Lucinda Willis, Upper School Principal, ACS International School Egham
For parents exploring post-16 education options, A Levels may be the default – but they’re not the only path. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is growing in popularity as a globally-recognised, academically rigorous alternative that nurtures not only subject knowledge, but also critical thinking, independence, and a global perspective.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The DP is part of the IB’s continuum, which serves students from age 4 to 19. For students aged 16 to 19, there are two pathways: the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP). While the CP focuses specifically on career-related learning, the DP is a broad and balanced academic curriculum comparable to A Levels, but with key differences that make it especially attractive to globally minded families.
Students study six subjects across distinct areas: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. Three are taken at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, ensuring both depth and breadth. But what truly sets the DP apart is its unique “Core,” which includes: Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – an interdisciplinary course that teaches students to evaluate knowledge critically; the Extended Essay (EE) – an independent 4,000-word research project; and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – a non-examined component that promotes personal development and community engagement.
Why is the DP a stronger choice than A Levels?
As someone who taught A Levels and GCSEs in UK state schools for over 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how narrowly focused those qualifications can be. Students are often asked to specialise too early, potentially limiting their university and career options. The DP, by contrast, allows students to keep more doors open for longer.
Unlike A Levels, the IB is globally adaptable. Its flexibility allows educators to select materials and case studies that are culturally relevant and up to date. As a result, students benefit from a curriculum that is both academically rigorous and personally meaningful, where learning is driven by conceptual understanding, not just content memorisation.
Preparing students for university and beyond
Research shows that 45% of IB students go on to study at a top 20 global university, compared to 27% of A Level students. Not only do DP students gain university places, they also thrive once they’re there. The skills developed through TOK and the Extended Essay, such as independent research, academic writing, and critical thinking, set them up for long-term success.
In fact, I’ve heard from top university admissions officers, including those at Brown University in the US, that while getting into students into university is obviously important, what truly matters is supporting them through to graduation, and that is something that the IB DP recognises. DP students are taught not just to answer questions, but to question answers. They learn to collaborate, communicate effectively, and think independently, key attributes that employers and higher education institutions value.
A truly global education
The DP nurtures international mindedness. It’s delivered in over 150 countries and is designed to be relevant across diverse contexts. At ACS Egham, our classrooms represent over 50 nationalities, making discussions richer and more inclusive. Students are encouraged to bring global issues into their studies and explore real-world applications of their learning, whether through environmental science, economics, or literature.
This international perspective is more critical than ever in today’s interconnected world. Whether your child’s future lies in Brazil, the UAE, Japan, or the UK, the DP prepares them to thrive as global citizens.
Real-world, interdisciplinary learning
Interdisciplinary learning is a core tenet of the IB DP. Students regularly draw connections across subjects, such as historical context in wider literature. This combination of subjects is guided by the need for real-world problem solving, where solutions rarely fall within one discipline alone. In recognition of this, the IB DP has launched new pilot courses, such as combined geography and biology or statistics-infused humanities as well as pathway courses, such as Leadership for Change, which focuses on development skills for addressing complex global challenges.
The DP is not the easy option, it is academically rigorous, but that’s precisely why it works. It challenges students in meaningful ways and builds the resilience, curiosity, and adaptability they’ll need to succeed in an uncertain future. If you’re a parent looking for an education that doesn’t just prepare your child for exams – but prepares them for life – the DP may be exactly what you’re looking for.