Magazine
IB alumni grows as summer 2024 results published
This weekend, 192,867 students around the world received the outcome of their two-year Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP). How did schools and students fare?
This year’s IB graduates join a growing alumni of 2.5 million people around the world. The number of students receiving their final mark increased 7.2% increase compared to 2023, showing the confidence with which schools, parents, students and employers regard the IB approach as a global passport to higher education and employment. Today, over 8,000 IB programmes are offered worldwide across 5,700 schools in 160 countries. Between 2018 and 2022 alone, the number of IB programmes worldwide increased by 34.2%. See a selection of school reactions and photos below.
Congratulations to all this year’s IB graduates
Over the past two years, DP and CP students have completed assessment components for each subject, including coursework and examinations. The global average pass rate for this May 2024 session increased marginally to 30.32 points from 30.24 in May 2023. The IBO says it will publish an interim statistical bulletin in the next few weeks. However, it will not be publishing the number of students achieving the highest top mark of 45 data points.
“This change [since May 2023] aims to discourage the use of assessment results for comparisons among students, schools, or communities,” said the body’s press release. “IB students and World Schools vary in context, socioeconomic status, and cohort size, and their achievements extend beyond assessment scores. The IB equally values all students and their accomplishments during the two-year DP or CP journey.”
“It is always an honour to congratulate IB graduates on all their achievements, and this year their results are nothing short of praiseworthy,” commented Olli-Pekka Heinonen, director general of the International Baccalaureate. “From the beginning, the IB has been providing an international, holistic education to inspire future leaders and peace builders. This cohort has demonstrated this commitment, and I am delighted to see so many of them moving confidently on to the next chapter of their lives equipped with the future-ready skills and compassion that define IB learners.”
The IB’s post-16 options
The IB aims to differ from other curriculums by teaching students to take responsibility for their own learning and apply it to a global context, as Sally Robinson explains in the summer issue of Think Global People magazine.
Interdisciplinary learning, collaboration and critical thinking are major components of the programme. The Diploma Programme (DP) gives the student a world-class preparation for university and a lifetime of opportunity. It is a comprehensive, inquiry-based education that puts the student in control of their learning, so they can develop superior academic ability, confidence, critical thinking and language skills. The framework is recognised and respected by the world’s leading universities and “aims to develop the whole student to flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically”.
The Career-related Programme (CP) is specifically designed for students aged 16–19 looking to engage in career-related learning, while also continuing to gain transferable and lifelong skills like confidence, social responsibility and a sense of purpose. The CP blends academic study and career skills and incorporate the vision and educational principles of the IB.
UK IB schools results 2024
TES magazine reported that 5,041 UK students sat the DP this year, scoring an average of 34.67 out of 45 – matching last year’s average. Mindful of the importance of valuing every single IB student’s individual achievement and learning journeys above and beyond their final scores, the UK’s 103 IB schools’ achievements compare well with a global average of 30.32 secured by 187,826 students.
At multi-award-winning TASIS England, an international co-ed boarding and day school in Surrey, IB DP candidates achieved an impressive 100% pass rate and an average point score of 33 this year. The highest score attained was an excellent 44 out of a possible 45 points. Commenting on the IB Diploma journey for this year’s outstanding cohort, Bryan Nixon, head of school, said, “We are delighted that our students’ hard work and dedication is demonstrated in these very pleasing scores and excellent pass rate.
“In addition to these results, the real achievement for the Class of 2024 was their commitment to their learning, support for each other, and service to our school community. Our congratulations go to our students, and our thanks go to our teachers for facilitating this learning and to the families who have supported their children and our School throughout the past two years.”
“We are so pleased to celebrate the results of our students’ hard work and diligence. Their achievements not only highlight their academic success, but also demonstrate their commitment and personal growth over the course of the programme,” remarked Stephanie Feo Hughes, head of upper school.
“Thank you to our dedicated faculty for leading our students through their learning and helping them navigate challenges along the way. We congratulate all of our IB students and anticipate their continued success as they bring their learning forward to university and beyond.”
