Global Top IB Schools – Best International Baccalaureate

Introduction to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program

Welcome to the world of global education! In today’s increasingly interconnected and competitive society, it is crucial for students to receive a top-notch education that prepares them for success on a global scale. One educational program that has been gaining recognition worldwide is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

The IB program offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and personal development. Students who attend IB schools not only gain knowledge in various subject areas but also develop essential skills such as research, communication, and self-management.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the top IB schools around the globe. Whether you are looking for an outstanding school in Europe, Asia or North America – we have got you covered! So let’s dive into this exciting journey of discovering the best international baccalaureate institutions across continents!

Hold on tight as we embark on this exhilarating exploration of academic excellence and cultural diversity!

The benefits of attending an IB school

Attending an IB school offers a multitude of benefits for students. The IB curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded education that promotes critical thinking and encourages students to become lifelong learners. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, allowing students to develop their research skills and explore topics in depth.

One of the key advantages of attending an IB school is the international perspective it provides. With a diverse student body and faculty from different cultural backgrounds, students gain exposure to different perspectives and broaden their global awareness. This helps them develop empathy and cross-cultural understanding, which are essential skills in our interconnected world.

IB schools also focus on developing well-rounded individuals by promoting extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, community service, and leadership opportunities. These experiences help foster social skills, teamwork, time management skills, and resilience – all crucial qualities for success in the future.

Furthermore, IB schools encourage independent thinking and self-motivation through their rigorous academic requirements. Students are challenged to think critically about complex issues and take ownership of their learning journey.

Attending an IB school can significantly enhance college admissions prospects. Universities worldwide recognize the rigor of the program and value IB graduates’ ability to excel academically while demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.

Also Read: A SMOOTH PROGRESSION FROM IBMYP-1 TO IBMYP-5

Top 40 Global IB Schools

Below, you will find 40 of the global top IB schools, with a brief description along with what programs it offers:

1) Anglo-Chinese School (ACS)

ACS is part of a family of Methodist schools in Singapore and Indonesia founded in 1886. The school has both day and boarding facilities.

ACS holds classes for students aged 12-18, it offers the Express Programme, Integrated programme- which are GCE O Level and A levels equivalents- and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curriculum to its students and is one of the global top IB schools.

The school also offers co-curricular activities ranging from sports to performance and visual arts.

Website: https://www.acsindep.moe.edu.sg/

2) Godolphin & Latymer

Established in 1905 as an independent day school for girls G&L offers education from ages 11 to 18.

The school is affiliated with the IB board since 2004 and offers a choice between the Cambridge A-levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the sixth form.

The school also offers an array of co-curricular activities such as Music, Dance, Drama, Art, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Dance, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Karate (Shi-To-Ryu), Kickboxing, Netball, Pilates, Rock Climbing, Rounders, Rowing, Skiing, Swimming, Tennis, Trampolining, Volleyball, and Yoga.

Website: https://www.godolphinandlatymer.com/

3) St. Joseph’s Institution International

Established in 2007, St. Joseph’s Institution International offers an international educational experience to students aged 4 to 18.

The IB affiliated day school offers the Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curricula.

The school also offers varying co-curricular activities for the fun and growth of its students.

Website: https://www.sji-international.com.sg/

4) German Swiss International School

Established in 1969, GSIS is a multi-language co-educational day school offering classes from Kindergarten to Secondary School.

The school is affiliated with the German International Abitur (GIA), IB, and CAIE boards. They offer the Cambridge IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) to its students.

The school offers a range of co-curricular activities such as Football, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Ball Hockey, Basketball, Cross-country, Equestrian, Hockey, Netball, Rowing, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, debating, gardening, the student newspaper, dance, drama and music.

website: https://www.gsis.edu.hk/

5) St Paul’s Coed

Established in 1915, St Paul’s is Thailand’s first co-educational school. The school has been affiliated with the IB board since 2011 and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The school is also affiliated with the DSE board and offers its curriculum. The school provides both day and boarding facilities.

The school also offers a range of co-curricular activities ranging from performance and visual arts, board games, community service to an array of sports.

website: https://www.spcc.edu.hk/

6) King’s Wimbledon

King’s Wimbledon was first established in 1829. It is a co-educational school for boys aged 7-18 and girls aged 16-18.

The school offers the Cambridge IGCSE for years 10 and 11 and either the A level or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for years 12 and 13.

The school also offers an array of co-curricular activities such as Athletics, Cross country, Badminton, Basketball, fencing, Water polo, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rowing, Rugby, Squash, Tennis, gymnastics, table tennis, swimming, golf, skiing, choir, orchestra, Drama, and CCF, this are some of the reasons why it is considered to be one of the global top IB schools.

Website: https://www.kcs.org.uk/

7) Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Established in 1854, Cheltenham Ladies’ College is an independent day and boarding college for girls aged 11 to 18.

The school offers the Cambridge IGCSE and a choice between Cambridge A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the sixth form.

The school also offers over 160 co-curricular activities including Art and Design, Drama, Music, Riding, Golf, Martial Arts, Fencing, Yoga, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Dance, Photography, Cooking, Up-cycled Fashion, Cipher Challenge, Environment Society, Debating, Chess, Sign Language, Astronomy, Journalism, MUN, Hockey, Lacrosse, Tennis, Equestrian and Polo.

Website: https://venues.cheltladiescollege.org/

8) Diocesan Boys

Established in 1869, DS is a secondary school that school follows the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority’s curriculum from grades 7 to 9.

Students from grade 10 and above either take the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examinations or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

The IB students are made to complete the Pre-IB programme before entering the IBDP. The school offers a range of co-curricular activities such as archery, athletics, beach volleyball, cross country, fencing, indoor rowing, life-saving, softball, squash, swimming, tenpin bowling and volleyball to name a few

Website: https://www.dbs.edu.hk/

9) Wellington College

Established in the year 1859, Wellington college is one of the global top IB  boarding schools in the UK, offering classes to students from ages 13 to 18.

The school offers the Cambridge GCSE and a choice between the Cambridge A-Levels and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the sixth form.

The school also offers an array of co-curricular activities such as hockey, rugby, golf, shooting, triathlon, squash, equestrian, cricket, rackets and polo among the 30 offered sports– and arts such as Drama, Dance, Music, Creative Writing and Art & Design.

Website:https://www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk/

10) Dhirubhai Ambani Intl (DAIS)

Founded in the year 2003, DAIS is a renowned K-12 school. The day school offers the ICSE and Cambridge IGCSE curriculum for grade 10 students and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for grades 11-12.

The school also offers a range of co-curricular activities such as Basketball, Football, Cricket, Judo and Taekwondo, Yoga, Robotics, Indian and Western music (both vocal and instrumental), Dance, Drama, Pottery, Graphic designing, and Model United Nations among many.

Website: https://www.dais.edu.in/

11) Sevenoaks

The second oldest school in the UK, Sevenoaks is a highly selective co-educational school. The day and boarding school aims at students from ages 11 to 18.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the sixth form.

The school also offers co-curricular activities such as Animation and Ceramics, Music, Drama and Theatre, CCF, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Aerobics, Climbing, Dance, Futsal, Self-defence, Anthropology, Yoga, Astronomy, Chess, Debating, Model United Nations, and World Cinema. 

Website: https://www.sevenoaksschool.org/home/

12) K. International School Tokyo

Founded in the year 1997, KIST is rated one of the Top IB schools on the official IB website.

The co-educational school offers day facilities and from pre-Kindergarten to class 12.

The IB and EdExcel affiliated school offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma Programme curriculum to its students.

The school campus homes facilities that help students grow both within and outside the curriculum. The school also offers a scholarship program for the inclusivity and aid of students struggling financially.

Website: http://www.kist.ed.jp/

13) The American International School Vienna

Established in 1959, AIS Vienna is a co-educational day school that offers education to students from age 4 to 18.

The school offers the IB Diploma programme, Austrian Matura Equivalency, or American Diploma for grade 12. The school also offers co-curricular activities ranging from performance and visual arts to sports.

website: https://www.ais.at/

14) Whitgift

Founded in 1596, Whitgift is an independent day school with limited boarding facilities.

The offers education to boys from ages 10 to 18 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for the sixth form. The school also offers the A-Levels and BTEC National Diploma.

The school also offers a range of co-curricular activities such as Beekeeping, Fencing, Science and Technology, CCF, Clay modelling, Cycling, Road and Track, Cooking, STEM, Music, Drama, Art, Archery, Athletics, Aquatics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rackets, Rowing, Rugby and other outdoor activities.

website: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/

15) French Intl of Hong Kong

A non-profit organization under the government, FIS Hong Kong was first founded in 1979. The day school offers both the International and French streams to students from age 4 to age 18.

The school is affiliated with the IB board offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) to its upper secondary class.

The school also offers co-curricular activities ranging from sports such as football, badminton, table tennis, and athletics and performance and visual arts backed by regular Art Exhibitions, Theatre and Music performances, and Fashion shows.

Website: https://www.fis.edu.hk/en

16) Victoria Shanghai

Established in 1996, VS is affiliated with the IB board since 2005.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme offering education to students from ages 6 to 18.

The primary section offers a bilingual education (English and Putonghua). The school hosts multiple activities such as CAS Week Trips, Environmental Groups, ISTAA, MUN, Musical Competitions, Regional and International Competitions, Sports Teams and Competitions and Swimming Galas, immersing the student into activities outside of the curricula.

website: https://www.vsa.edu.hk/en/index.aspx

17) Tanglin Trust School Singapore 

Tanglin School was first founded in the year 1925 and has a long tradition of providing British-based learning with an international perspective.

The day school offers the CAIE IGCSE for students aged 14-16 and a choice between CAIE A Levels and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) curricula to their sixth form students.

The school also offers an array of sports ranging from football to golf, along with visual and performance arts.

Website: https://www.tts.edu.sg/

18) Ardingly College

Established in the year 1858, Ardingly college became co-educational in 1982.

The school offers both day and boarding facilities among its students from ages 13 to 18. The school provides the Shell for year 9, GCSEs for years 10 & 11 followed by a Pre-IB and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) from year 12.

The school also offers a range of co-curricular activities such as Drama, Music, Dance, Athletics, cross country, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders, swimming, tennis, squash, fencing, badminton, rugby, basketball, rowing, yoga, shooting, scuba diving, and sailing. 

website: https://www.ardingly.com/

19) Hong Kong Chinese Christian Churches

Also referred to as the Logos Academy, HKCCC campus span over a total of 162,000 sq. ft and offers co-educational education from the primary to secondary level.

The school is affiliated to the IB board and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme for years 11 and 12, alongside the HKDSE programmes.

The school campus homes well-lit classrooms, sports courts and numerous activity centres that assist with the learning and growth of their students.

The school offers co-curricular activities supported by regular sports’ days and annual functions.

Website: https://www.logosacademy.edu.hk/

20) Berlin Brandenburg International School, Kleinmachnow

Established in 1990, BBIS is a co-educational school offering education from the primary to secondary level.

The school offers both day and boarding facilities, with boarding facilities available from grade 9.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP). The school also offers co-curricular activities such as Sailing, Belly Dancing, Ceramics and Pottery, Climbing, Basketball, Karate, Football, Archery, Badminton, Volleyball, Cross Country, Climbing, Swimming, Rowing, Chess, MUN, Drama, Music, and Rugby among many.

Website: https://www.bbis.de/

21) King Edward’s Birmingham

Established in the year 1552, KEB is a selective day school for boys that offers education to boys from age 11 to 18.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in its sixth form.

The school also offers an array of co-curricular activities such as Drama, Orchestras, Choirs and Ensembles, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross-country, Fencing, Golf, Hockey, Rugby, Sailing, Squash, Swimming, Table tennis, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, and Water polo.

website: https://kes.org.uk/

22) NPS International School

NPS is a part of the international NPS Group of Schools, established in the year 2008. The day school is affiliated with the IB, CAIE and CBSE boards.

They offer the CBSE and Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level curriculum for classes 6-12 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for classes 11 and 12.

The school also provides opportunities for growth through a range of co-curricular activities and sports. 

Website: https://www.npsinternational.com.sg/

23) Bromsgrove

Founded in the year 1553, Bromsgrove is a co-educational public school offering both day and boarding facilities to students from ages 2 to 18.it is one of the global top IB schools that offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for the sixth form students.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for the sixth form students.

