PROVISIONAL IB LEAGUE TABLE 2015

In this post we give you our own provisional assessment of the Top IB Schools in the UK for 2015. These positions are compiled from the average points achieved by sixth formers taking the Diploma Programme of the IB.

A candidate can receive between 1 and 7 points for each of the 6 subjects taken. He or she can also get up to 3 points for The Theory of Knowledge and The Extended Essay – thereby meaning a maximum score of 45 points.

School	Average Points
1. North London Collegiate	41.1
2. Stephen Perse Foundation	39.6
3. Cheltenham Ladies College	39.4
4. Portsmouth Grammar School	39
= Wellington College	39
= King Edward's Birmingham	39
7. Sevenoaks	38.9
8. Fettes	38.6
9. Bromsgrove	38.5
= Headington	38.5
10. Ardingly	38
= The Abbey School = Manchester High School for Girls	38 38
13. Red Maid's	37.6
14. Christ's Hospital	37
= Haileybury	37
= Sherborne Girls	37
= Royal High School	37
= Charterhouse	37
19. Oakham	36.4
20. St Clare's	36.35
21. ACS Egham	36
22. Southbank = St Dunstan's College	35.6 35.6
24. Worth = Bradfield College 26. UWC Atlantic College	35.1 35.1 35
= Brentwood 28. Felsted	35 34.6
29. ACS Hillingdon	34.5
30. King William's College 31. Plymouth College	34.3 34.1
32. Greshams	34
= Leighton Park	34
= ACS Cobham	34
= TASIS = Bryanston 37. King Edward's Witley 38. CATS Canterbury 39. Box Hill	34 34 33.4 33 32.4
40. St Leonard's Fife	32
= Warminster 42. Stonyhurst	32 30

Note 1: There are a few gaps in our data, because the information is not freely available or a school will not supply it or it has not offered the IB for long enough to have DP results. If you represent a school and wish to let us know your score, please get in touch by emailing info@educationadvisers.co.uk 

Note 2: We make a substantial investment of time and effort in preparing these tables, and all copyright and database rights in the tables belong to us. Please respect this by not reproducing the tables or the information within them, in whole or in part, without our consent. If you wish to reproduce any of our tables or the information within them then please contact us for details.

EXPLAINING THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

The International Baccalaureate is an international qualification now offered by around 3500 IB schools worldwide. It is overseen by The International Baccalaureate Organisation or IBO in Switzerland. 

There are 80 private UK schools, which offer one or more of the International Baccalaureate programmes.

There are four programmes;

1. The Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16 to 19
2. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16
3. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students from 3 to 12.
4. The IB Career Related Certificate (IBCC) for students 16 to 19

In the UK, the vast majority of schools only offer the IBDP. There are less than 10 schools offering the IBPYP or MYP. They are mostly London schools catering for international expatriate workers.

The IB is favoured by many international parents because it is transferrable from one country to another if their job changes to another part of the world. The IBDP is regarded highly by universities everywhere. However because the IBDP has 6 mandatory subject groups including maths, science and modern languages it is not always suitable for students who want to specialise or drop certain weaker subjects when the get to 16+.

In the UK, the IB Diploma Programme is still a minority curriculum. Only 70 out of 700+ independent senior schools offer it so far, but several more have announced their intention to introduce it. We would expect the number to rise to 100 or more in a couple of years. One reason stems from the changes in the admissions process by the elite UK universities.

Education Advisers Presenting a Crystal Award to North London Collegiate School - The Top IB School 2014

With so many university applicants now presenting with straight As in 3 A Levels, the elite universities feel that A Level grades are no longer a satisfactory way to differentiate between bright candidates. The IB DP offers a more stretching alternative to A Levels and the intention of many independent schools to offer the Pre U exam will open up another curriculum for university applications.

