Transport and bursary information for Truro and Penzance campuses is now available on our Travel & Bursary Hub (travel information for the STEM & Health Skills Centre will be announced shortly). Please read our Start of Year Guide to find out more about start dates, College Ready sessions and submitting your GCSE results.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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 is widely regarded 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 Russia and Eswatini. You can find out more about our charitable work in Eswatini here.
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
Over the last few years, several students have gained the maximum of 45 points – an amazing achievement.
#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.
98%
In 2025, 98% of students passed, well above the global average of 80%. Nearly a quarter of students achieved 40 points or more and 90% gained 30 points or more.
Bella and Lauren are on top of the world: IB Results Day 2025
Bella and Lauren’s IB results place them among the highest achievers in the world. The pair were awarded an incredible 44-point score out of a possible 45, equivalent to five A* and A grades at A Level.
The remarkable, near perfect, score sees Lauren, from Falmouth, accept her offer to study Medicine at the University of Oxford. Bella, from Truro, will now study Combined Honours with Social Sciences at Durham University, a member of the prestigious Russell Group.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
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.
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 many subjects.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT?
When you choose the IB, you will study three subjects at Higher Level (H) and three subjects at Standard Level (S). You will also complete Creativity, Activity and Service hours (CAS), take a Theory of Knowledge class every week and write an extended essay. 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.
The IB is not about being perfect or fitting a particular academic mould. It’s a course for curious, motivated students who enjoy learning across a range of subjects and want to develop as confident, independent thinkers. It’s for ‘all-rounders’ who want to keep their options open.
Paul Gill
IB Diploma Coordinator
I always thought the IB was for the really academic students – the straight A* people. I didn’t feel like I was that kind of person. But I chose the IB because I wanted to push myself, keep my options open, and be around people I could learn from.
Louis
IB Diploma
Frequently Asked Questions
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.