The recent news regarding the Department for Education's decision to remove funding for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in state schools has prompted many institutions to re-evaluate their post-16 provision. While this move may lead to a greater concentration on the A Level route within the state system, at Sidcot School, this development serves only to reinforce our steadfast conviction in the unparalleled educational value of the IB Diploma.
We believe that providing choice is key to a successful Sixth Form experience. At Sidcot, we are proud to offer a diverse pathway selection, including A Levels and BTECs, which serve a great many of our students exceptionally well. However, this diversity ensures we can offer the IB Diploma as an excellent, and often superior, choice for a specific cohort of ambitious students.
The IB: Broadening Horizons and International Appeal
While A Levels remain a rigorous and highly respected qualification, their focus on early specialisation works best for those who have a clear, narrow academic path in mind. The IB Diploma, by contrast, is an excellent alternative that prioritises holistic development and breadth of study.
The IB curriculum ensures that students maintain breadth across six subject groups—covering languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics—while still delving deeply into chosen subjects at the Higher Level (HL). This demanding yet rewarding structure cultivates intellectual versatility and adaptability. For students who are not yet ready to narrow their options or who possess a varied range of interests, the IB offers a powerful balance that keeps doors open.
Furthermore, the IB’s global recognition makes it an invaluable asset for those with international study ambitions. It is specifically designed to be understood and respected by universities worldwide, easing the application process and demonstrating a level of academic rigour and intellectual maturity that appeals to admissions tutors across continents.
The strength of the IB also lies in its core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). These elements develop the critical thinking, research acumen, and time management skills that elevate the IB far beyond a simple set of examination results. They produce not just students who know facts, but independent, intellectually curious thinkers.
The IB: A Perfect Reflection of the Sidcot Ethos
The link between the IB Diploma and Sidcot School’s distinct ethos is not accidental—it is foundational. Its philosophical framework aligns perfectly with the core Quaker values that define our educational environment:
- Internationalism: The IB’s global mission to create a better world naturally fosters an understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. This commitment directly mirrors Sidcot’s long-standing dedication to internationalism, preparing our students to lead with empathy and a global outlook.
- Independent Learning: The structure of the IB, particularly the Extended Essay, demands a high degree of independent learning and self-motivation, essential skills for transitioning successfully into higher education.
- Curiosity: The inquiry-based nature of the IB, most evident in the challenging discussions posed in TOK, actively encourages and rewards curiosity, embedding a lifelong love of intellectual exploration.
Our Unwavering Commitment
The policy shifts in the state sector, and indeed decisions made by other independent schools, do not dictate the educational values of Sidcot School. While several local private schools have recently stopped offering the IB, choosing instead to focus solely on A Levels, Sidcot remains the only school in North Somerset to offer the IB Diploma Programme.
This consolidation only strengthens our resolve. Our commitment to providing the IB Diploma is absolute. We stand firm in our belief that this qualification is the best choice for many of our students, equipping them with the breadth and depth necessary for the complex challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
As other schools choose to narrow their focus, Sidcot will continue to champion a broad, globally-minded, and intellectually rigorous education, alongside our excellent A Level and BTEC routes. The IB Diploma is a declaration of the kind of education we believe in—one that educates the whole person, encourages independence, inspires lifelong curiosity, and ensures options are kept wide open for their future.