The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a sixth-form qualification taken instead of A levels. In October 2025, the government announced that state schools in England would stop getting extra funding for IB students from the 2026/27 school year. Because of this, some state schools are dropping the IB. Here is what it means for students now in Years 9 to 11.
What is the IB Diploma?
The IB Diploma is a two-year course for ages 16 to 18. Instead of three or four A levels, students take six subjects, including English, Maths, a science and a language. They also write a long essay (the extended essay), study theory of knowledge (a course about how we know things) and do creative, active and community projects. It is known for being broad and demanding.
What changed?
- State schools used to get extra money for each student taking the IB Diploma, because it has more teaching hours than a normal A level course.
- From 2026/27, this extra IB funding stops. The money is being moved to students taking four or more A levels that include Maths and science or technology subjects.
- The government said schools affected would get some short-term help, and that students can still take the IB using normal funding.
Only a small number of state schools offered the IB. The IB organisation and many head teachers warned that without the extra money, most of them could not afford to keep it.
Which schools are affected?
About 20 state schools in England offered the IB Diploma, including some in Kent. For example, Tonbridge Grammar School announced that it would stop offering the IB Diploma to new sixth-form students from September 2026 and offer A levels instead. Students who had already started the IB were allowed to finish it.
Other schools have made, or may make, similar decisions. Always check the latest information on each school's website.
If you were hoping to take the IB
- Check directly with the sixth form. Ask whether they will offer the IB in the year you start Year 12.
- Look at other state sixth forms nearby. A few may still offer it.
- Independent schools still offer the IB, but they charge fees.
- Consider A levels. Most students in England take A levels, and universities accept both. If you liked the IB because it is broad, you could choose A levels from different areas, or add an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is similar to the IB extended essay.
Does this affect GCSEs?
No. GCSEs are not changing because of this decision. Good GCSE grades are still what you need to get into any sixth form, whether it offers A levels or the IB.
In short
State schools in England no longer get extra money for the IB Diploma from 2026/27, so several are replacing it with A levels. If you want the IB, check each sixth form early. If it is not available, A levels plus an EPQ are a strong alternative.
Notes, tests and papers for your exam board
AshACE® Revise is opening soon for Year 6 to GCSE.