Despite the disruption caused by Covid-19, students studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) at BTC 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 35.5 points, placing them well above last year’s global average of 32 points. Furthermore, over half of the cohort achieved 39 points or above, and one student achieved a score of 41 points. Bex Miller, Course Leader for the IB commented,

These students have faced considerable and unprecedented challenges during their two-year study programme. From lockdowns and changes to the syllabus, to the eventual cancellation of exams, they have had to overcome more than most. I’m delighted that they have received such an impressive set of results and have all secured university places at their first choices.

This group of students have been an absolute delight to work with over the past two years and they have demonstrated enthusiasm, great humour, cheerfulness and resilience. They are the embodiment of IB learners and I have no doubt they will go on to achieve incredible things in their careers and beyond.

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; among these are offers of Medicine at Exeter and Biomedical Science at Plymouth.

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

I’m really proud to offer this world-class programme and it’s great to see our students achieve fantastic results again this year. I’m 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.

Molly Morgan achieved an outstanding 41 points out of a possible 45, securing her a place at Exeter University to study Medicine. Reflecting on her achievements she said,

I am really pleased with my results. It has been the best experience I have ever had studying the IB and I don’t think I would have had the same experience anywhere else!”

Molly’s parents, Cheryl and Damien Morgan, commented on their daughter’s experience of the IB course at BTC,

During lockdown Molly’s learning was unaffected due to the shift to online lessons. We cannot fault the tuition Molly received with the small group sizes and one to one tuition. Bridgwater & Taunton College’s IB offers students the only opportunity in the local area to study this prestigious programme for free.

If you would like information about the qualification or any courses at the College, please click here or call our Information & Guidance team on 01278 441234.