Top IB Results 2025: UK Boarding Schools Outperform Globally

IB Boarding Schools in the UK – Average IB-Points Achieved in Years 2024 and 2025

**Stanford & Ackel partner schools
**Not all UK IB boarding school/partner schools are listed on the ranking and not all 2025 IB results have yet been published by the schools.

In 2025, the average IB score worldwide was 30.58 points, while students in the UK achieved a higher average of 35.0 points. This marks a slight increase compared to 2024, when the global average stood at 30.32 and the UK average at 34.67 points.

In our article "The International Baccalaureate and the UK IB Boarding Schools" you can compare the results with those from 2023 and find further information about the IB.

Studying the IB in the UK: Benefits for International Students

A future-focused qualification with global recognition

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) was founded in Geneva in 1968 with the aim of providing a learning framework suitable for a changing world. The Pre-University IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is by far its most successful curriculum now being taught in nearly 4000 schools and colleges throughout 150 countries. The qualification is fully recognised and accepted by Universities across the world.

It is a challenging and exciting curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking and inter-subject connectivity as opposed to seeing individual subject matter in isolation. It also promotes research skills and intellectual flexibility. Implicit within the programme is enhanced cultural awareness, the IB’s educational mission aligns with the goals of the United Nations in promoting international understanding and intercultural respect. It can be argued that in the present uncertain world this is required more than ever before. The learning skills and personal growth of an IB Learner makes those who have studied the IB a valuable asset and there is plenty of evidence that leading European and North American Universities favour students who have studied the Diploma.

UK boarding schools: Ideal settings for the IB

There are 89 schools/colleges in the UK who have been successful is seeking authorisation by the IBO to deliver the Diploma, not all are however suitable for International students. There are however many institutions who provide an excellent environment for German and other International students to study the IB in addition to participating in extensive extra curricular activities.

The good news is that IB students in the UK regularly outperform their global counterparts achieving far higher average point scores and pass rates. In 2024 the UK’s average out of a maximum of 45 points was 34.7 easily exceeding the global average of 30.3 points. Thankfully we at Stanford&Ackel have had a long association of regularly introducing and placing students to many of the UK IB leading schools, they trust our introductions and we trust all our applicants will be treated fairly.

Why the IB is such a good fit for UK boarding schools

The educational aims of the IB fit superbly with the long-held objectives of UK boarding schools. Firstly, these schools have had a sense of Internationalism for decades having promoted themselves in International markets in addition to having an International outlook. Secondly, compared to some other educational systems, the notion of learning through critical analysis and discussion is embedded in their Sixth Form teaching, it is an expectation on the students. Thirdly, these schools prioritise learning both in and out of the classroom firmly believing in providing an all-round education. The opportunities for personal growth and experiencing teamworking and leadership skills are endless through the widespread opportunities in activities, sport, music, drama, debating etc.

The aforementioned educational ethos, when combined with smaller set sizes and teachers who are willing to offer extra weekly subject help classes makes it easy to appreciate why those who study the IB in the UK not only enjoy their time but also leave with high educational achievements.

The structure of the IB Diploma Programme

All students who study the Diploma study 6 subjects, 3 at Higher Level (HL) and 3 at Standard Level (SL). HL subjects have an enhanced subject curriculum requiring a greater amount of teaching/study time. At the end of the course all subjects can be rewarded with a maximum of 7 points and a further 3 are available through participation in Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). The maximum of 45 points is rarely achieved and any individual score of 40+ points is very impressive. Due to the wide range of subjects that can be studied within the Diploma schools rarely make every course available, consequently it is important to be up to date on their academic subject provision. Subjects offered within the Diploma can vary between schools but naturally all the main subjects will be covered. Schools will list their subject provision under the six IB groupings:

• Studies in language/literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and Societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Arts*

*(Pupils may choose not to study an Arts based subject to allow a second science or language or Individuals and Societies subject to be taken.)

We are happy to advise you on subject combinations and help you find the right school to match your child’s individual interests and strengths.

Inspiring stories and long-term outcomes

We are grateful that we are still in contact with many of families who we initially worked with who then ultimately studied IB in the UK before moving on to leading Universities and the International workplace. Their experiences and career successes continue to motivate us as we know certain families/ students should seriously consider the benefits of studying the IB in the UK.

Would you like to learn more about studying the IB in the UK?

If you would like further information on the benefits of studying the IB in the UK please do make contact.

We would also be delighted to welcome you to our School Fair on Thursday the 25th of September 2025 in München. This year, the following IB boarding schools will be attending: