The city's college is celebrating being top of the world again, with two of its International Baccalaureate students achieving top spots of an outstanding 44 points out of a possible 45 in the international qualification results announced today.

The two were amongst the highly successful 37 students completing their two-year diploma this year who achieved average points of 34.2 out of a possible 45. Six of the elite group scored over 40 points with many gaining top marks in their individual subjects, with 30 top scores of grade 7, putting them in the top 10% worldwide.

IB students take six different subjects, as opposed to the three traditionally taken by A level students. In addition to studying core subjects, such as Maths, English, Languages, Sciences and Arts, candidates also complete an extended essay and voluntary work. Exeter College was one of the first in the country to offer the IB 20 years ago, and was the first in Devon to do so.

As an internationally recognised qualification, the IB is particularly attractive to students who may wish to continue their studies abroad and wish to keep their options open and is highly valued by the top universities here and across the world.

Alice Campbell, 18 originally from KEVICCS school in Totnes celebrated achieving 44 points with her IB colleagues and said “The course is really good for independent learning and I've met so many new people. The IB group at Exeter College is such a close knit group and all the teachers have been amazing. It has given me such independence and confidence in the subjects that I'm studying and it gives a great breadth of knowledge.”
“You never know how you've done after the exams, but I was hoping I would get enough to get in to Oxford – now I can't wait to have a holiday! I'm really excited about going to Oxford University and studying subjects that I really love – French and Italian – . I'd like to go on to work as an interpreter or work in international relations.”

Another of the top students, Laura Schubert, 18 from Churston Grammar has been following her sister's footsteps so far since Marissa Schubert was one of the successful IB group in 2010 and is now at Oxford university studying Medicine. But now Laura is going to be looking to Cambridge for her next move and is sure the usual University rivalry will not be a problem to the sisters.

“I'm so happy with my results – I'm amazed!” said Laura “I was hoping to get at least 41 to get to university and I've done even better with 42. I wanted to study the IB at Exeter College because my sister studied it 3 years ago and met some brilliant people. It gives you a much broader scope of learning and I think it prepares you really well for university. I like the fact you can do a wide range of subjects. The IB creates a kind of family feeling because of the number of subjects you study together. I couldn't single out one part of the course I've loved more than another – the teachers have been amazing and I've enjoyed all of the subjects. Getting in to Cambridge was kind of a challenge that I set myself and a goal to work towards – it is a lovely city and a university with a great reputation. I really liked the sound of the course and I can't wait to study and explore the subjects that I'm interested in. Eventually I want to work for the UN or an NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) – I like the idea of conflict resolution or social development. I would definitely recommend the IB to other students – it is really well organised, there is really good support and the college is a great setting in the city – it may be much bigger than school but you still have a close foundation within your course and your tutor.”

Staying closer to home next year is Dani Schenk – celebrating with 41 points – who is keen to go onto the Foundation Diploma Arts course at Exeter College before then travelling to Germany. “I have really liked the international aspect of the IB,” Dani, 18 originally from Exmouth Community College said “The teaching and lessons have been very good quality and there has been a great atmosphere in the classes. The IB is an excellent qualification for going around the world and it also leaves your options open. When I go to Germany I'm thinking of either studying Film or renewable energies!”

Sam Dunbarvin 17 from Pilton in North Devon is celebrating being at the top of his game again since not only has he achieved one of the highest ever scores of 44 points our of 45 but he is also representing the UK in Beach Volleyball – a skill that meant he missed picking up his results at the college on Friday. Talking after the results came out he said “Thanks to Exeter College and all the teachers for great support throughout the IB, it was definitely worth travelling up every day for that! As well as that, I'd also say that the IB has given me a great platform to progress from, as I have been able to study more subjects than I would have been able to at A levels, and In general, I'm blown away by the results!”

Emma Fielding, Assistant Principal at Exeter College said: “The IB is one of the most rigorous and challenging qualifications in the world for this age group and we are enormously proud of our students' success. We are delighted that the average score for our students has risen yet again this year. This cohort have been hugely impressive in their dedication academically but have also engaged with passion and commitment in the broader opportunities afforded by the IB curriculum, such as community projects and personal enrichment. Their achievements today secure them a very bright and promising future and we wish them every success.”