In fact the conversion chart to UCAS tariff points for IB DP exams is exceedingly generous as can be seen here:

IB Diploma Points	UCAS tariff Points	Equivalent A Level A grades
45	720	6.0
40	611	5.1
35	501	4.2
30	392	3.4

Given that the vast majority of UK independent schools with the IB DP are averaging more than 33 points, you can see that even an average IB student achieves sufficient UCAS points to be considered for a top 25 UK university with the equivalent of 4 As at A level. However, please bear in mind that some Universities do not seem to be following the UCAS conversion table, which we will discuss later.

The other interesting aspect of the IB DP is that it is an international qualification. If you need to change schools to another country, the theory is that you can transition to exactly the same curriculum elsewhere. Additionally, the Diploma is recognised by most big international universities including those in the USA.

EXPLAINING 'PREP' SCHOOLS

The word “Preparatory” relates to independent schools whose original purpose was to “prepare” pupils for entry to Public Schools on a competitive basis – by passing the Common Entrance exam at ages 11, 12 or 13. However, there has been a major expansion of UK independent education. These days the schools are more flexible in meeting the needs of parents and their children. 

The words “Public School” relate to the old traditional schools like Eton and Harrow. Nowadays there are considerably more private schools in the senior sector and the term “independent senior school” is more generic. Prep schools still prepare children for entry to these schools, but some parents want to send their children to a good private school before switching them to a state school at 11 – a perfectly reasonable strategy as long as there are good state schools in the area.

Blackheath Preparatory School, London
Accepting their Education Advisers Award

Preps typically cover ages from 7 or 8 to 11 or 13. The words “Pre-Preparatory” relate to schools in the previous age range from ages 2/3 to 7/8. Some schools call the period before age 5, Nursery or Reception. Thus Prep and Pre-Prep combined are equivalent to the term “Primary” in the State sector. Up to the age of 8, children are usually taught by their class teacher. After 8 they may be streamed into subjects according to academic ability.

There are well over 1000 Preps/Pre-Preps in the independent sector of which approximately 500 belong to the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) and/or Independent Schools Council (ISC). We do feel that it is important for a school to have the necessary accreditation. Although, if a school is not a member of IAPS or ISC does not necessarily mean it is a weak school. However, you might like to ask questions about its professional status and whether or not it belongs to another recognised schools’ association.

Most Preps/Pre Preps are day schools, but a small number also offer boarding. Often these are part of a senior boarding school.

Newton Preparatory School, London
Accepting their Education Advisers Award 

Some schools cater for children from 3 to 18. These are known as ‘all through’ schools and they can be attractive to some as they offer a complete education in a well-known and settled environment. It also means that children can maintain their friendships throughout their schooldays, which some may feel is very important.

OXBRIDGE PREPARATION SUMMER COURSE 2015

 Maximise your chances of successful entry to Oxbridge!

An intensive, fully residential 2 week Oxbridge preparation programme for 15-18 year olds

26 July – 8 Aug, 9-22 Aug 2015

“A stimulating academic experience at the top sixth form college in the UK”

·       Make your Oxbridge application stand out

·       Interview practice with in-depth feedback

·       Expert tuition to boost your confidence in key subject areas

·       Intensive tuition for Oxbridge entrance tests

·       Special Oxbridge advice and Oxford university tour

·       A full programme of visits and social activities

·       Excellent welfare and pastoral provision

·       Full-board, brand new state of the art accommodation

·       Excellent facilities

  

Oxbridge Summer Programme 2015 at Cardiff Sixth Form College – the top performing independent school in the UK for the past 5 years!

Cardiff Sixth Form College

There are numerous summer programmes in the UK but the vast majority are aimed at international students who want to improve their English, whereas the Cardiff summer programmes are specifically designed for those looking for a stimulating academic programme. They are delivered by the No. 1 school in the UK.

What makes the course unique?

Students are taught in Cardiff Sixth Form College’s modern teaching premises in the Centre of Cardiff. Each course will include a full day trip to  Oxford, where the college has a second campus. This is where students will receive advice on preparation to apply successfully to top Universities. They will also get the opportunity to tour the University and some of its world famous museums.

What does the course entail?

