What even is the IB? Asks Marymount London

SATS, GCSEs, A Levels, MYP, IB… it sometimes feels like education is just one long string of acronyms. And with every new option comes a fresh wave of questions.

What’s the difference? Which one is right for me? Do I need to take the same route as my friends? And how will any of this actually help me in the future?

It can feel overwhelming. Apprenticeships, university, college, there are so many doors to choose from. And of course, behind every door is a different pathway, a different workload, and a different outcome. The big question that lingers for students (and often for parents, too) is: What’s the best choice?

If you want the shortest answer: there isn’t a one-size-fits-all path. But if you want an answer that is recognised globally, admired by universities, and respected for both its academic depth and its ability to form well-rounded young adults… then you’re probably looking at the IB Diploma Programme.

So, what even is the IB?

The International Baccalaureate, often called the IB, is more than just a qualification. It’s a philosophy of education that values breadth as much as depth. While A Levels, for example, ask students to specialise and narrow down, the IB keeps the doors wide open. Students study six subjects, ranging from languages and sciences to mathematics and the arts, alongside three core elements: Theory of Knowledge (a course in critical thinking), the Extended Essay (a piece of independent research), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service, which ensures students develop beyond the classroom).

This mix is what makes the IB so special. It’s rigorous, yes, but it’s also holistic. It doesn’t just prepare students to pass exams; it prepares them to think, to question, to collaborate, and to understand the bigger picture of the world around them. That’s why it’s often referred to as the gold standard of education.

And universities know it. From Oxbridge to the Ivy League, admissions officers respect the IB because it signals that a student hasn’t just memorised facts but has developed resilience, independence, and a genuine love of learning.

At Marymount, we’re proud to be the only all-girls, IB-only school in the UK. For us, the IB isn’t just an option, it’s our entire focus. And that focus delivers results. In 2025, our students achieved a 100% pass rate with an average score of 37 points, well above the global average of 31. These aren’t just numbers; they represent real young women achieving their potential, ready to step into the next stage of life with confidence.

But beyond the grades, what sets Marymount’s IB journey apart is the experience. Our students aren’t simply preparing for exams they are learning how to think critically, act compassionately, and engage with the world around them. They leave not only with a diploma, but with the mindset and skills to thrive in any university, career, or community they choose to join.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what the IB is and why it matters here’s the short version: it’s an education that challenges you, supports you, and transforms you. And at Marymount, it’s what we do best.