Industry News
IB pupils receive 'favourable university offers'
Posted on 31st January 2008
Pupils who study for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma are likely to find they receive good offers from universities, according to an independent school headteacher.
The IB Diploma course is an alternative to A-levels which many private schools now offer because they believe it is more academically rigorous and encourages pupils to develop a broader skill set.
Pupils study three subjects at higher level and three more at standard level, as well as completing an extended essay, undertaking a theory of knowledge course and participating in artistic, sporting or community service activities.
Tim Kirkup, the headteacher of Scarborough College in North Yorkshire, described IB as a "gold standard qualification" and said that many people are attracted by the prospect of an "exciting sixth-form programme".
"The universities most definitely are which is why IB students tend to receive more favourable offers than their A-level counterparts," he told the Scarborough Evening News.
A number of independent schools are also reported to be preparing to offer the new Pre-U post-16 qualification which has already won the backing of the Russell Group of research-led universities.