IB Diploma coordinator Jessica Lee concurred. “We are extremely proud of our 2024 graduates. Their hard work and remarkable service have made this an outstanding class. A heartfelt thank you to our teachers for their tireless efforts in bringing out the full potential of each student. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support of TASIS England and their children. Your encouragement and dedication have been instrumental in our students’ success.”
Marymount International School London
All-girls international school, Marymount International School London, is celebrating another set of outstanding IB DP results for its graduating class of 2024.
With a 100% pass rate and an average score of 36 points, this year’s cohort of 58 students, the largest in Marymount’s 70-year history, achieved remarkable success. A number of students achieved 43 points out of a possible 45. Marymount School’s commitment to bilingual education is also evident in the 33% of students who earned Bilingual Diplomas, a testament to the diversity of the school community and its longstanding commitment to multilingualism.
Headmistress, Margaret Giblin, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements. “These results are a reflection of our students’ dedication and agency, the exceptional teaching staff, and the supportive learning environment we foster at Marymount.”The potent synthesis of IB pedagogy and the educational vision of the RSHM has once again proved integral to our students achieving their potential. We are thrilled to see our graduates embark on the next chapter of their academic journey with such strong foundations.”
Marymount’s alumni will now be taking up places at some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Cambridge, London, Bath, Warwick, Exeter, Durham, St Andrews, Edinburgh and Bristol.
Southbank International School
The 86 IB DP students at Southbank International School, an IB World School based on three central London campuses, also achieved a fantastic 100% pass rate.
A quarter achieved a bilingual diploma, a fifth a score of over 40 and the overall average points score was 36.
Fabienne Fontaine, IB DP coordinator at Southbank, said: “Our students have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies, embodying the spirit of inquiry and the pursuit of excellence that Southbank International School stands for. Their results reflect not only their academic rigour, but also their personal development into well-rounded, globally-minded individuals.”
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each student and express our sincere gratitude to our faculty and parents who have supported them every step of the way,” said Angela Liu, principal at Southbank Westminster. “These results are a testament to the vibrant and supportive community at Southbank.”
Impington International College
At Impington International College, Cambridge, students beat last year’s IB DP benchmark to secure an average of 34 points. A quarter achieved the bilingual diploma and one in ten attained 40 points or more – the equivalent of four A*s at AS level.Candidates studying for the IB CP also secured fantastic outcomes. Many of this year’s CP cohort achieved six- and seven-point scores in their IB subjects; seven being the highest possible grade.
Leanne Gibbons, head of sixth form (CP), said, “It has been another incredible year for our CP students. Our Performance School students have dazzled audiences through a series of performances, while numerous Sports Scholars have received calls ups to represent county teams – congratulations to them all.
“We have a long list of CP alumni who have gone on to build impressive careers on the West End and professional sporting stages. Through the programme, students are able to gain hands-on, career-related experience and benefit from regular professional coaching while continuing to develop a robust academic education. This ensures that they are able to thrive, no matter which career pathway they choose to pursue once they leave us.”
Reflecting on the impressive IB DP student outcomes, Bronwyn Wilson, head of sixth Form (DP), said: “I would like to say a huge congratulations to all of our students who received their IB Results. An average point score of 34 points is no mean feat and I really am proud of all of our students who have displayed exemplary enthusiasm and commitment to their learning throughout their time with us.“I am thrilled for those who have received invitations to enrol in their first choice universities and am excited about the number of students who will be continuing their educational journeys overseas. This is a testament to the power and truly international education that studying the IB provides, and I look forward to monitoring their progress over the coming years.”
Student, Misa, studied at Impington Village College and achieved 43 points out of 45, also commented: “When I opened my results, I felt a sense of recognition for the work I had put in over the past two years. But I also realised that I couldn’t have done it without the support of the Sixth Form team or the wonderful community of students we had built over our time together.”
Misa joins former classmates continuing to the next stage of their education of careers at first-choice universities and placements.
In Kent, students and staff at Sevenoaks School, where all sixth-form students study for the IB, are also celebrating an average 39.4. Significantly more than half the school’s 221-strong cohort earned 40 points or over, with 76 students earning 42 points or more, from the maximum available 45 points.
