What can happen when an ambitious student is given the opportunity to take their interests further?
At Oxford International College, academic excellence matters. Our students come to us with ambitious goals, a determination to succeed and aspirations to study at some of the world’s most competitive universities.
But we believe an exceptional education should do more than prepare students for their next destination. It should help them discover what they want to contribute when they get there.
Serena’s story is a powerful example.
An ambition to study Medicine
Serena arrived at OIC with an outstanding academic record, having achieved A*/A/9 grades across 12 GCSE subjects. Since joining the College, she has continued to excel, achieving three As at AS Level and ranking amongst the top 5% of students in both Biology and Chemistry.
Her ambition is to study Medicine, but what makes Serena’s journey particularly compelling is the sense of purpose behind that ambition.
Growing up alongside her autistic twin sisters gave Serena an early understanding of some of the challenges experienced by autistic children and their families. At just seven years old, she began making and selling bracelets to raise awareness and funds.
That small idea eventually developed into Serena’s Secret, a social enterprise through which she has supported autistic children and young people.
Over the years, Serena has helped fund therapy, sensory equipment and educational opportunities, supported the creation of employment opportunities and helped establish an autism-friendly café where autistic young people could develop workplace skills, independence and confidence.
Taking learning beyond the classroom
At OIC, we want students to explore the subjects that fascinate them beyond the confines of an examination specification.
For Serena, this has meant connecting her academic interests with some of the questions that could shape the future of Medicine.
Through her Extended Project Qualification, she explored the effectiveness of gene therapy compared with traditional chemotherapy, investigating an area at the forefront of modern medical science.
At the same time, she has continued to turn compassion into action. Alongside the demands of her studies, Serena has volunteered at Endeavour Academy, supporting students with severe learning difficulties.
It is this combination of intellectual curiosity, academic ambition and real-world purpose that we want to encourage at OIC.
Recognised nationally
In 2026, Serena was named the winner of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Lexden Prize.
The national award recognises an outstanding Sixth Form student for qualities extending far beyond academic results, including leadership, service, character and positive impact. Each ISA school can nominate only one student, making selection itself a significant distinction.
For Serena, the award recognises years of commitment to making a difference alongside exceptional academic achievement.
But perhaps more importantly, her story challenges the way we think about success.
Academic achievement can open extraordinary doors. What matters is what young people choose to do with those opportunities.
Defining your future at OIC
Our students have ambitious destinations in mind. They want to become doctors, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers and leaders.
Our role is not simply to help them reach those destinations.
Through expert teaching, personalised pathways and opportunities to explore their interests beyond the classroom, we want students to develop the knowledge, confidence and sense of purpose to decide what their future could look like.
Serena’s journey captures that idea beautifully.
Her academic ability is exceptional. Her ambition to study Medicine is clear. But it is her determination to use those strengths to improve the lives of others that makes her story particularly powerful.
Because defining your future isn't only about deciding where you want to go.
It's also about discovering the difference you want to make when you get there.
Defining Futures.
Are you ready to define yours? Discover Oxford International College and explore how our personalised pathways can help you prepare for the world’s most competitive universities and the future beyond them.
