IB students around the world celebrate their results during the IB’s 50th anniversary

In the year that the International Baccalaureate (IB) celebrates 50 years of delivering education for a better world, 4,923 UK students receive their Diploma (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) results today, joining a community of more than 1.7 million lifelong learners. This year’s students achieved an average diploma score of 34.49 points.

In this first session of 2018, more than 607,000 examination papers—the largest number since the introduction of the Diploma Programme in 1968—were processed in 75 languages. Over 13,000 examiners across the world worked together to establish accurate, internationally-benchmarked grading criteria across subjects, and ensure consistency throughout the evaluation process.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate the May 2018 graduates. They are to be highly commended for their hard work, their drive and commitment”, said Dr Siva Kumari, IB Director General. “Research suggests that an IB diploma is the best preparation for further education and for future careers. IB graduates show continued curiosity and critical thinking throughout their lives. These are the skills of the future, as both universities and employers attest. IB graduates are highly prepared to contribute to their own communities and, increasingly, to help find solutions to the broader challenges facing the world. I wish this year’s graduates all the best for the future and for making a better world through education”.

IB Chief Assessment Officer, Paula Wilcock, says: “I offer many congratulations to all students receiving their DP and CP results today. Today not only will students celebrate their academic success, but also their personal learning journey that has helped them to develop the critical skills needed for 21st century living. I would like to thank our global community of teachers, invigilators and examiners who ensure that every student receives a fair and, meaningful result. As we celebrate our 50th year I look forward to continuing to ensure that our assessments measure what is important, and continue to evolve with our rapidly changing world”.

Following its founding in 1968, the first IB exams took place in 1971 with a total of 29 students taking part. Since then, the IB has gone on to continually develop innovative assessment that is recognized globally. To learn more about the history of the IB and the achievements of our alumni, visit our 50^th anniversary timeline.