The Times has published its first exam results table solely for schools offering the International Baccalaureate diploma.
Since the IB diploma is an international programme, British students sit their examinations in the first two weeks of May, earlier than A levels, and receive their results earlier too.
IB results were issued to schools on July 5 and to students on July 6. Around 200 UK schools enter candidates for the IB diploma. Those in the table have submitted their results to The Times on a voluntary basis.
Students entered for the IB diploma programme, which is an alternative to A levels, study a combination of English, mathematics, science, languages, humanities and an arts subject.
They choose three subjects at higher level and three at standard level and sit exams in each after two years. Marks are awarded in each from 1 to 7, the highest being 7.
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All candidates must follow three “core” programmes to broaden their education and develop their understanding: the theory of knowledge and an extended essay of 4,000 words. Together three further marks are awarded for both.
The maximum number of points is therefore 45. Students who achieve at least 24 marks, and have completed voluntary and practical work, known as creativity, action and service, are awarded the IB diploma.
The Times results table lists and is ranked by the proportion of students at each school who achieved the top grades, 7 or 6, in their higher level subjects. It also records the average points score per school - the international average is between 29 and 30 points - as well as the number of candidates entered for the IB diploma. Some schools enter only some of their sixth formers for the IB diploma, typically their brightest all-round students, but others enter most or all sixth formers.