About our school
Supporting students to learn without limits since 1894
Ever since we were founded over a century ago, we’ve been supporting learners of all ages around the world to thrive in their studies, gain their qualifications, and unleash their full potential.
From our early years as a Correspondence College; to providing self-directed ‘courses for the forces’ during World War II; to launching the world’s first distance-learning MBA with Warwick Business School; and to evolving into the registered Cambridge online school we are today, we’re the world’s most experienced and flexible learning provider – demonstrated in the incredible results our students go on to achieve in their assignments and exams.
Homeschooling students over the years
We're proud to include some of the world's most distinguished figures among our alumni – including Nelson Mandela, who studied with us whilst imprisoned in Robben Island jail! Fast-forward to today, and we’re supporting over 3,000 homeschooling students in more than 130 countries to become independent learners, and achieve their academic and personal ambitions.
Find out more about our long and varied history below to see how we’ve changed and grown over the last 130+ years.
The Wolsey Hall Oxford story
1890
1894
Our school is founded as a Correspondence College by Joseph William Knipe.
1900
1907
We moved our offices to St Aldates in Oxford, UK.
1930
1930s-1980s
We supplied degree-level courses through the University of London external degree programme.
1930
We moved our offices to 66 Banbury Road in Oxford, UK.
1940
1942
We were appointed by the United Kingdom War Office during World War II to provide distance-learning courses for the British Armed Forces.
1945
Sir Harold Evans, ex-Editor of the Sunday Times newspaper, studies Economics with us whilst serving as an RAF airman.
1946-1970
Demand for GCSE (O) Level and A Level courses grows.
1950
1950
We welcome a large increase in the number of students studying with us from outside the UK.
1951
SR Nathan, former President of Singapore, studies with us and achieves a Grade II certificate.
1960
1967
Nelson Mandela studies with us to gain his London University Law degree whilst imprisoned in Robben Island Jail.
1980
1985
We launch the world’s first distance-learning MBA course in partnership with Warwick Business School.
1987
John Coffey, an inspiring and committed educator, joins our school as Principal.
1990
1990
We begin providing management development courses to a variety of organisations including British Airways, Lloyds TSB and Shell.
2000
2009
Lee Wilcock, a dedicated and innovative distance-learning professional, joins our school as Principal.
2010
2010
We launch our first online IGCSE™ courses for ages 14-16.
2012
We launch our first online A Level courses for ages 16-18.
2013
We launch our first online Lower Secondary courses for ages 11-14.
2016
We launch our first online Upper Primary courses for ages 7-11.
2018
We become a registered online school of Cambridge Assessment International Education.
2020
2020
We launch our first online Lower Primary courses for ages 5-7.
2021
We proudly become the first and only Cambridge-approved online school for Primary level.
2022
We launch our online Lower Primary ‘Getting Ready for Year 1’ courses for ages 3-5.
2023
Gavin McLean, an accomplished and innovative expert in distance learning, becomes our latest Principal.
Learn more about our school
Success stories
Our students' achievements
Trustpilot Reviews
Reviews about our approach
-
Best Choice For Homeschooling
Before we made the decision to take the homeshooling route, we talked to friends with homeschooled children and were largely unimpressed. We scoured the internet and came across Wolsey. It seemed to be the one that best matched our daughter's Cambridge system education at that point. We're glad we ultimately went the Wolsey route. The flexibility of homeschooling suited us perfectly, the course materials are of high quality, and SPM Kristina and the tutors are a delight to work with. Contrary to our initial reservations, homeschooling with Wolsey actually helped our daughter become a more independent, confident and disciplined student, things which will help her immensely when she goes to university. The ability to choose her own subjects allowed us to tailor her learning to her interests and give her a sense of what course she wants to take up. We also appreciate how Wolsey worked closely with our daughter to prepare for her IGCSE exams. The Wolsey experience has been a positive one not only for our child but for us as well. We'd recommend it highly to anyone looking for a homeschooling solution. We feel it's one of the best out there.
FCDGo, December 10
-
Very good home schooling
Very good home schooling. This is our first time doing homeschooling and Wolsey Hall is our perfect choice. The lessons are properly scheduled. The student progress manager and the tutors are excellent. Both our kids are loving the Wolsey Hall experience. We always get back reply for all our communications. There was a small delay in the arrival of our books due to a customs issue but the school supported us throughout the process and even send across study materials via email so that we could start our lessons as planned. I recommend Wolsey Hall to anyone who considers homeschooling. My kids are scoring better with the one to one attention they are getting here compared to traditional schooling. Thanks to the whole team.
Natasha George, August 29
-
High quality home-schooling resource
High quality home-schooling resource. All the staff try their best to help. Courses follow accredited syllabuses.
