Guide for families
IB Diploma or A Level?
Both are respected pre-university qualifications. They suit different students, so here is how they compare.
| IB Diploma Programme | A Level | |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | Six subjects from different groups (a language, sciences, maths, humanities and more): usually three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level | Usually three or four subjects of the student’s choice, with no required mix |
| Core | Theory of Knowledge, a 4,000-word Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) | No compulsory core |
| Assessment | Final exams plus Internal Assessments in each subject | Mostly final exams, with coursework in some subjects |
| Grading | Points out of 45 (up to 7 per subject, plus up to 3 from the core) | A* to E for each subject |
| Strength | Breadth, independent inquiry and a global outlook | Depth in a few chosen subjects |
The IB Diploma may suit students who…
- enjoy many subjects and don’t want to drop languages, sciences or humanities yet
- are still deciding what to study at university
- are organised and can manage long-term work such as the Extended Essay and IAs
A Levels may suit students who…
- already know which subjects they want to study at university
- want to go deep in a few subjects, such as maths and the sciences
- do their best work in final exams
Neither route is “better”. Universities around the world accept both. What matters most is a good school, a good fit for the student, and steady support along the way. Our tutors teach both IB and Cambridge A Level students, and we are happy to talk it through with you.
Further reading
- The International Baccalaureate versus A levels (Times Higher Education)
- IB vs A-levels: how my family put both to the test (The Telegraph)
- IB Diploma Programme (International Baccalaureate)
- Cambridge International AS & A Levels (Cambridge International)
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