The school also offers an array of co-curricular activities such as Bromsgrove Service, CCF, Debate, Drama, Music, Choir, Choral society, Fine Art, 3D Design, Textiles, film and photography, rugby, hockey, netball, swimming, cross-country and more.

Website: https://www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/

24) Headington

Founded in the year 1915, Headington is a girls’ school that offers boarding and day facilities from the primary to secondary level.

This school is one of the top global IB Schools that  provides a six-year integrated curriculum that eventually prepares students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Year 6 (Grade 12).

The school also offers an array of co-curricular activities such as Art and Design, Athletics, Badminton, Ballet, Basketball, Cheerleading, Chess, Coding, Cricket, Cross-country, Dance, Debate, Drama, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Knitting, Lacrosse, Martial Arts, Music, Netball, Pilates, Rounders, Rowing, Spinning, Swimming, Table tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Times table, Touch rugby, Trampolining, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Yoga.

Website: https://www.headington.org/

25) Sha Tin College

Established in the year 1982, Sha Tin is a co-educational day school affiliated with the CAIE and IB boards.

The school offers the Cambridge IGCSE curricula for years 10-11 followed by the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) year 11 onwards.

The school also has many clubs, for students to participate in and lead, such as The Media Team, Voice- a literary and art magazine, NOVA, MUN, Fightclub and Biteful.

Website: https://shatincollege.edu.hk/

26) Global Indian International School Singapore

GIIS was founded in 2002 on Mount Sophia in Singapore, now has grown to span seven countries across Asia.

The day school offers the Global Montessori Programme, Cambridge CLSP and IGCSE and the CBSE curricula.

It also offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme to its students.

It caters to the needs and grows of students aged 3 to 18 through its diverse curricula, co-curricular and sports opportunities.

Website: https://singapore.globalindianschool.org/

27) Hwa Chong International School 

HCIS is a member of the prestigious Hwa Chong family of schools. Established in the year 2005, HCIS offers education to children from ages 12 to 18 with both day and boarding facilities available.

The school provides a six-year integrated curriculum that eventually prepares students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Year 6 (Grade 12).

The school also offers varying co-curricular activities ranging from ice hockey and indoor sky-diving to strings ensemble and mobile app coding.

Website: https://www.hcis.edu.sg/

28) United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) – Dover Campus 

UWCSEA Dover opened in 1971 as Singapore International School and became a full member of the UWC movement in 1975. A K–12 school, with two campuses and over 5,500 students, that has both day and boarding facilities.

UWCSEA offers classes to students from ages 4 to 18. The school is IB affiliated and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curriculum.

The school also offers co-curricular activities ranging from sports to performance and visual arts.

Website: https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/

29) Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS)

Founded in the year 1991, CDNIS offers education from the pre-reception level to the Secondary Level.

The co-educational day school is affiliated with the IB and Ontario board. They offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programme (DP) alongside the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The school also offers a range of co-curricular activities such as music, art, film and theatre, and sports such as Badminton, Climbing, Dragon Boating, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Netball, Rowing, Sailing, Swimming, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Yoga.

Website: https://cdnis.edu.hk/

30) Bangalore International School

The first international school in Bangalore back in 1969. The BIS campus stretches over 140 acres of land and offers both day and boarding facilities to its students.

The school offers the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum and a choice between Cambridge-A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12. It also offers the Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum.

BIS offers several co-curricular activities in arts and sports such as drawing, painting, pottery, music, dance, theatre, football, basketball, throw ball, tennis and swimming. 

website: http://bangaloreinternationalschool.org/

31) Island School

IS is a one of the global top IB co-educational day school offering classes from Years 7 to 13.

The IB affiliated school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) and Careers Programme (CP) for years 12 and 13.

The school offers co-curricular activities such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, biathlon, cross-country, swimming galas, athletics, netball, softball, table tennis, touch rugby, water polo, debating, quiz, the battle of the books and chess.

Website: https://island.edu.hk/

32) West Island

A co-educational day school that offers classes to students from ages 10 to 19.

Established in the late 1980s, the school offers the Cambridge IGCSE program in Years 10-11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and BTEC Extended Diploma in Years 12–13.