The course will involve intensive tuition coupled with evening activities and two full days of trips to major attractions in Bath/ Bristol + London + Theme Parks + Major Shopping Centres.

Accommodation and Welfare

Students will be accommodated close to the College in recently built university-style Halls of Residence. They are run by a house master with 24-hour on-site staff.  Each flat consists of 5 single roomed bedrooms with en suite facilities. All meals are cooked and served at the College, but the Halls also have kitchens, common rooms and laundry facilities.

Entry Requirements

Students do not have to pass an admissions test, but should be at least 15 years of age, have at least intermediate level English and a strong academic record.

Fees

The Oxbridge Summer Programme costs £2600 per person for each 2 week course. This fee includes all tuition, accommodation and a programme of trips and activities.

Group rates available on request.

Please ask us for details:

Les Webb or Mary Murayama , Education Advisers Ltd 

+44 (0) 1622 813870

info@educationadvisers.co.uk

MEDICAL & DENTAL SCHOOL PREPARATION SUMMER COURSE 2015

APPLYING FOR MEDICINE?

This is THE Summer course for you!

                                   

Maximise your chances of successful entry to Medical & Dental School !

 An intensive fully residential 2 week medical school preparation programme for 15-18 year olds considering a career in Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.

26 July – 8 Aug, 9 –22 Aug 2015

·       Choosing and applying to Medical/Dental School

·       Make your UCAS application stand out

·       Interview practice with in-depth feedback

·       Expert tuition to boost your confidence in key subject areas

·       Intensive UKCAT and BMAT classes

·       Special Oxbridge advice and Oxford University Tour

·       Intensive tuition plus a full programme of visits and social activities

·       Practical sessions in medical procedures

·       Visit to Cardiff University Medical School

·       Full-board, brand new state of the art accommodation

Run by Cardiff Sixth Form College – the UK’s top performing independent school for the last 5 years* - * By A Level results 96% A*/A in 2014

Brilliant track record of successful medical school entry – 21 students gained places in 2014

Course Director:

Yasmin Sarwar, Executive Director and Founder

UK Science Teacher of the Year

Science tutors from Cardiff Sixth Form College

Senior University Consultants in Oxford

A joint programme with Education Advisers Ltd

Oxford Centre – University Preparation

Cardiff College's Teaching Facilities 

There are numerous summer programmes in the UK but the vast majority are aimed at international students who want to improve their English, whereas the Cardiff summer programmes are specifically designed for those looking for a stimulating academic programme. They are delivered by the most successful school in the UK.

What makes the course unique?

Students are taught in Cardiff Sixth Form College’s modern teaching premises in the Centre of Cardiff. Each course includes a day trip to Oxford, where the college has a second campus. This is where students will receive advice on preparation to apply successfully to top Universities. They will also get the opportunity to tour the University and some of its world famous museums.

What does the course entail?

The course will involve intensive tuition coupled with evening activities and two full days of trips to major attractions in Bath/ Bristol + London + Theme Parks + Major Shopping Centres.

Accommodation and Welfare

Students will be accommodated close to the College in recently built university-style Halls of Residence. They are run by a house master with 24 hour on site staff. Each flat consists of 5 single roomed bedrooms with en suite facilities. All meals are cooked and served at the College, but the Halls also have kitchens, common rooms and laundry facilities.

Entry Requirements

Students do not have to pass an admissions test, but should be at least 15 years of age, have at least an intermediate level of English and have a strong academic record.

Fees

The Medical School Summer Programme costs £2600 per person for each 2 week course. This fee includes all tuition, accommodation and a programme of trips and activities. For groups of 20 or more it is possible to have a completely customised course, which might for example cover other aspects of medicine such as nursing.

Please ask us for details:

Les Webb or Mary Murayama, Education Advisers Ltd 

+44 (0) 1622 813870

info@educationadvisers.co.uk

UK BOARDING SCHOOL ACADEMIC PREPARATION SUMMER COURSE 2015

UK BOARDING SCHOOL ACADEMIC PREPARATION SUMMER COURSE 2015

“A stimulating academic experience at the top sixth form college in the UK”

An intensive fully residential 2, 3 or 4 week Boarding School preparation programme for 15-18 year olds.

