Choosing a curriculum: British, IB and American
Most international schools follow one of three systems. Each one leads to qualifications that universities around the world recognise. The differences that matter are in structure and in how easily a student can move between schools.
The British system
British-curriculum schools abroad mostly follow the English National Curriculum, organised by Key Stages. Students usually take IGCSE examinations at around age 16 (Year 11), then A levels over Years 12 and 13. A level students typically study three or four subjects in depth. UK universities make offers based on predicted A level grades, and many universities in other countries accept A levels too.
The narrow focus suits students who know what they want to study. It is less flexible for a student who is undecided, since dropping a subject in Year 12 shapes which degree courses remain open.
The International Baccalaureate
The IB offers four programmes: the Primary Years Programme (ages 3 to 12), the Middle Years Programme (11 to 16), the Diploma Programme (16 to 19) and the Career-related Programme. A school can offer one, some or all of them.
The Diploma Programme is the one universities look at. Students take six subjects, three or four at higher level, plus three core components: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The maximum score is 45. Because every school uses the same programme and external examinations, moving between IB schools is easier than moving between schools on national systems, although schools still offer different subject choices.
American curricula
American international schools teach to US-style standards, often the Common Core in English and maths, and award a high school diploma based on credits earned across Grades 9 to 12. Many offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which end in externally marked exams scored from 1 to 5. Universities in the US read the whole transcript, including grade point average, course rigour and activities, alongside optional or required tests.
The credit system makes it fairly easy to transfer between American schools, provided the receiving school accepts the credits already earned.
Comparing the three
| British | IB | American | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final qualification | A levels (after IGCSE) | IB Diploma | High school diploma, often with AP |
| Subjects in final years | Usually 3 or 4 | 6 plus core | Broad, credit-based |
| Assessment | Mainly final exams | Exams plus internal assessment | Continuous grades plus AP exams |
| Moving between schools | Harder during exam courses | Easier within IB schools | Fairly easy, credits transfer |
Questions to ask yourself
How long will you stay in the country? If another move is likely within a few years, the system that will be easiest to find again in the next city matters. What does your child enjoy? Students who like depth often do well in A levels; those who like breadth may prefer the IB. Where might they go to university? All three systems are accepted widely, but our university applications section explains how each one fits with UCAS and the Common App.