The school also offers an array of co-curricular activities such as Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics, Biathlon, bands and ensembles, Orchestra, Choir, Chinese Music Tuition, Drama-Theatre productions and drama club, Film, Dance, and Visual Art to name a few.

website: https://island.edu.hk/

33) Chatsworth International School – Bukit Timah Campus

Established in 1995 as a mid-sized, unique K-12 international school in Singapore, both the school’s current campuses are IB world schools, members of EARCOS, Edutrust certified and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredited.

This day school sprawls across a lush campus that facilitates holistic education alongside an array of sports and visual and performance arts.

As an IB affiliated school, they offer the three programmes: the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP, MYP and DP curriculum to students from ages 3-18. 

Website: https://www.chatsworth.com.sg/

34) Aiglon- Switzerland

Founded in 1949, Aiglon is a co-educational boarding school situated in the alpine village of Chesières, offering education from Years 5 to 13 (grades 4 to 12).

The school offers the GCSEs/ IGCSEs for years 9-11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for years 12 and 13.

The school also offers co-curricular activities such as Fitness, Archery, Boeing, Table Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Dance, Badminton, Basketball, Tennis, Football, Rugby, Climbing, Track and Field, Skiing, Yoga, Swimming, Mountain biking, Golf, Trail running, Netball, Volleyball, Horseriding along with the CAS programme. 

Website: https://www.aiglon.ch/

35) Verde Valley School

Founded in 1948, Verde Valley is a co-educational Boarding and day school offering classes 9 to 12.

It is considered the best boarding school and 4th best private high school in Arizona.

The school offers both 5-day and 7-day boarding options to its students. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) curricula alongside a range of practical applications birthing the term “IB+Dirt”.

school provides several creative arts such as music, art, theatre, photography and ceramics and Sports such as dance, soccer, golf, horseback riding, Kayaking, hiking, and camping.

Website: https://vvsaz.org

36) International School Ho Chi Minh City

Founded in the year 1993, ISHCMC spreads across two campuses that offer co-educational day facilities to students aged 2 to 18.

The IB affiliated school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme curriculum.

The school offers a range of co-curricular activities such as Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Swimming, Badminton, Gymnastics, Track & Field, Cross Country, field hockey, netball, and touch rugby.

Website: https://www.ishcmc.com/

37) City Honors School

CHS was established in 1897 and is an IB only school offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

The school offers a tailored program for students with autism with a team specializing in the disorder.

They also have several athletic teams, from baseball and tennis to lacrosse, diving, and curling alongside a Cheerleading team. The school also hosts several clubs for students to find something that interests them. and find others who share their passions.

Website: https://cityhonors.org/

38) Marlborough College Malaysia

Marlborough College Malaysia is a fully co-educational school that has both boarding and day facilities.

The school follows a British curriculum and offers the IGCSE courses and the IB Diploma Programme to its students.

The school offers a range of co-curricular activities to its students such as Basketball, Badminton, Swimming, Tennis, Health & Fitness, Volleyball, Cross country, Aqua/Triathlon, Climbing, Squash, Ultimate Frisbee, Yoga, Football, Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics, Netball,  Rounders, Touch Rugby, Music, Photography, Art and Design, Drama and Theatre, University Cooking, Fashion Illustration design, Health and Human Body.

website: https://www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org/

39) Newark Academy 

Founded in 1774, NA is one of the top three private high schools in New Jersey. The school offers education from Grades 6 to 12 in the IB boards.

Newark hosts an array of creative arts classes such as dance, digital arts, app development, classical music, and a jazz band with members prominent in state competitions.

Athletics are equally important, with provisions for tennis, fencing, wrestling, basketball, field hockey, and cross-country to name a new of the competitive sports at the school, divided by seasons with varsities as well. Students are open to spending after-school hours engaged in the gym, tutoring local students, or community service. 

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40) Washington Liberty High School 

WLHS is a top-rated Public school, in the top 10 best college prep public high schools in Virginia.

The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The school has Special Educational needs for students with disabilities and Counselling resources available as well.

They also offer a wide range of sports from baseball, soccer, and lacrosse to track, hockey, and even rifle, as well as school teams. For non-athletic passions, students have a variety of clubs and societies, including MUN club, e-sports, and a GSA.

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These are 40 of the top IB schools in the world. Each of them is capable of offering you access to one of the most reputed curricula in the world.

Before you enroll, you may benefit from making a site visit and talking to parents and students studying at the school currently.