Oxford International College in Oxford has been rated Inadequate by Ofsted following an inspection in April.

Oxford International is an independent boarding school catering to pupils aged 14 to 19 years, who are mostly from overseas, including Hong Kong, China, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

The school is owned by Nord Anglia Education which operates more than 80 international day and boarding schools in more than 30 countries.

The report stated: “Students in the sixth form, which makes up most of the school, do not receive personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education. This means that they do not learn about topics such as drugs, alcohol and online safety. In addition, sixth-form students do not receive adequate relationships and sex and health education (RSE). In addition, the school’s arrangements for safeguarding are not effective and this has left some pupils at risk of harm.

It went on: “Leaders’ oversight of attendance is poor, meaning attendance figures are not always accurate and reliable. Although leaders check where pupils are when not in school, they are unclear about their broader role in relation to tracking and promoting regular attendance. There is an unmet standard relating to the keeping of admission and attendance registers.”

“The school’s leadership lacks the capacity and expertise to improve. Leaders have failed to identify and address serious issues in the school, including those relating to safeguarding. The school does not have effective systems and processes to ensure oversight of areas, such as attendance.

“The governing body is entirely made up of professionals from within the proprietor body. This has contributed to a lack of challenge and transparency. The proprietor body has not carried out their role effectively. It has failed to hold leaders to account and ensure that the school meets the required standards. It has not ensured that the school meets statutory obligations relating to the teaching of PSHE and the protected characteristics. In addition, an inspection of boarding provision which took place at the same time has identified breaches in the national minimum standards. The standards relating to the quality of leadership and management are not met.”

The report did however stress that the quality of education and the behaviour and attitude of the pupils was good. It said: “Pupils achieve well academically at this school. Many go on to their chosen universities in the United Kingdom or abroad. Pupils are highly motivated, and their teachers encourage them to aim high. Pupils attend school regularly and behave well.”

A spokesperson for Oxford International College said: “The safety and welfare of our students is our top priority at Oxford International College. We have already addressed a significant number of identified focus areas and are committed to going above and beyond Ofsted’s recommendations.”