Commenting on the results Mr Jesse Elzinga, headmaster at Sevenoaks School, said: “Congratulations to all our students on their exceptional IB Diploma results. Their hard work, commitment and endeavour are inspirational.
“The IB’s breadth, depth and international outlook empowers our students to flourish in a global community. Our school leavers are passionate and creative critical thinkers who will go out into the world and make a difference. Well done to our Class of 2024, we can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve!”
The 35 IB candidates from King William’s College, an international senior school for students aged 11-18 on the Isle of Man, are also embarking on the next stage of the education or careers, both in the UK and overseas. Using the IB as their springboard, three-quarters have secured their place at university through UCAS, the university admissions service. Several students are heading to universities in Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong, with others heading straight into employment or service, or an exciting gap year schemes.
The overall average of 31.1 points included five students achieving 40 points or more and 14 students attaining 35 points or more.
Mike Roberts, deputy head academic at King William’s College, said: “We are very pleased with the overall average of 31 points per student, considering our gentle entrance requirements for Sixth Form.
“The students deserve every credit for their commitment to their six chosen subjects and the three core components. They have benefited hugely not just academically, but also in terms of their character development – the Diploma really is a holistic qualification to set young people up for success in future study, work, service and general life.”
Oakham School, which like Impington and TASIS England, offers Sixth Form pupils a choice of pathways, also applauded everyone in its IB class of 2024. While several of the school’s IB DP pupils achieved 40 or more points, regarded as exceeding 4 A* grades at A level, and one pupil scored 44 points – illustrating an exceptional depth of knowledge and mastery of academic skills – there was success across the board.
Dr Leo Dudin, deputy head academic, said, “We think the IB Diploma is an excellent course for all abilities, as the results this summer indicate, and there are many individual success stories that are testament to the hard work of pupils over the last two years. The IB Diploma structure helps, ensuring pupil build momentum and develop their confidence as the course progresses. Through this, ambitions are raised and exciting opportunities realised.
“We believe the course is an excellent preparation for university studies. Pupils who have studied the IB Diploma start university studies in great shape. They quickly build firm foundations and enjoy their chosen course, both in and out of the lecture theatre. Again, the academic confidence they develop through the IB Diploma is invaluable.”
Bryanston School in Dorset announced a record set of IB results for the school. Its candidates achieved an average score of 38 points, with 64% achieving 40 points or more, and have received offers from universities including Cambridge, UCL, Durham, York, IE Madrid and UBC, Canada.
Ed Pyke, the school’s IB DP coordinator, said, “I am extremely proud of all of our pupils who have made a huge contribution to the school, as well as the local and global community. Our IB leavers of 2024 are diligent, creative, critical thinkers who are a credit to the school and will go out into the world and make a difference.”
Head Richard Jones added his praise. “Many congratulations to the Class of 2024 for these outstanding IB results which are very well-deserved and testament to the hard work and commitment of the pupils and staff.”
European IB schools results 2024
United Lisbon International School
At United Lisbon International School (ULIS), an IB World School and member of the Dukes Education group family of independent schools, colleges and nurseries, students received an outstanding set of results for its first cohort of IB students and an impressive list of international university offers.
Just four years since the school’s inauguration, ULIS’s first IB Diploma Programme candidates have achieved an impressive 100% pass rate on the Core that was also well above the global average of 30.3, with several achieving the highly coveted 40 points.
Chitra Stern, founder and board member of the international school for students aged 3-18, expressed her pride, “We are incredibly proud of our pioneering cohort! All 47 students who completed their exams in May have exemplified dedication and perseverance throughout their academic journey with us.”
Graduates of ULIS received offers from and heading to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. In the USA, these include Duke, UPenn, Georgia Tech and Brown. In the UK, King’s College London, Birkbeck, Manchester University, Cardiff University, Exeter University, Loughborough University, St Andrews, and Edinburgh University. In the rest of Europe, notable acceptances include Catolica Lisbon School of Business and Economics (Portugal), IE (Madrid), University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), and EHL Hospitality Business School (Switzerland).
