advisor. With senior leadership experience in a variety of education organisations, Jo is passionate about enabling young people to thrive. She’s a member of the Founders4Schools Educational Impact Council and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She has been part of Oxford Scholastica since 2015.

Stephanie Lester

Head of Admissions

Steph is our Head of Admissions and is responsible for looking after our students (and parents!) before, during and after their programmes with OSA, making sure they have the most memorable educational experience of their lives. She studied Communications in South Africa and has experience in higher education institutions. She is passionate about going above and beyond to ensure every student is well taken care of.

Michael Irvine

Head of Marketing

Mike is our Head of Marketing, based in Toronto, Canada. He studied Economics and Management at Oxford University, graduating in 2010. Throughout his 10+ year career in marketing, Mike has helped mission-oriented start-ups to grow through smart branding, messaging, advertising and automation. He hopes to inspire the next generation of leaders by helping people learn to think critically.

Connie Begg

Operations & Project Management

Connie oversees the operations and project management of Oxford Scholastica. Connie finished her law degree at the University of Cambridge in 2022 and has been on the Oxford Scholastica team ever since. Connie is an avid eventer and was the captain of the Cambridge University Equestrian Team.

Charlotte Rice

Student Experience & Marketing

Charlotte studied Media, Journalism and Publishing at Oxford Brookes University and has been on the Oxford Scholastica team since 2023, making sure all our students and parents are well looked after. She loves writing, travelling and going for long walks while listening to podcasts.

We Help Students Seize the Future

Our immersive programmes give young people with big dreams the opportunity to get a true understanding of their career path.

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