26 July - 8 Aug, 2 Aug -15 Aug, 9 - 22 Aug 2015

• How to enter a top boarding school
• Succeeding in the entry process
• Expert tuition to boost your confidence in key subject areas – Maths, Sciences, Economics
• Improving English Language skills
• Special Oxbridge advice and Oxford University tour
• A full programme of visits and social activities
• Full-board, brand new, state of the art accommodation 
• Outstanding welfare and pastoral provision
• Excellent facilities

Run by Cardiff Sixth Form College – the UK’s top performing independent school for the last 5 years*

* By A Level results 95% A*/A in 2014

Brilliant track record of successful  Oxbridge entry – 16 students gained places in 2014

 Course Director:

Yasmin Sarwar, Executive Director & Founder

UK Science Teacher of the Year

Tutors from Cardiff Sixth Form College & Senior University Consultants in Oxford

A joint programme with Education Advisers Ltd

There are numerous summer programmes in the UK but the vast majority are aimed at international students who want to improve their English, whereas the Cardiff summer programmes are specifically designed for those looking for a stimulating academic programme. They are delivered by the No. 1 school in the UK.

What makes the course unique?

Students are taught in Cardiff Sixth Form College’s modern teaching premises in the Centre of Cardiff. Each course includes a one day trip to Oxford, where the college has a second campus. This is where students will receive advice on preparation to apply successfully to top Universities. They will also get the opportunity to tour the University and some of its world famous museums.

What does the course entail?

The course will intensive tuition coupled with evening activities and two full days of trips to major attractions in Bath/ Bristol + London + Theme Parks + Major Shopping Centres.

Accommodation and Welfare

Students will be accommodated close to the College in recently built Halls of Residence. They are run by a Housemaster and all have 24-hour on site staff. The flats consist  of 5 single rooms with en suite facilities. All meals are cooked and served at the College, but the Halls also have kitchens, common rooms and laundry facilities.

Entry Requirements

Students do not have to pass an admissions test, but should be at least 15 years of age, and have a strong academic record. An intermediate level of English is needed to benefit fully from the programme.

Fees

The Boarding School Summer Programme costs £2200 per person for each 2 week course. This fee includes all tuition, accommodation and a programme of trips and activities. Group rates available on request.

Applicants need to have intermediate level English with a strong academic record.

Please ask for details:

Les Webb or Mary Murayama , Education Advisers Ltd 

+44 (0) 1622 813870

info@educationadvisers.co.uk

MARCH SCHOOL VISITS

Boarding schools each have their own unique character, and as education consultants part of our job is to look beyond the grand buildings and state of the art facilities to get a feel for what really makes a school tick. That’s why we spend a lot of time travelling around the country, meeting students, registrars and headteachers, inspecting boarding houses, peering into classrooms and admiring the often outstanding work on display.  As we always tell parents, there is no substitute for a school visit to know if somewhere is going to be right for your child.

Here are some highlights of a recent trip by Les Webb and Mary Murayama to visit some of the UK’s top schools. 

Our first stop was Oundle, to deliver a Top 20 Co-ed Boarding School Crystal Award to the Headmaster, Charlie Bush. What a fabulous school! Entering Oundle itself is like going back in time to a smaller and quieter version of the university city of Oxford. We were especially impressed by the fantastic sculpture work in the art rooms and by the beautiful science department full of interesting displays and creatures.

We were also delighted to have the opportunity to visit Lincoln Minster School, perched up on the hill in an imposing position by the famous cathedral. Head of Marketing Helen Brown gave us a very interesting tour of the campus and we were impressed by the school’s strong musical tradition. This is a good school to consider if you want good value for money, particularly if your child is a chorister.

The following day Les received a warm welcome at St Peter’s, a superb academic day and boarding coed school in central York.  He very much enjoyed catching up with headmaster Leo Winkley and discussing admissions arrangements with the Admissions Officer Gillian Daniells.