“This list of university acceptances is truly remarkable for our first cohort of graduates,” commented Martin Harris, United Lisbon’s Executive Director. “It reflects the hard work and dedication of our students, parents, and staff. Congratulations to all.”
St George’s British International School
IB DP students at St George’s British International School, a day school in Rome, Italy, for students aged 3-18, secured average results almost six points above this year’s global average (36 points compared to global average of 30.32). A total of 56% candidates also scored 36 points or higher, with an impressive 36% of students gaining 38 points or above out of a maximum of 45. Here around a third of students obtained a bilingual Diploma.
It was also a year of firsts. The cohort achieved a 97% IB Diploma pass rate with all students in the class of 2024 graduating with a High School Diploma accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). They are the first class in St George’s history to achieve this additional qualification.
Mary-Clare Startin, vice principal and head of senior school, said: “We are bidding farewell to a remarkable graduating class this year. They have finished their time at St George’s with impressive examination results and will be embarking on studies at top institutions in Europe, the UK and the US, but they will also be remembered for their wide range of talents beyond the classroom.
“This year group is made up of tournament-winning football teams and national sports stars, some of the school’s most distinguished musicians, dramatists and artists, and this cohort has achieved the highest number of Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and completed the most CAS hours of any graduating class.
“However, beyond that, they are a group of students who are known for their open-minded and open-hearted approach to school life, their peers and the wider community: for all their achievements they have remained humble, grateful and hugely likeable. We shall miss them next year, but are confident that they are going to achieve great things at university and beyond.”
St George’s British International School class of 2024 also received over 250 offers of admission from institutions around the world, including Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Stanford, Caltech, Chicago and Bocconi.
IB results from schools around the world
The British International School Abu Dhabi
A total of 76 students at The British International School Abu Dhabi completed their IB course this year. The average score was 33.4. Many British International School Abu Dhabi students are now set to continue their academic studies at some the world’s leading universities, including the universities of Cambridge and Oxford in the UK, University of Toronto and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in North America, Hong Kong University in Asia, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Erasmus University Rotterdam in Europe.
Among these students are Aleena and Younes who achieved near-perfect scores of 44, putting them in the top 1% of IB students worldwide. Reflecting on the achievement, Aleena said: “I am immensely grateful to my teachers and classmates for their encouragement over the past two years, which has inspired me to pursue my passions with dedication and determination. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of my journey at St Catharine’s College at the University of Cambridge. My goal is to use my studies to build a career in the field of law.”
Younes commented: “On this challenging, but rewarding, journey, I have been greatly helped by those around me; from my family to my classmates and teachers. Now, I hope to move on to new challenges at EPFL, where I plan to study computer science and immerse myself in what is a constantly growing field.”
Overall, 20% of this year’s IB cohort received 39 or more points and four bilingual diplomas.
Aine McGlue, head of secondary, said: “I am pleased to share the sentiments of the entire school community: we are incredibly proud of our senior students’ exceptional achievements in the IBDP exams. Not only have they obtained remarkable 40+ scores, but their journey of progress and growth from their unique starting points is truly inspiring.”
This success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. We applaud each student for their incredible achievements and look forward to witnessing the bright futures that await them.”
The British International School Abu Dhabi’s principal Alan Cocker said: “After 11 years of offering the IB Diploma Programme, we continue to show our commitment to the principles of an IB education. It is a challenging course that broadens students’ understanding, curiosity, sense of worth, and wider commitment to the world they live in. I am incredibly proud of the students’ achievements this year and look forward to learning about their next steps as they enter the next phase of their chosen path. Our Class of 2024 students have succeeded.”
Malaysia
Han, a student at Nexus International School Malaysia, achieved 44 points out of a maximum 45 and successfully gained acceptance into University of Oxford.
Han moved from his home country in Korea to pursue a high-quality IB education in Malaysia, which is growing in popularity as a regional education hub. Malaysia attracts not only expatriate families, but also local students seeking an international education.
IB schools around the world – please let us know your results and share your success: education@relocatemagazine.com
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