Our best ever IB Diploma results!

We are thrilled to celebrate our best ever IB Diploma results. This achievement highlights the hard work and versatility of our students, despite the unpredictable changes to the assessment process brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The word “unprecedented” has been used a lot over the past 18 months. However, it is hard to think of a better word to describe the impact the pandemic has had on school education. The cohort of students who have received their IB Diploma results this week started their course in September 2019. Since March 2020 they have experienced an unending sequence of lockdowns, quarantines and phases where “normal” lessons were conducted wearing masks in socially-distanced classrooms. In total they spent more time learning remotely than in College.

Our highest average points score

Against the backdrop of the pandemic, we are incredibly proud of our students near miraculous results. Scoring an average of 39 points out of a possible 45, a score which is at least the equivalent of A*, A, A in A-levels supplemented by an A or A* grade in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

Assessment process

Although the final exams could not take place this year, the IB results were based on a combination of teacher predictions and externally marked coursework. All IB students submitted a significant piece of work in every one of their six subjects, as well as an Extended Essay and an essay and presentation for their Theory of Knowledge course. These pieces of work were marked by external examiners at the IBO, giving greater confidence that the grades awarded were justified.

Academic result highlights

There are so many highlights to celebrate in the results. We can’t hope to do them all justice in a short piece such as this. Six of our students attained a perfect score of 45 points, placing them inside the top 1% of students globally. Nearly half the cohort scored 40 points or more; scores which give our students access to the top universities worldwide including Oxford and Cambridge. 

Reflecting on the results Alastair Summers, Vice Principal Academic comments. “In many ways we learn more about people from how they behave in adversity than when things are easy. I feel a huge sense of pride when I think about what they have achieved under the challenging circumstances. These are our best ever IB Diploma results. Not only are the results simply outstanding, but their resilience, determination and collective spirit has been humbling.”

University destinations

The following students illustrate both the nationalities of our student body and the diversity of their university pathways:

• Denis Pisarskiy’s (Switzerland/Russia) score of 45 points enables him to read Land Economy at Cambridge.

• Kiara Kapllani’s (Albania) score of 43 points wins her a place at Imperial College to study Design Engineering.

• Oluwadamilola Salami (Nigeria) heads to the US. After after achieving a score of 42 points she plans to study Sociology at UCLA.

• Sachi Maskara (India) also plans to study in the United States. Her score of 42 points wins her a place at Tufts University, Massachusetts.

• Romane Beustes (France) reads International Economics & Management at Bocconi University in Milan with a score of 43 points.

• Adrian Koetsenruijter’s (Netherlands) score of 44 points takes his place at LSE to study Politics & Economics.

• Nicole Lubaczewska’s (Poland/United Kingdom) score of 44 points enables her to study at Boston University. After achieving a prestigious Trustee Scholarship she studies their ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ major. 

• Anna Horton (Canada/Italy) is one of our local day students. With a score of 44 points reads Geography at Durham University.

There are many more interesting and varied success stories on the achievements of this year group. 

University offers

Alastair, Vice Principal Academic comments. “We enjoyed many precious moments when our students returned for the final weeks of their course. Seeing their efforts rewarded in this way seems very fitting. I am confident that our graduates will take these experiences with them. They leave ready to excel in the next stage of their educational journeys. I hope they look back with fondness when they think about the amazing team who supported them during their time here.”

Please note that the above information is correct at the time of writing. Results may change as a result of re-marking and university choices are subject to change.