Bitesize Research: Impact Of The IB On Students Going To University

By Jaya Carrier

I hope you’re all having a good week so far - and have a restful and joyful break when it comes around. This term, with Sixth Form Open Evening, and with lots of YR11 Post-16 progression work taking place, we’ve been thinking lots about how to continually highlight the amazing benefits of an IB Post-16 education. As such, in this final bitesize of T2 and of 2022, I wanted to share some recent research published by the IB about students who have taken both the DP and CP programmes and their successes at university.

Objectives: To understand the impact of the IB programmes on students going to university 

Summary: 

• In the UK, students taking the IB were three times more likely to enrol in a top 20 university than their A level counterparts

• Students who have taken IB programmes were also more likely to obtain a 1st or 2:1 degree, as well as study at postgraduate level

• UK IB students were also more likely to have greater levels of critical thinking than their counterparts doing other programmes

• There is also compelling evidence about the impact of the CP programme on UK students going to university. For example, the research suggests that 70% of CP alumni obtain a 1st or 2:1 degree. 

• CP students also self-reported as having strong academic, work-related and personal skills.

  
  

How does this impact me and my practice?: 

Some reflections arising from this that might be helpful to consider are: 

• How confident do I feel in explaining the benefits of an IB education to our students?

• What information or support do I need to help me with this?

 

Please do get in touch if you would like to talk further about this - I’d love to hear from you! Have a lovely break, and wishing you all a Happy New Year!