Equivalence of IB points and A Level grades

The International Baccalaureate Organisation has announced that the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has confirmed that the IB diploma is now included in the UCAS Tariff.

The UCAS Tariff, a points system used to report achievement for entry into higher education in a numerical format, allows higher education institutions to compare the different types of accredited qualifications available in the UK.

UCAS is the first independent body to measure the educational achievement of students completing the IB Diploma Programme, in comparison to A levels. The UCAS Tariff awards 768 points to the top IB score of 45. This recognises the breadth and depth of the IB diploma. The most common score of 30 attracts 419 UCAS Tariff points. This is inclusive of the extended essay, theory of knowledge and CAS (community, action, service), all core requirements of the Diploma Programme. It was also concluded that the diploma higher level courses were found to be equivalent in scale and demand to a single A level.

Assessment Director, George Pook, stated: "The IBO is delighted with the results of the tariff as it confirms that the IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous and challenging academic programme. I am particularly pleased that the tariff recognises the holistic nature of the Diploma Programme, rather than individual subject results."

Director General, Jeffrey Beard, highlighted that the results of such an exercise reach far beyond the borders of the UK. "As well as having a positive impact on higher education admissions for IB Diploma students in British schools, the tariff will also benefit many more students who wish to continue their education in the UK after studying for the Diploma overseas."

For further information about the tariff model and the supporting study, please refer to www.ucas.com/candq/tariff/

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) is a recognised leader in the field of international education, encouraging students to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens. Founded in 1968, it currently works with 1,844 schools in 124 countries to develop and offer three challenging programmes to more than 200,000 students aged 3 to 19 years. For further information about the IBO and its programmes, please visit: www.ibo.org/media/