New students starting in September: You can find more information about Induction days and submitting your GCSE results in our Start of Year Guide.
IB DIPLOMA
Truro College is the only provider of the IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma in Cornwall, and it is one of the largest and most successful for student outcomes in the whole of the UK.
What is the IB Diploma?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a two-year course that students may consider as an excellent alternative to A Levels. It will be attractive to students who have enjoyed studying a range of subjects at GCSE and who want to continue doing so at an advanced level.
The IB Diploma is an internationally recognised university entry qualification which is offered in more than a hundred countries throughout the world. It is fully recognised by all UK universities. The IB Diploma continues to produce excellent outcomes and students regularly progress to the very top universities in the country including Oxford, Cambridge and the Russell Group universities.
IB students also have a wealth of opportunity to travel. In addition to participating in language exchanges in France, Germany, Italy and Spain, IB students have travelled to various destinations on field trips including Moscow and Eswatini.
Click above to watch our film about studying the IB diploma at Truro and Penwith College and the career and university opportunities available to you.
The IB is a dynamic course offering academic breadth and depth. It facilitates meaningful learning experiences inside and outside the classroom, independent learning skills, the ability to think critically and cultivates an international mindset.
Paul Gill - IB Diploma Coordinator
What do you need?
As a group, the IB students at Truro College are lively, enthusiastic and willing to get involved, however, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ IB Diploma student. Most IB students will have achieved good GCSE grades in a large number of subjects.
The entry requirements are identical to those for A Level programmes and the qualifications of our current IB students cover a wide range of GCSE results. Grade 6 or above in Higher Level choices, at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Language or Literature and/or Mathematics at Grade 5.
What makes it different?
IB Diploma students study three subjects at Higher Level (H) and three subjects at Standard Level (S). Students also complete creative, action and service hours (CAS), take a Theory of Knowledge class every week and write an extended essay, making it a rich, varied and holistic course.
Keeping your future options open
As an academic all-rounder, you will have enjoyed studying a range of subjects at GCSE and will want to continue to do so at a higher level with this excellent alternative to A Levels. You will be part of an enthusiastic and pro active group of students and will develop your understanding, respect and compassion alongside your studies.
One of the largest providers of the IB Diploma in the UK and the only one in Cornwall
45
For the last five years running, a student on the Truro College IB Diploma has gained the maximum 45 points.
#1
Rated joint top UK state provider of the IB Diploma in the Times Parent Power League Table.
Success
The IB Diploma continues to produce excellent outcomes and students regularly progress to the very top universities in the country including Oxford, Cambridge and the Russell Group universities.
77%
In 2024, 77% of students scored over 30 points, with an average score of 35 (equivalent to A*A*A at A Level). This is well above the global average point score of 30.3.
More of what you love
Latest on social media across the IB Diploma
The cohort as a whole are incredible people. I’ve formed incredible friendships with the people I’ve met that will last a lifetime. The teachers have been so incredibly supportive. It’s made my experience completely worthwhile.
Kaeya, International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma)
our stories
Bella’s Story
IB student Bella discovered a love for Politics and Spanish during her time studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma at Truro College. This passion has inspired her to continue exploring these subjects at university.
Lauren’s Story
With a love for learning and dreams of attending Oxford, Lauren threw herself into IB life, making the most of the residentials, extracurricular opportunities, and close-knit IB community.
Louis’ Story
Louis never thought he was capable of being a high achiever, but took on the IB to push his limits. With support from Truro College, his journey has taken him from self-doubt to success, achieving 31 points and now opening opportunities to study Medicine. His journey proves the IB is for anyone willing to try.
Kaeya’s Story
After moving to Cornwall from Uganda to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma, Kaeya found friends for life through the close-knit IB community.
FAQs
You can apply for the IB Diploma on our website. For further information about the IB Diploma come along to one of our Open Events or the IB Diploma Information Evening. Check truro-penwith.ac.uk/events for the most up-to-date event information.
Students study three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level. Candidates will also follow a Theory of Knowledge course and are involved in Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) projects. Download our IB Diploma guide from our website or come to an Open Event to find the most up-to-date subject information.
The entry requirements are the same as A Level: Grade 6 or above in Higher Level choices, and at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Language or English Literature at Grade 5 and Mathematics at Grade 5. Most IB students will have achieved good GCSE grades in a large number of subjects. A Grade 8 in Maths GCSE will be required for Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches.
A variety of methods are used, including both internal and external assessment. Subjects include a written examination at the end of the course and specialised forms of assessment are used as appropriate to the nature of a given course. These range from portfolios of artwork, audio recordings of oral work and Fieldwork reports to science practicals and research studies - all reflecting the balance and educational diversity of the IB programme.
We strongly recommend making an application for your chosen course as soon as you can when you are in your final year of school. After you have submitted your application, you will be invited to attend an interview where you can make amendments to your application if need be.
Students with an IB Diploma are strongly sought after by universities and employers worldwide. It is anticipated that the majority of IB students will progress to Higher Education. The broad-based curriculum means that options could be available in all spheres of professional life. The international framework may enhance opportunities to study and work abroad.
