Faq
Find clear answers about the Cambridge curriculum, admissions, school life and the educational pathway at Oxford International School of Tunis.
What curriculum does Oxford International School of Tunis follow?
Oxford International School of Tunis (OIST) follows the Cambridge international curriculum, providing an educational pathway from the Early Years through Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and Cambridge International AS & A Levels.
What age groups does OIST teach?
OIST provides education across different stages of the Cambridge pathway, beginning with Early Years and continuing through Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and A Levels. The appropriate programme depends on the student’s age and academic stage.
What is the Cambridge Pathway?
The Cambridge Pathway is a structured educational journey that progresses through five stages: Cambridge Early Years, Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Upper Secondary and Cambridge Advanced.
At OIST, this pathway can provide continuity as students progress from their early education towards university preparation.
What is Cambridge Primary?
Cambridge Primary is designed for learners typically beginning around age 5. It develops strong foundations in areas such as English, Mathematics, Science and digital learning, while encouraging curiosity, communication, creativity and independent thinking.
What is Cambridge Lower Secondary?
Cambridge Lower Secondary is the stage between Primary and Upper Secondary education. Students develop greater academic depth, critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning skills as they prepare for the next stage of the Cambridge pathway.
What is Cambridge IGCSE?
Cambridge IGCSE is an internationally recognised qualification typically studied by students aged 14–16. It provides students with the opportunity to study a range of subjects while developing subject knowledge, analytical thinking, problem-solving and academic communication.
What are Cambridge International A Levels?
Cambridge International AS & A Levels are advanced qualifications generally studied from around age 16. Students specialise in selected subjects and develop deeper subject knowledge, independent learning and analytical skills in preparation for higher education.
Does OIST prepare students for university?
Yes. The Cambridge pathway at OIST is designed to support students as they progress towards higher education. IGCSE and A Level study develops subject knowledge, academic independence, critical thinking and communication skills that can support future university pathways.
How do I apply to OIST?
Families begin by completing the OIST application form and submitting the required documentation. Depending on the student’s age and academic stage, the admissions process may include an entrance assessment and interview.
What are the admission criteria at OIST?
Admission is based on several factors, including:
- Appropriate age for the intended year group
- Academic readiness
- Ability to adapt to the school’s rules and expectations
- Previous academic records, where applicable
- Assessment and interview results, when required
- Availability of places
What documents are required for admission?
Depending on the student’s year group, families may need to provide:
- Student passport copy
- Parents’ passport copies
- Student passport-size photograph
- Parents’ passport-size photographs
- Medical form
- Immunisation record
- Previous school records or transcripts, where applicable
- Relevant assessment or examination results, where applicable
- Educational or psychological reports, where applicable
Families should confirm the current document requirements with the OIST Admissions Office.
Is there an entrance assessment?
Students may be required to complete an entrance assessment to help the school understand their academic abilities and English language proficiency.
For some students, additional assessment may be required depending on their educational background or support needs.
Is there an interview?
An interview may be part of the admissions process. It helps the school understand the student’s suitability for the OIST learning environment and their potential to thrive within the school community.
How is year-group placement decided?
Placement generally considers the student’s age as of September 1, following the British school system, while previous school records, academic ability, social development and placement assessments may also be considered when appropriate.
Is there an application or assessment fee?
OIST’s current admissions information states that a non-refundable 50 DT per-student assessment fee is required for admission consideration.
Families should confirm the latest fee information directly with Admissions before applying.
What happens after a student is accepted?
Once a place is offered, families complete the official enrolment process, including submission of required documentation, payment of the enrolment fee and acceptance of the school’s terms and conditions.
Parents also complete the relevant school and family commitment documents before the student begins attending classes.
Is OIST an English-medium school?
Yes. OIST provides an English-medium international learning environment, with English used extensively throughout students’ academic experience.
Students progressively develop their ability to communicate, learn and participate confidently in an English-speaking educational environment.
Do students learn languages other than English?
Yes. Depending on the year group, students may study additional languages including Arabic and French.
The language programme varies according to the student’s educational stage.
What subjects do students study at OIST?
The subjects available depend on the student’s programme.
Across the Cambridge pathway, students may encounter areas including:
English, Mathematics, Science, Languages, Computing, Global Perspectives, Business, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Music, Drama and Physical Education.
Subject availability and combinations may vary by year group and academic programme.
Does OIST offer activities beyond the classroom?
Yes. OIST’s educational experience extends beyond academic lessons through activities and experiences such as sports, arts, music, drama, robotics, educational trips, science activities, clubs, assemblies and student leadership opportunities.
What is student life like at OIST?
Student life combines academic learning with opportunities for creativity, collaboration, communication, physical activity and personal development.
The aim is to help students become confident learners while developing the wider skills needed to participate positively in their community.
Does OIST support independent learning?
Yes. As students progress through Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and A Levels, they are expected to take increasing responsibility for their learning.
This includes developing skills such as organisation, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, time management and academic communication.
How much are OIST school fees?
School fees depend on factors such as the student’s year group and individual educational pathway.
Rather than displaying a single price that may not apply to every family, OIST can provide families with the appropriate fee information based on their child’s circumstances.
Can I request the fees before applying?
Yes. Families can contact the Admissions team to discuss their child’s age, year group and educational needs and request the relevant fee information.
Where is Oxford International School of Tunis located?
OIST is located in the Tunis area, serving families from Tunis and surrounding areas. The school is situated in the Kram/Lac 3 area.
Can I visit OIST before applying?
Yes. Visiting the school can help families understand the learning environment, facilities and student experience before making an educational decision.
How can I contact OIST Admissions?
Families interested in admission can contact the OIST Admissions Office for current information about available places, programmes, requirements, fees and the application process.
Admissions: +216 55 102 102
Is OIST suitable for international families living in Tunisia?
OIST welcomes both Tunisian and international families seeking an English-medium international education in Tunis. The Cambridge pathway provides an internationally oriented academic framework while students learn within the local Tunisian context.
Can my child join OIST from another school?
Families can enquire about transferring to OIST from another school. The appropriate year-group placement and admissions requirements depend on the student’s age, previous education, academic records, assessment and available places.
Still Have Questions?
Speak with the academic team
Choosing a school is a major decision. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, the OIST Admissions team can help you understand the most appropriate pathway for your child.