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The IB Diploma

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a high quality, broad, academically rigorous and internationally recognised qualification undertaken by over a million students in over 150 countries worldwide.

Universities in the UK and around the globe value the strength and depth of the programme. It’s ‘much more than a qualification’, offering students the skills and attributes needed to ‘hit the ground running’ at university and in the workplace and allowing them to grow and develop in a successful, happy way.

Read more about an IB education here.

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Students holding an IB Diploma are 3.02 times more likely than students holding an A level qualification to enrol at a Top 20 higher education provider. HESA 2021. 

Among students awarded first degree qualifications in the UK, students holding an IB Diploma have higher odds of earning a first- class honours degree than A level holders.  HESA 2021

Hear what students and alumni say about studying the IB Diploma:

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Advantages of the IB Diploma

The IB Diploma brings students the following advantages:

  • an international outlook

  • a positive attitude to independent learning

  • learning beyond traditional subjects

  • opportunities for in-depth enquiry

  • critical thinking skills

  • research-based learning skills

  • ability to think critically and challenge assumptions

  • university recognition of the level of challenges

  • ability to communicate internationally

  • an understanding of how they learn

What the universities say...

All UK universities accept, and in fact warmly welcome, applicants who have undertaken the IB Diploma. IB university entrance offers are always listed alongside the wide variety of other qualifications that universities accept.  Search for the courses you are interested in at https://www.ucas.com/ 

Here you can listen to the Director of Admissions at the University of Bath talk about how universities view the IB Diploma.

Representatives from university admissions teams always come along to our open days and are available to talk with prospective students and their parents about why universities value the IB.

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Read more about the university perspective:

The world needs the International Baccalaureate Anthony Seldon, Vice-Chancellor University of Buckingham, The Times, September 2018

International Baccalaureate students studying at UK higher education institutions: How do they perform in comparison with A level students? February 2021

How do Tonbridge Grammar School IB Results compare?

See our Examination Results page for further details.

What students and alumni say...

HELPED ME APPROACH MEDICINE MORE HOLISTICALLY

“The IB Diploma has given me a well-rounded education, and thus has helped me to approach Medicine more holistically. Whether it was Latin coming in handy for learning anatomy or Geography giving me a deeper understanding of global health and the effects of population and politics on the health service. Additionally, the research skills taught in Chemistry and Biology helped to prepare me for my research project during my intercalation year. Furthermore, my improved ability of English and having done the Extended essay made the Dissertation less daunting!” Jess, Alumna.

 

NATURAL LINKING OF SUBJECTS

“I enjoy the linking of subjects.  For example, Chemistry has natural links with Biology; when we are learning about the production of aspirin in chemistry, we can understand the impact it has on the human body in biology”. Charlotte Year 13  

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE HAS BEEN SO USEFUL

“Studying English and Humanities alongside Sciences, meant I knew how to write; something that was perhaps trickier for non IB students.  Studying Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is great as it challenges you to always enquire and question why you do things”.  Siling, Alumna.

SUCH BREADTH

“There is such a breadth we can experience and we always notice links between what we are studying”. Harry, Year 13

GREAT PREPARATION FOR UNIVERSITY

“The IB was great preparation for university and I feel that it may be one of the reasons why I coped so well with university life. It teaches students to organise their time efficiently by juggling my work load with sports, hobbies as well as other commitments such as prefect duties”.

KEEPS MY OPTIONS OPEN

I’m not sure what pathway I want to take after Sixth Form, so the IB keeps my options open.  I like carrying on my language, French, as enjoy learning to communicate in another language.  Megan, Year 13.
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