IB and A-Levels are important programs in the United Kingdom. But which one should you choose between the two?
You can’t base your decision on your age. After all, IB and A-Levels are programs you can enroll to in your last two years in high school provided you’re above 16 years of age. More often than not, your choice will depend on who you’re and what your ultimate goals are.
In this guide, we’ll look at:
- What IB is
- What A-Levels are
- The pros and cons of each program and
- The differences between the two
In the end, you should be able to determine what program is suitable for you based on the information presented in this guide.
What is IB?
IB is an education framework designed to nurture young people into caring, intelligent, and compassionate human beings who can create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a curriculum for kids aged 3 to 19 years old. Students who earn at least 24 points in the program get a diploma, which is contingent on achieving specific minimum levels of performance, including completing the three key aspects of the diploma core.
Attending an IB-approved school, taking courses in all 6 subjects, passing the appropriate tests, and completing extra core criteria are all required to receive an IB Diploma.
What are A-Levels?
A-Levels, or Advanced Level Qualifications, are a subject-based qualification available to students aged 16 and over. A-Levels run for two years and result in qualifications recognized for admission to higher education institutions in the UK and around the world.
Unlike in IB where students have to study 6 subjects, A-Levels require students to study a minimum of three subjects in a majority of institutions.
You’ll more likely get into a higher institution and prepare well for your degree if you have the A-levels qualification.
It’s important to keep in mind that A-levels are superior to the IB in terms of examination quality. Students may take up to six test papers for a single A-level topic to ensure an even distribution of grades. From the first year of your studies, you will take formal tests twice a year, and even have enough time to correct mistakes.
IB Vs A-Levels: Understanding the Differences
While IB and A-Levels are school programs for students who would like to further their education in the United Kingdom, the two differ in a number of ways.
IB Vs A-Levels: Qualifications
The first difference between IB and A-levels is in the qualification. A-Levels are ideal for those who want to qualify to join national English high school, whereas IB is an international education framework with students in 97 countries around the world.
Because IB is a worldwide program, countries such as Australia, Canada, Zimbabwe, and India can utilize it as a substitute for their national school qualification.
IB Vs A-Levels: Program Requirements
The International Baccalaureate (IB) requires learners to complete six subjects over the course of two years and it is highly limited in terms of subject selection. Students doing A-levels often choose three topics, and they can pursue whatever subjects they like for as long as they want.
IB Vs A-Levels: Institutional Restrictions
IB is only a school-based curriculum. To take it, you must be a student in a specific school that offers the IB program to go through the framework. A-levels are, in essence, final examinations that you can take outside of school.
Although IB has a wider worldwide appeal than A-levels, most IB students in Greece are those that aspire to study in the United Kingdom. Many nations, on the other hand, recognize A-levels as a prerequisite for university entry.
IB Vs A-Levels: Which is the Preferred Qualification in UK?
The A-level is the preferred qualification to further studies in the United Kingdom because students, instructors, and university admissions authorities recognize it as a popular option.
Some say that the IB is on the rise, but studies conducted in 2014 shows that the proportion of pupils taking the IB in the UK was less than 1%. In other words, out of 700,000 students, only about 4,800 opted for the IB program.
This does not imply that the IB is a lesser qualification. It is an excellent qualification that UK colleges recognize. However, it’s not an ideal option (or preference) for most people.
IB and A-Levels: Which Option is More Complicated
The IB is harder than A-levels.
Students in the IB program must study six subjects, study Theory of Knowledge, complete CAS hours, and write a 4,000-word Extended Essay. The A-Levels are different because students have to take only three subjects.
With such a heavy commitment, it should not come as a surprise that many students who opt to and actually take the IB receive bad grades. Approximately 10 to 15% of IB students do not achieve 24 points, and therefore do not receive a diploma.
On a subject-by-subject basis, A-levels are as difficult, but you only need to do three of them and you may do them flexibly, which means you can finish one A-level in your first year and write your exam the following year.
Final Thought on IB vs A-Levels
Because the IB is a private school program, it is somewhat costly, and students should budget at least $119 per subject for the two years of IB at any learning institution.
The cost of A-levels at a private school such as St Lawrence or Byron in Greece would be equivalent to the IB, but the benefit of A-levels is that they are test-based subjects that you don’t necessarily have to complete at school.
You may study on your own and sit the examinations, and that means you don’t have to worry about paying for tuition. Given the level of flexibility allowed in the A-Levels, the overall cost will be much lower when compared to what IB students pay.
If you are an excellent student, it makes little difference which qualification you pursue since it’s possible to excel in IB or A-Levels. However, you’re not ready to handle the complexity of IB, the A-levels are the way to go.