IB or A Level: is there a winner?

February 9, 2021

• A Levels
• / Advice for Parents
• / University and Higher Education

A conundrum faced by many students when they complete GCSE year is whether to take A Level or the International Baccalaureate. Students and parents alike are often asking the same questions: is one of these methods of assessment ultimately superior to the other? Does one carry more weight, more prestige? How do universities view these opposing assessments?

What do Universities think?

Firstly, let’s start with the simplest: what do universities think? Both The IB and A Level assessments are good choices for students wishing to study in the UK, and either one can get you into the top universities with the right grades. We spoke to an academic supervisor at a top Russel Group University who told us “Both the IB and A Level are brilliant preparation for a degree at any UK university. The rational academic abilities tested through the A Level system is certainly in contrast to the idealistic philosophy explored by the IB, but both exams are accepted by every major UK university, and, perhaps more importantly, teach you the requisite skills to flourish in such an environment.”

Prestige?

Moving on to our second point to explore: does one carry more prestige? It is undeniable that having taken the IB when given the choice of either assessment will ‘turn heads’ in some environments. The sheer number of papers in addition to the extra-curricular assessments (Extended Essay etc), sets the IB as a very different undertaking to A Level.

That is not, however, to say that it will be viewed as more prestigious in all settings. Given the sheer volume of people who take A Levels, this is and will remain the assessment method most are familiar with in the UK. That may not mean much more than having to explain your Sixth form qualifications a little more frequently, but its something to bear in mind.

The Assessment

Finally, and perhaps most complexly: is one method of assessment actually superior? It is worth at this point discussing the differences. Students who take A Levels usually study 3 subjects, sitting a number of exams and submitting much coursework which dives deeply into the chosen subjects in a way which tests with great pragmatism one’s academic ability.

The IB, however, is structured and assessed in a very different manner. Students choose 6 papers, with additional assessments including projects and an extended essay. The IB approaches the academic assessment from a more philosophical point of view, without approaching and delving into the subject matter in quite the same way as the A Levels. The answer is therefore quite as infuriating as one might expect: there is no right answer.

The different modes of assessment will suit different students more appropriately. If you are a pragmatic and logical thinker, who has a real passion for a limited number of subjects, then the A Level might be for you. If you prefer, however, a broader range of subjects, and wish to study in a way far removed from the GCSE style, then we would encourage you to explore IB.