Once again, students studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) achieved outstanding results, collectively improving on last year’s results by three points. BTC is the only college in Somerset offering this internationally recognised alternative to A Levels, designed for highly academic and motivated learners. Students are required to study six subjects along with core elements, with a maximum score of 45.

Collectively, this year’s students achieved an average score of 32 points, placing them above the global average of 29 points. Furthermore, several students gained very high scores between 35 and 41 points, with a 41 point score placing two students in the top 10% of IB students globally.

Amongst the top scorers was Elliot Ridsdale, a former Priory Community School pupil from Weston-super-Mare. Elliot achieved 41 points and has accepted an offer to study Modern Languages and Culture at the University of Sheffield. Elliot chose to study the IB because it allows the opportunity to study more languages than he could have had he opted for A Levels. He said:

I’ve enjoyed my time at BTC and choosing to study the IB here was the best decision I’ve ever made.

IB students receive their results in July, meaning they are in a position to accept university places a month before their A Level counterparts. Universities from which these students have offers include Oxford University and Amherst College in Massachusetts.

Amongst the top scorers was Olivia Manning, a former Crispin Academy pupil. Olivia achieved a fantastic 41 points and has accepted an offer to study Chemistry at Oxford University. Olivia’s score places her in the top 10% of IB students globally.

Andy Berry, Principal & Chief Executive of the College, said:

I’m really proud to offer this world-class programme to our community. It is great to see our students achieve fantastic results again this year, and I am delighted to see them progressing to illustrious universities. I wish them all the best in all their future endeavours.

The IBDP programme is engaging, challenging and highly regarded, and we firmly believe that students who study this are truly challenged. It enables them to become independent and individual thinkers, becoming the best they can be.

Click here to find out more about the IB.