International School Aberdeen students are celebrating full marks in this year’s exams placing them among the top performing in world rankings.

Our High School students received 100% pass rates, beating global grade point averages with an average score of 31 compared with the worldwide average of 29.

In total, 30 of 30 IB (International Baccalaureate) Diplomas were awarded at ISA, who were among 180,000 students around the world studying for the pre-university qualification.

The results, from the May 2023 exam session, also reveal that one of our students recorded a high score of 41 (compared with the average IB Diploma points score awarded to students globally sitting at 30).

The IB is a two-year qualification that is highly regarded by universities in Scotland, the UK and worldwide. Statistics also show IB students are more likely to complete university, to achieve a better grade and graduate better equipped for the workplace.

In addition to the IB results, students at ISA also study UK IGCSE’s, with the newly published results revealing another clean sweep with a 100% overall pass rate.

Commenting, our Head of School, Nick Little, said, “The achievements of both our new IB and IGCSE graduates are truly excellent, and it is wonderful news for our entire school community.

“We are incredibly proud of how hard the students have worked to achieve this level of success, which is not only testament to their commitment to their education, but also highlights ISA’s sector leading position in the field of independent education.

“We are dedicated to providing children and young people with a global approach to education and it is an honour and a privilege to see their hard work and determination recognised with an outstanding set of exam results.”

Jennifer Grogan, DP Co-ordinator at ISA, said: “ISA is the only school in the region to offer the IB programme and we are thrilled to share our students’ success, made more prominent by the fact this year’s cohort were the first to have taken the exam under pre-covid boundaries.

“They should be extremely proud of themselves as they were a group significantly impacted by covid restrictions, more than any previous cohorts, so their achievements are all the more worthy of our celebration and recognition.”

The IB is open to all students, regardless of any previous educational background, and is a challenging programme designed to encourage critical thinking skills and develop complex problem-solving skills, while nurturing a global mindset and enhancing communicative abilities.

Nick added, “While we know exam results are important, we also believe an independent education goes far deeper than preparing students for academic excellence. Our talented and dynamic team of educators enable our young people to connect with each other and find their place in the world while nurturing a sense of community and belonging.

“ISA is a very special place; we have a wonderful staff and parent community, and our remarkable children and young people inspire us every day. We have a true passion to empower and support the next generation, not only with academic success, but with the power that compassion and respect for all holds.”

ISA is Scotland’s first international school and welcomes children from age 3 to 18. With an international approach and firm roots in Aberdeen, almost half of the 550 student population comes from the local area.