Despite the disruption caused by Covid-19, students studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) achieved outstanding results.

BTC is the only college in Somerset offering this internationally recognised alternative to A Levels, designed for highly academic and motivated learners. Students are required to study six subjects along with core elements, with a maximum total score of 45.

Collectively, this year’s students achieved an average score of 36.4 points, placing them above the global average of 29.9 points according to TES. Furthermore, over half of the cohort achieved 36 points or above, and three students gained very high scores of 39 points.

Bex Miller, Course Leader for the IB commented,

The students faced incredible uncertainty when the exams they had spent two years preparing for were cancelled due to the global pandemic. However, I am delighted their results reflect the consistent and outstanding effort of each student, as well as their resilience, determination and positivity. I am very proud of them and immeasurably thankful to the IB teaching team.

IB students receive their results in July, meaning they are in a position to accept university places a month before their A Level counterparts. Students have been delighted to receive offers from illustrious universities such as Bristol University, University of Sussex and Cardiff University.

Andy Berry, Principal & Chief Executive of the College, said,

I am really proud to offer this world-class programme and it is great to see our students achieve fantastic results again this year. I am delighted to see them progressing to celebrated universities and wish them all the best in all their future endeavours.

The IB programme is engaging, challenging and highly regarded, and we firmly believe that students who study this are truly challenged. It enables them to become independent and individual thinkers, becoming the best they can be.

Roshan Adve who attended Court Fields School before enrolling at BTC, achieved 33 points and reflected on his experience,

I really enjoyed the challenges of the IB. I worked very hard alongside like-minded people, met incredible staff and made lifelong friends. I thrived in the College’s community and I am very pleased with my results. My plan is to take a gap year before starting my four-year linguistics degree at Lancaster University.