All boys at King Edward’s School study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in the Sixth Form as we believe it provides a challenging, rigorous and broad education that better equips boys for the demands of university and the diversity of the world beyond.
The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised qualification, which embodies a holistic educational philosophy.
Boys study six subjects, which must include English, maths, a science, a language and a humanities subject along with a core element comprising a course in the Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay on any subject and the Creativity, Action and Service programme, which recognises co-curricular activity.
The IB is much more than a pathway to university; it is designed to provide an intellectual challenge and prepare students for living and working in a rapidly changing world.
The move from A-levels to the IB Diploma in 2010 has without doubt reinvigorated the intellectual life of the School. Our exam results have placed King Edward’s School amongst the best in the world and have led to the School being awarded ‘The Sunday Times International Baccalaureate School of the Year 2015-16’ and the ‘IB Boys’ School of the Year 2015’.
Each year a number of boys achieve the maximum score of 45 points, a score achieved by 0.1% of the 160,000 IB students worldwide. On average around half of our boys achieve scores of 40 points or above, higher than the equivalent of 4 A*s at A-level.
The value of the IB Diploma is well-recognised by universities and employers alike. Our boys consistently receive offers from the very best universities with around 90% each year being accepted by their first choice.
Pupils who have completed the IB Diploma and their university studies are embarking on a variety of exciting and diverse careers including: mathematical modelling engineer for Ferrari’s F1 team in Italy, buyer for Jaguar Land Rover, architectural assistant for 5plus Architects, and trainee solicitor for Linklaters.
