AIBU to think an international school with an average IB score of 34 could do better?

[Fabdabbydozy]

Hi,

I am looking at international schools in Europe and think I’ve found the perfect school but last year’s average IB score was only 34. And I’m concerned that this is low. Does anyone know what a ‘good’ average score would be?

thank you

Depends - is it an academically selective school? If its non-selective then that is a pretty good average and will have students who score in the 20's and also those who achieve the top marks. If they are selective then I would expect around 36 as average.

Well I guess some got lower and some got higher given it's an average. My DDs did the IB and got either 34/35 respectively or 35/35 (it was while back!). That was enough to get them into good unis and both achieved first class honours. They said the IB set them up really well. It's not an easy qualification.

I've just checked and their old school has 36 average.

34 is a good school average. The worldwide average score is like 29/30 if I remember right.

I went to a non-selective school and their current average score in 38, god knows how. When I was there I expect it was more like 34ish.

It's a bloody hard course and the range of subjects is certainly not for everyone. Are you sure it'll suit your child? You have to actively like/be ok at maths, science, a language etc or you're buggered.

Hi @Outdamnspot23 thanks for the info. My kids are good all rounders. Very strong in maths, sciences and languages. One child could improve in English creative writing. I’m not sure if it’s selective but assume so as they have to sit an entrance exam.

That sounds low as an average. But the spread matters too. Are able children there getting high grades? How many 40-45 do they get?

Is it selective and do all students take the IB?
I know some school only allow their top candidates to take the IB and this will clearly result in a higher average.
at ds’s international school (not selective) all students took the IB and I think the average score was 35/36. As pp have mentioned the diploma is a challenging qualification and few universities will ask for a 40+ score. My ds achieved a 43, but needed 38 for his course at Warwick.

We have been looking at IB schools in Europe over the last couple of years and I would say 36.

Also you need to visit, we went to a couple of schools that looked good on the website but knew immediately after visiting that it wouldn’t suit our dc, who were with us and agreed.