If you would like more information on this topic or to speak with us directly, please contact us on +44 7878 985564. We are available on the phone, via WhatsApp, or register on our homepage for a free consultation call.
UK Boarding schools have historically been focused on delivering the A Level curriculum for those aged between 16-18 and you will find this pathway is on offer at the majority of independent schools in Britain. That being said, there is a very credible alternative in the form of the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme, which is often popular with international students. When looking for private schools in the UK, you may notice that some schools are exclusively A Level and some are exclusively IB. Both offer fantastic routes to University after completing GCSEs in England. Schools that offer education for ages 16-18 are typically called Sixth Form Colleges. Some top schools in the UK even offer a choice of either A Levels or IB, offering students maximum flexibility after finishing their GCSEs.
British boarding schools typically have Sixth Form Colleges as an integrated, but unique part of the school. This helps students feel attachment to their own immediate cohorts and as Year 12 is a major entry point to the UK education system, it allows schools to tailor the curriculum and experience accordingly.
There are several main differences between the A Level and IB programmes. The A Level is the traditional British qualification, and will be the typical qualification taken by state school students who can then apply to different Universities based on their grades. These days, students will generally choose between 3 or 4 subjects for A Level (with 3 being the most common). Students will often choose the 3 subjects they enjoy the most or have the most aptitude for and in some cases, the subjects may be needed for entry to their chosen University. You may need to achieve a minimum grade at GCSE to study certain subjects. The A Level programme is well suited for students that have a relatively narrow field of interest and want to become expert specialists in a particular area (such as medicine or engineering). With A Levels, you are graded in your end of year assessments and most students will receive a ‘letter grade’ (such as A*, A, B, C, etc.)
Believe it or not, the IB Diploma is over forty years old. It has stood the test of time as a credible and valuable option for post-16 students. On this pathway, students will study six subjects in total and these subjects are chosen from compulsory categories of; Maths, Science, The Arts, Individuals and Societies, Languages and Literature. You will find that the IB programme is often assessed through extended essays as opposed to A Levels, which is heavily exams focused. IB graduates tend to make very well rounded individuals and benefit from additional opportunities for soft skill development because of the teaching delivery, this makes it ideal for those looking to pursue careers in law, diplomacy or politics. At the end of the IB programme, students will receive a points score, with the maximum being 45/45 (this is very difficult to achieve!).
It is a commonly held misconception that the IB programme is more academically challenging than A Levels, but this is not the case. It is true that it is very different and is well suited to good ‘all-rounders’ but both courses should be considered of equal merit. Taking the IB programme should not disadvantage an application to a UK University, as it is a common qualification amongst the thousands of international students that apply to British Universities every year. Conversely, given it’s international background, there can be occasions where it is advantageous to pursue the IB programme, particularly if considering a University outside of the UK.
If you are unsure as to whether the A Level or the IB programme might be the best fit for you, we recommend enlisting the guidance of a UK education expert who can talk through the range of boarding schools in the UK and which of these curriculums might offer the best fit for your child.
We will then talk you through a suggested list of independent schools in the UK that match your requirements and we are confident you will be pleased with the results.
Finding the right private schools in the UK is a very important task and one that will shape your child’s future. We do not underestimate the importance of this decision and are confident that we can find the perfect UK boarding school for you and your child, based on your exact needs.
If you would like more information on this topic or to speak with us directly, please contact us on +44 7878 985564. We are available on the phone, via WhatsApp, or register on our homepage for a free consultation call.
This will enable us to schedule an appointment, where we look forward to speaking in more depth about your specific situation, and helping in any way we can. We look forward to helping you on this journey.
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