Next stop for Les was Bootham, an all-through Quaker school in an enviable position near the centre of York. Bootham prides itself on offering a broad education “founded on moral principles” and this is evident in the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the school. He was struck by the fabulous new facilities for the music and the visual arts, areas in which the school excels.

Meanwhile I spent a very pleasant couple of hours at Queen Margaret’s, where I was honoured to present a Top Girls Boarding School award to the school for their 2014 A Level results. This lovely school was buzzing with the sound of cheerful activity, from ballet and gymnastic practice to girls chatting to their housemistress over home-made cookies before the Easter break. It was good to meet Director of Marketing, Katherine Walker and I really enjoyed seeing all the school has to offer.

Our last visit in Yorkshire was to the hugely impressive campus at QE (Queen Ethelburga’s). The school has risen impressively in the A Level league tables and we were pleased to be able to present the principal, Steven Jandrell,  with a Crystal Award in recognition of the school’s position as a Top 5 Co-Ed Boarding School. 


This really is a school like no other for the sheer extravagance of its facilities, which include plasma satellite TVs in the study bedrooms, professional standard sports facilities for a vast range of sports, and a state of the art social centre  - “The Muggles” – where students can relax in their spare time with X-Boxes, roller blades, go-karts and a 3D cinema….. Combine this with the impressive academic results and you have a school that is bound to appeal to both students and their parents. It comes at a price though, with annual fees exceeding £40,000 for international students.

On the way back to Kent we were thrilled to be able to spend a morning at Loughborough Grammar School where we were treated to a tour of the facilities by two 6^th formers who were excellent ambassadors for the school and who had nothing but praise for the education they had received.  We welcomed the opportunity to meet the Headmaster, Paul Fisher, and his Deputy, John Weitzel, and had an interesting discussion on the merits of single sex education for boys (see next issue). This is an outstanding school and, although the vast majority of boys are day pupils there are facilities for a small number of boarders making it a very attractive option for international students looking for a quality British education at a reasonable price.

The last big boarding school on our tour was Rugby, which is actually where the game started, when in 1823, a boy called William Webb Ellis, picked up the ball during a game of football, and ran with it (and there’s a plaque on the wall to prove it!).  It was particularly nice to be able to visit a boarding house for lunch and mingle with the students – a very friendly and down to earth group of girls who had joined in the 6^th form – and then to have a tour of the many buildings and playing fields that make up this famous school.  Despite its fame and the large numbers of students that progress to top universities, Rugby is not an academic hothouse, as Registrar Guy Steele-Bodger was keen to point out. The school looks for good all-round students who will contribute to extra-curricular activities. 

Our last stop was for a chat with our old friend, the recently appointed Principal at Bosworth Independent College, Fiona Pocock. We hear nothing but positive comments from families who visit the college and are impressed by the strong focus on academic success combined with an approach with genuinely cares for each individual student.  It was also good to catch up too with Sue Griffin, Director of Admissions and Marketing.  It is still exceptional value for money, particularly for day students.

Other visits in March included the presentation of Top 20 Girls Boarding School awards to two excellent schools – the Royal High School in Bath and Badminton School in Bristol (Right). At Royal High I was warmly welcomed by the registrar, Lynda Bevan, and enjoyed an excellent lunch and a very informative tour of the school. I was struck by the very positive atmosphere everywhere – this really is a school that believes in the potential of young women and encourages them to achieve in every area, all within a very friendly and supportive environment.  At Badminton I had the pleasure of meeting the headmistress, Mrs Tear, and also the Head of Boarding who received the Crystal Award with a senior prefect on behalf of the school.   The subsequent tour of the school revealed a busy and vibrant community of intelligent girls enjoying wonderful facilities end inspiring teaching. The colourful displays in the Art rooms where students had been working on a Mexican theme were particularly memorable.

Seeing schools and making and renewing contacts is a vital and most enjoyable aspect of our work. We are always grateful to schools for their hospitality and time and are already looking forward to the next round of visits.