Our average International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme score (Summer 2025) was 35.4 points, compared to a global average score of 30.3. 70% our students achieved scores of 36 or above out of a total possible score of 45 (equivalent to three As at A Level), making them eligible for the most sought after degrees and universities in the world – see our student case studies. Students can pick up points from across each of their six subjects as well as from the Theory of Knowledge course, an extended essay and even from co-curricular activities as part of the CAS programme.
Leighton Park has run the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for eighteen years and further invested in the programme in 2024 by appointing an Assistant Head: Director of International Baccalaureate, Kees Luteijn. This senior role specifically focuses on ensuring an outstanding experience for our International Baccalaureate students. Kees oversaw a 7% improvement in our students’ IB average in his first year and doubled the number of students selecting this prestigious international programme, considered the gold standard in international education.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme stands as a beacon of excellence in modern education, developing students into forward-thinking, globally aware individuals. Its unique curriculum is not just about academic rigor; it’s a journey of holistic development that encourages students to think critically, creatively, and ethically. In this vibrant learning environment, students are not just taught facts but are mentored to question, explore, and innovate.
By embracing diverse perspectives and cultures, the IB Diploma cultivates open-mindedness, making its students true citizens of the world. As they embark on this intellectually stimulating journey, IB students develop a rare blend of in-depth subject knowledge and a broad understanding of the world, which makes them stand out in the competitive arena of top university admissions. The programme’s emphasis on research and inquiry ensures that IB graduates are not just well-prepared for university but are primed to excel and lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
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.
Take the next step by selecting an option below, or if you want to drop us a quick message, you can do so with the form.
Δ