The University of Oxford Tour Group will spend two weeks at Oxford University to complete an academic program organised by Oxford Royale Academy. The group of twenty students will be accompanied by two Pymble teachers who will travel with the students. Breakfast and dinner are included each day but students arrange their own lunches which allows the opportunity to explore Oxford. Accommodation will be in various Colleges of the University of Oxford and supervision will be by Oxford Royale staff, with additional supervision and weekend supervision by the Pymble staff who will reside in Oxford. In the evenings, students have the opportunity to join planned activities with the Oxford Royale group and Pymble staff and, over the middle weekend, will likely travel to London as a Pymble group to experience the sights and attend a show or exhibition.

The Tour is aimed at providing an opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge in an academic area. The academic program is delivered by University of Oxford tutors in rooms and lecture halls of the University. Students will learn alongside a group of high ability students from around the world. Students will gain familiarity with the culture of the University and an understanding of university life in this special place. 

Our intent is that this tour will inspire students to consider overseas study, including at the University of Oxford and others of similar standing, and that students build their independence and zest for exploration beyond Pymble. 

Students' itineraries will vary according to the Oxford Royale course they select to study.

You can view a sample program here

The 2023 Tour will run between 1st July and 16th July. This is during the Term 3 school holiday break.

In 2023, the cost of the tour are outlined below. 

This is a price guide for the 2023 tour, factors that will impact this will be flight costs and exchange rates.

Cost Breakdown:

• Oxford Royale Course Fee :   £5995 (Approx. $10,441)  - Paid directly to Oxford to secure placement in course.
• College Tour Package (includes flights, transfers, $6500 - Paid directly to Pymble in four instalments.

• • Payment 1 : $500 non-refundable deposit to secure place on tour (holds flights with travel agent)
  • Payment 2: $2000
  • Payment 3: $1500
  • Final Payment $1000

The above package price includes the course cost, accommodation at the University of Oxford, breakfast and dinners, day trips, staff levy, flights and transfers. Individual variations to the planned travel schedule will unfortunately not be possible. 

Please note: 

• Private medical/travel insurance, spending money including additional lunch costs, and transfers to and from Sydney airport, are in addition to the tour price.

• The fee for the tour may be paid in instalments. A further breakdown of costs will be available in the information pack for applicants.

• Deposits are non-refundable and are required to secure placements in courses, group flight bookings and accomodation. 

Stages of Application

1. Expression of Interest

Expressions of Interest help us gauge how many students from each year group are interested in the tour. We will provide further information at this point on the next steps of application for all those who register their interest.

2. Application

Students who wish to proceed with an application will need to complete the required forms and gain permission from their parent/guardian for attendance. 

Application Process

Students should include a one-page application of 200 words (maximum) explaining how this opportunity will add value to their academic outlook at Pymble. They will also be required to submit a link to their Pymble Passport to provide evidence of their involvement in College life.  

The following qualities are highly desirable:

• Academic excellence through a demonstration of cognitive skills, critical thinking and a deep interest in the subject area of the selected course. 

• Demonstrated capabilities of persistence, empathy, collaboration, self-regulation, responsibility and self-efficacy, as well as interpersonal skills to aid travelling and learning in groups. 

• Demonstrated effort and application to schoolwork. 

• An interest and involvement in co-curricular activities.
  
  Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 20-minute interview with a panel. The selection criteria also requires that all applicants show a demonstrated commitment to College values.  

Students who are successful in this stage are invited to join the Tour. An official offer of placement will be forwarded to the student and families.

3. Offer 

Students at this stage will receive an offer of placement letter for the tour. At this stage, a deposit is required to secure the position and payment to Oxford Royale to secure a spot in their desired course. If deposit isn't paid, the position may be forfeited to another student. 

Pymble will appoint two staff members to accompany students to and from the University of Oxford. Supervision during the program will be fulfilled by Oxford Royale staff, with support from the Pymble staff members. 

Students from Year 10 and Year 11 (2023) are invited to apply for the tour.

Unfortunately no. Students who wish to apply for Oxford and Cambridge or other overseas universities may use their experience at Oxford Royale as evidence for an application. The tour is not affiliated with the application process for Oxford or Cambridge university admissions processes.

To sign up for the 2023 Oxford tour, please fill in this Registration form