2016’s IB results are in!

Early in July, students across the UK and the world receive their International Baccalaureate Diploma results. This news, which to them is so important, passes largely unnoticed by the British media, unlike the furore which greets A Level then GCSE results later in the summer.

This is understandable: despite the number of students who take the IB Diploma doubling in the last ten years (from 2,402 in 2006 to 4,891 in 2016), the cohort is still extremely small when compared to how many sit A Levels. It also seems only right, as a furore doesn’t suit what is widely considered to be the world’s most highly regarded and academically rigorous educational programme.

IB students learn, develop and hone their skills in communication, independent research and teamwork: attributes that universities value and employers want. The IB refines these valuable skills through extensive coursework, participating in a challenging critical thinking course called Theory of Knowledge, and undertaking the Extended Essay (where students write a dissertation-style research project).

Though it may be a while before the IB Diploma’s results day makes national headlines, we’re delighted to share good news from some of the British boarding schools we recommend, whose students have been celebrating.

94% of pupils at King Edward’s Witley achieved a pass in the diploma, with an average points score of 33.5, well above the worldwide average for IB students, which is 30 points out of a possible 45. Five candidates excelled themselves with scores in the 40s and the top scoring student achieved a world class 43 points.

Headmaster, John Attwater, said, “This very good set of results reflects the hard work and dedication of our students and teachers. Especially in these turbulent times as the impact of Brexit is becoming felt, the IB’s reputation as a global-facing gold standard in world education has never been more important in demonstrating that our students are among the best in, and ready to engage with, the rest of the world.”

Windermere School saw a 97% pass rate, with an average score of 34 and eight of its students scoring 40 points or more. On a global scale, only five per cent of IB students attain such a score and, according to UCAS, this level of success is equivalent to achieving three A*s at A-Level.

Headmaster, Ian Lavender, said, “We are thrilled with this year’s results, which represent a culmination of much hard work on behalf of both the students and the staff. The IB continues to provide a fantastic foundation for university and several of the students who left last year have contacted me to say how well prepared they have felt as they embark on their further education courses.”

The average points score per Charterhouse candidate was almost 39 points, an impressive 46% of the cohort achieved 40 points or more and three pupils were awarded 44 points, tantalisingly close to that maximum of 45.

Deputy Headmaster (Academic), James Kazi, was delighted with the results: “Our best set of IB results yet. Particularly in an increasingly insular post-Brexit world, we must continue to promote international-mindedness and the other values of the IB Mission Statement. All of this whilst being able to achieve superlative examination results in a first-class British boarding school.”

Meanwhile, at Haileybury two pupils achieved 44 points and 17 out of 58 pupils taking the IB achieved over 40, contributing to the provisional average score of 37.41 points.

Deputy Head (Academic), Simon Smith, said, “Well done to all our pupils for their excellent results. Such success is, of course, very much down to the pupils’ own talents and efforts, but thank you also to the Haileybury community who offer support in so many different ways. In particular, our boarding House system plays a key role in supporting and encouraging our young people.”

This cross-section of results is offered as an indication of what can be achieved at the British boarding schools we recommend. Additionally, we are pleased to share the responses of the Schools themselves, which reveal the pride they feel in the pupils and their whole support network, demonstrating what close communities these Schools are.

If you would like to know more about the IB Diploma and the boarding schools in England, Scotland and Wales that offer it, please do contact us.