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If you’re looking for a globally transferable qualification for your child, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme remains one of the strongest pathways available. A quick look at its origins and mission shows exactly why it’s such a good fit for internationally mobile families like yours.
Established in 1968, the IB Diploma Programme was designed to provide an internationally recognised, standardised university admissions qualification for children of diplomats and other mobile professionals. Its mission is to support geographic and cultural mobility by offering a balanced, academically rigorous curriculum that fosters global awareness, critical thinking and well-rounded development.
The best IB schools in London in 2025
Each year, IB schools across London publish their results, allowing families to compare performance as part of the school selection process. The 2025 rankings highlight another exceptional year of achievement.
If your family is relocating to the UK from overseas, you might also want to explore this guide to family immigration on our sister site. It covers the essentials of bringing your family to the UK.
What you’ll learn in this quick guide
- How the IB Diploma Programme works
- Top 10 IB Diploma schools based on 2025 results
- FAQs
- How Simply London can help
How does the IB Diploma Programme work?
The IB Diploma is a two-year educational programme for students aged 16–19 that’s recognised worldwide. It requires students to study six subjects, three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), and complete three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a creativity, activity, service (CAS) project, and a 4,000-word extended essay. The IB is recognised by universities globally and is taught in over 150 countries.
Before researching the best IB schools in London, it’s important to note that the top three places are consistently held by the same highly selective schools. Their rigorous entrance processes lay the foundations for their outstanding results. Additionally, some schools offer both IB Diploma and A-Levels, which can mean smaller IB intakes and year-to-year variations in average scores.
The best IB Diploma schools in London based on 2025 results
1. North London Collegiate School (Edgware)
Topping the table once again, North London Collegiate School achieved an impressive average of 42.7 points. This highly selective independent girls’ school in north London has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence. Its consistent top performance in the IB rankings reflects its rigorous curriculum and exceptional teaching standards.
2. King’s College School (Wimbledon)
This prestigious independent boys’ school in southwest London secured second place with an average of 41.6 points. Co-educational in the sixth form, it offers both A-Levels and the IB, creating a competitive academic environment. Strong pastoral care, excellent extracurricular options, and a beautiful Wimbledon campus also make it a popular choice for relocators.
3. Godolphin & Latymer School (Hammersmith)
Godolphin & Latymer is a leading west London girls’ school, offering a choice of A-Levels or the IB Diploma in its sixth form – achieving an average of 41.5 points for the latter in 2025. It consistently ranks among the UK’s top schools across the exam landscape by combining academic rigour with a supportive environment.
4. Whitgift School (Croydon)
Located in south London, Whitgift is a prestigious boys’ school known for its elite sports programmes, modern facilities and broad curriculum – offering both IB and A-Levels in the sixth form. In 2025, its IB students achieved an impressive average of 38.3 points. The school is also renowned for its extensive co-curricular opportunities, making it a well-rounded choice for families seeking both academic and personal development.
5. École Jeannine Manuel London (Bloomsbury)
This bilingual French-international school offers a globally minded education with a strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) focus. Its unique blend of French and British educational traditions produced an IB average of 38.0 points in 2025, making it an excellent choice for international families seeking a multilingual education.
6. Ashcroft Technology Academy (Putney)
Ashcroft Technology Academy is London’s highest-performing state school for IB Diploma results – a distinction it has held for many years running. With an average of 37.2 points in 2025, this comprehensive school proves that exceptional IB results aren’t exclusive to the independent sector. For families seeking an outstanding education without private school fees, Ashcroft is an exceptional option.
7. Marymount International School (Kingston upon Thames)
This independent Catholic girls’ school in southwest London achieved an average of 36.7 points, placing it seventh in the IB rankings. It offers an American-style education combined with the IB Diploma and boasts an excellent record for US and European university admissions – making it particularly suitable for international families from the US.
8. Southbank International School (Multi-campus)
One of the few schools in London offering the full IB continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), Southbank International School provides a truly global curriculum. With campuses in Westminster, Hampstead, and Kensington, its cosmopolitan student body and progressive approach to education are accessible wherever you choose to live in London.
9. Halcyon London International School (Marylebone)
Located near Marble Arch, this small, modern, and innovative IB-only school achieved a 35.0 points average in 2025. It’s tech-forward, sustainability-focused, and highly inclusive. Halcyon attracts international families who value creativity, a personalised learning model and a close-knit community in the heart of London.
10. ACS Cobham International School (Cobham)
Situated just outside London in leafy Surrey, this American international school shares tenth place with a 35.0 points average. Popular with expatriates working for global companies, ACS offers boarding as well as day places and a comprehensive American-style education, culminating in the IB Diploma. Students benefit from a spacious campus, outstanding facilities, and a strong international community.
FAQs
> Are there any caveats with the IB results ranking?
Yes, there are some important caveats to consider:
- The average score alone doesn’t capture the complexity of each student’s programme, like Standard Level vs Higher Level choices.
- Cohort size and selection criteria vary by school – smaller cohorts may result in more volatile averages.
- Schools may have selective admissions in the sixth form, which can skew averages.
Therefore, while the ranking is useful for comparison, it shouldn’t be used in isolation.
> What is the maximum possible score in the IB Diploma Programme?
The highest possible total score is 45 points – with 7 points being the top mark in each of six subjects, plus up to 3 additional points for the core Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge.
> Do all London schools offer the IB Diploma Programme?
No. Most London secondary schools focus on A-Levels, which is why the ranking includes a relatively small number of schools compared to the total number in London.
> Is the IB Diploma Programme valued for UK university applications?
Yes. UK universities, including Oxbridge and other top Russell Group institutions, highly value the IB Diploma Programme because of its academic breadth, rigour, and emphasis on critical thinking. Strong IB scores, like those shown in the ranking, are typically viewed as equivalent to strong A-Level performance when assessing applicants.
Sources
- London Pre-Prep – IB Diploma ranking London 2025
- ibo.org – The history of the IB
- Simply London – Are there IB curriculum state schools in London?
Consult with Simply London
Our Schools Experts can guide you through London’s IB options with personalised advice tailored to your child’s needs, aspirations, and learning style. With deep knowledge of London’s international and independent schools landscape, we can help you explore, shortlist, and apply to schools that truly fit your family.
Contact us today, or schedule a free call with us here to discuss how we can help you secure places in the best IB schools in London.
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