Exeter College students studying on the International Baccalaureate (IB) have achieved an outstanding set of results with ten students achieving an impressive score of 40 points or more and one student receiving a rare 45 out of 45. 39 points is the equivalent of achieving three A Levels with the grades of A* A* A*.  

Exeter College has a proud and successful history of delivering the IB and recently celebrated its 30th year. The IB is an academic programme of study which pushes students in an array of subjects. The IB qualification allows students to study six subjects (three at higher level and three at standard level) across a wide range of disciplines spanning languages, humanities, maths, and sciences and is usually the preserve of private and academically selective providers globally.   

This year 35 candidates took the highly academic International Baccalaureate (IB) and achieved an average point score of 35.3, which is significantly higher than the world average of 30.3. 

Amy Dunbavin obtained a place at the University of Cambridge to read Human, Social and Political Science in 2025. Before taking up her place, she aims to travel including teaching in an international school. Speaking about her place at Cambridge, she said; 

“This course looks incredible – with opportunities to study modules from a range of disciplines alongside some fantastic social scientists from around the world. Following university, I imagine I will work in fields associated with human rights law and activism as I would like to utilise my privilege of such a fantastic education to represent the needs of people who are often overlooked or feel unable to represent themselves on matters of climate injustice or human rights abuses.” 

Speaking of her experience at Exeter College, Amy added; 

“The breadth of knowledge I have gained in only two years is quite remarkable and is beyond the expectations I had of the course before starting. I am incredibly lucky to have been supported by a truly inspiring group of students and teachers. 

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to carry on studying subjects such as German, Maths and Biology which I would not have otherwise done, had I taken A Levels. I must also mention how influential Martin Gilbert and the Reach Academy were on supporting my academic studies. The support of Martin throughout my application to university was outstanding, giving me the confidence not only to apply to aspirational universities but to feel that I had the best chance possible at being successful in my application.” 

Scarlett Joiner (pictured right above) plans to take a year out before going to university. She said; 

“I would like to study medicine, and I am applying to medical schools now I have my results. I am hoping to travel this year and use the German language skills I’ve learnt on the IB. I feel optimistic about the future because taking the IB has given me confidence in my academic ability.” 

Speaking about her time on the course, she added; 

“Although some of the IB has been very challenging, I have really enjoyed studying it at Exeter College. I feel particularly grateful for the friends I have made over the past two years on this course. I have liked being able to go into the city during breaks between lessons, and this has afforded me a great sense of independence. I liked the structure of the IB timetable – it is quite full, meaning that you don’t have extremely long breaks, which I like. I like the breadth of knowledge that studying the IB gives.” 

Billie Stokes, Assistant Principal at Exeter College, added;  

“These excellent IB results are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our students. Their achievements are truly remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of their success. This accomplishment not only reflects their academic excellence but also their commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Congratulations to all our students on their exceptional performance.” 

You can find out more about the International Baccalaureate by reading our latest edition of EXE, the Exeter College alumni magazine, which features several IB alumni to celebrate 30 years of delivery. 

Find out more about studying the International Baccalaureate at Exeter College.