At Leighton Park, you’ll be joining an International Baccalaureate community that genuinely stands out. In summer 2025 our students averaged 36 points in the IB Diploma Programme, far exceeding the global average of 30.3. This performance puts you on track for admission to the most sought‑after degrees and universities around the world – see our student case studies.
As an IB student at Leighton Park you won’t just be judged on exam results. You can earn points from each of your six subjects and from the Theory of Knowledge course, your extended essay and even from co‑curricular activities through the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme
Leighton Park has offered the IB Diploma for eighteen years and we continue to invest in your success. In 2024 the school created a new senior post – Assistant Head: Director of International Baccalaureate – and appointed Kees Luteijn to ensure that every IB student has an outstanding experience. In his first year he oversaw a 7 % rise in our average IB score and doubled the number of students choosing this “gold‑standard” qualification. By joining Leighton Park you’ll benefit from this dedicated leadership and a track record of academic excellence, giving you the best possible foundation for university and beyond.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Leighton Park isn’t just a qualification – it’s an invitation to become part of a global community of thinkers. Here, you’ll discover a curriculum that goes far beyond academic rigour; it’s a journey of holistic development that will challenge you to think critically, creatively and ethically. Rather than simply memorising facts, you’ll be mentored to question, explore and innovate in a vibrant learning community.
By embracing diverse perspectives and cultures, you’ll cultivate true open‑mindedness and become a citizen of the world. The programme’s emphasis on research and critical thinking ensures that when you leave Leighton Park, you won’t just be prepared for university; you’ll be ready to excel and lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape. 97% of UK university admissions tutors rate the IB as ideal for higher education.
International Baccalaureate Scholarships Leighton Park offers five scholarships each year to top candidates on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with a financial value of up to 30% of the Day fee. These scholarships represent the School’s commitment to this outstanding international qualification, which aligns so well with the School’s values. Applications for these scholarships will open from mid-October via our Scholarships page.
Ian Austin Bursary Awards Our Ian Austin Bursary Awards are available for IB Diploma Programme students with particular academic ability and/or musical talent. These awards are means-tested and cover up to 100% of the day fee for the two years of the Sixth Form.
Students on the IB Diploma study six subjects; three standard level and three higher level. Students choose one subject from each block below. This is the same at all International Baccalaureate schools:
English A (SL) (HL), German A (SL) (HL), School-supported self-study (SSST)* available in 55 languages (SL) [* students choosing SSST will need to pay for a private language tutor for around 4 hours each term, this can range from £25-£50 per hour, or £600 – £1,200 over the course of the two-year programme]
English B (SL) (HL), French B (SL), Spanish Ab Initio (SL), Spanish B (SL)
History (SL) (HL), Psychology (SL) (HL), Global Politics (SL) (HL)
Biology (SL) (HL), Physics (SL)
Mathematics (SL) (HL)
Chemistry (SL) (HL), Economics (SL) (HL), Visual Arts (SL) (HL), Music (SL) (HL)
Explore our course finder to learn more about each subject.
Learn more about the IB Diploma Programme on the International Baccalaureate website.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma can work for a broad range of students but the statements below are a helpful guide to the personal characteristics and preferences that best suit the IB Diploma:
Students on the IB Diploma Programme study six subjects compared to three or four for A Level students. There is less content for each of the six subjects than A Level but you will have the choice to study three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Higher Level subjects offer a depth of understanding equivalent to A Level whilst maintaining the flexibility of a broad curriculum through your Standard Levels.
A Level students at Leighton Park are also strongly recommended to undertake the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to support their university applications. IB students have no need to do this because their Extended Essay is part of the IB Diploma Programme.
Students will need to study hard on either programme to do well.
As one of the country’s leading schools for STEAM we can say with confidence that the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is excellent preparation for studying Medicine at university, both in the UK and internationally.
IB Diploma students do have to study a different language as part of their programme but as with all our courses, you will be fully supported by language specialists and there are options for you to choose the language that suits you best. It is possible to study Spanish as an ab initio language, meaning that no prior knowledge of Spanish is required and you can study it from scratch.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students have more classroom teaching, while A Level students have more independent study periods. Both programmes offer students the same opportunities for co-curricular activities but these will accrue credits for the IB Diploma Programme through CAS. If you prefer to have more teacher support then the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme might be a better option.
This used to be the case but UK universities now fully recognise the value of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In a sector survey, University Admissions Tutors confirmed that the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme provides excellent preparation for university and the world of work, with 97% saying it is the best preparation for university study. From our recent experience International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme students enjoy a slight edge over A Level students. An example would be leading university courses that require three A*s at A Level or 37 points out of 45 on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – a much more achievable score. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is more widely recognised internationally for students hoping to go to a university in another country.
97% of university Admissions tutors rate the IBDP as the best preparation for university study in the UK.
IB students are three times more likely to go to a Top 20 UK university compared to matched A Level students.
IB students are 40% more likely to obtain a 1st or 2:1 honours degree.
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