Youssef Williams, August 28
-
An Excellent School
An excellent school with great resources and support, recommended to anyone who is considering homeschool for their children.
tim costelloe, August 15
-
We have been very impressed with Wolsey…
We have been very impressed with Wolsey Hall Oxford. The admin staff and the teachers are excellent. As a prior home-schooling parent, I felt confident that my daughter was receiving a very good education. My daughter will be going to traditional school but if that doesn't work out, we will certainly be returning to Wolsey Hall Oxford.
Kath W, August 1
-
Excellent
Everyone at Wolsey Hall is grate, I really don't have a bad word to say about any of the team. The work structure if fantastic and there is always someone to help. I would like to thank each and everyone involved for making the homeschooling journey as easy as it should be. THANK YOU!
Kayley, July 23
-
Wolsey Hall Great Experience
Wolsey Hall has been incredible to my son’s homeschooling journey. The tutors are lovely, patient and kind who in my opinion go the extra mile to ensure feedback is positive and uplifting. My son is enjoying the flexibility Wolsey offers to his education, it is the best decision we have made by far.
Leanne Hall, July 18
-
A superior homeschooling experience
"Wolsey Hall Oxford has been a fantastic choice for our child's education. The curriculum is well-structured and engaging, providing a comprehensive learning experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The support from tutors is exceptional; they are knowledgeable and genuinely invested in the students' success. We've seen remarkable progress in our child's academic skills and confidence. Highly recommend for anyone considering a supportive and effective homeschooling option!"
Sahil Sahni, June 27, 2024
-
Wonderful Wolsey!
Our daughter has been with Wolsey Hall for 4 years now and is on her path to begin her A-levels. We have had a wonderful experience from day one, and our current SPM, Kristina Brown, has been a superstar all the way. All questions, queries, and requests are attended to promptly and with extended guidance the whole time which is invaluable. We look forward to our next chapter with Wolsey Hall both our daughter and we as parents, are very happy with Wolsey Hall and highly recommend it to all parents looking for a top homeschooling choice.
C.T, June 21, 2024
-
Our family’s experience with Wolsey Hall
Our family’s experience with Wolsey Hall has been nothing short of exceptional. As a parent, the decision to home school my son was daunting, but Wolsey Hall has made this journey not only manageable but truly rewarding. From the outset, my son has been fully engaged and stimulated by the comprehensive and well-structured curriculum and, the academic guidance provided has been excellent, ensuring that he remains on track and motivated in his studies. A special mention must be made of his Student Progress Manager, who has been a constant source of support, her dedication and professionalism have played a pivotal role in my son’s academic growth, making the learning process smooth and enjoyable. Wolsey Hall’s commitment to delivering high-quality education has been evident in every interaction we’ve had with them. Their approach to home schooling has been both effective and empathetic, understanding that each student’s journey is unique, particularly my son's. For anyone considering home schooling, I wholeheartedly recommend Wolsey Hall. Our home schooling experience and the process has been seamless and stress-free.
Bray Tim, June 21, 2024
-
A good homeschool curriculum to choose
The homeschool curriculum of Wolsey Oxford is very useful that helps my daughter a lot in advancing her English level. The teacher and Program Manager have a closed follow up and are always there if you need help. We satisfy with our choice.
Amy Nguyen, May 6, 2024
-
A life without Wolsey Hall, I cannot imagine!
We have had a great experience with Wolsey Hall. Both of my children's lives and our lives are richer for the homeschooling experience with them. We love our teachers. The support we receive is incomparable and on a very personal level. They get to know the child at the heart. Having spent a few years in the "traditional" school environment, we feel that Wolsey Hall opened our eyes to a whole new type of education. We pay a huge amount of money in Zimbabwe for Private Education. That education has collapsed, it has become more about the money than actually educating our children, I am so grateful every day for Wolsey Hall. They have provided our children with a holistic whole rounded education that no school in Zimbabwe can give.
Joanne Middleton, April 25, 2024
Rated 4.7 / 5 based on 272 reviews.
What’s your next step?
Our Learning Advisers are here to help and are happy to talk about how we can support your child to get the best start.
You can reach us by phone, email or live chat, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (UK time).
Learn more about Wolsey Hall Oxford and how we support families at every stage of the homeschooling journey.
Our live events take place regularly throughout the year. On-demand recordings are also available to watch at any time.
Joining our global community of homeschooling families is as simple as filling out our Admissions Enquiry Form. Alternatively if you're ready to enrol, you can start the process online today.
Visit our Admissions page to see how you can get started.
Admissions Enquiry Form
Have some questions before you're ready to enrol? Simply fill out our Admissions Enquiry Form and a member of our team will then be in touch to arrange a call to talk about your circumstances and needs in more detail.
Admissions enrolment
Ready to enrol right away? Click below to start your enrolment process online.