International Baccalaureate Poised for Greater 2013 Success Following Strong Global Growth

THE HAGUE, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With more than one million students currently attending IB World Schools across the globe, 2012 growth figures published today by the International Baccalaureate (IB) demonstrate that the organisation is continuing to build on its position as a leader in international education.

“The research carried out by The University of Chicago2 provides evidence for what we have known all along – that the Diploma Programme is excellent preparation for both college and career”

2012 developments also show growing engagement with governments and NGOs across the world to increase access to an IB education, while a commitment to on-going innovation and programme development ensures the organisation remains at the cutting edge of education.

Strong global growth

In the last year, 317 new IB World Schools have been authorised to deliver IB programmes. Over a five year period the number of IB world schools has increased by 44%, from 3,007 in 2008 to 4,333 in 2012.

Meanwhile, the number of students globally enrolled for exams on the IB’s prestigious Diploma Programme increased by 7% in 2012, supporting a 38% increase in the last 5 years, from 95,170 in 2008 to 131,365 in 2012.

Jeffrey Beard, Director General, International Baccalaureate, said:

“As the IB moves into its 45th year, increasing access to an IB education across the world and building our diverse global IB community remains at the very heart of our mission. We are delighted that there continues to be increasing demand for IB programmes worldwide, resulting in strong growth once again for the 2012 year. This builds on the success of past years and widens our global reach. We’re continually working to develop new and innovative product offerings to meet the demands of new audiences.”

Increased access to an IB education

The IB is now present in 144 countries, up from 132 in 2008. Part of the IB’s mission is to create an environment where more students are able to access and benefit from an IB education regardless of personal circumstances. 2012 has seen the IB increase collaboration with a number of global partners to tailor, provide support and expand access to its education programmes worldwide including in Poland, South Africa, Japan and Ecuador.

As a global leader in international education, the IB engages with governments across the world to widen access to IB programmes and to provide strategic support and expertise on educational issues. A number of such agreements have been finalised in 2012, including in the Middle East, South America and Spain.

Innovative Programme Development

As an organisation, the IB is dedicated to broadening access through facilitating the development and marketing of new, innovative educational products and services.

Following the successful completion of a pilot last year, the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC) has been rolled out globally, widening access to an IB education to students wishing to pursue a career related education, and allowing schools that already offer the IB Diploma Programme to broaden their IB offering. Demand for the IBCC has been strong, and it is currently being offered in 45 schools worldwide.

Inspiring learning

Two IB World Student Conferences were held in 2012 – in Vancouver and Segovia – giving 561 students from 49 countries a unique opportunity to develop their learning, international understanding and leadership skills. Following the success of 2012’s programme, four conferences are planned for 2013, taking place in the USA, UK, Canada and Hong Kong, with over 1400 students expected to attend.

Notes to Editors

Additional IB quotes

“Research released in 2012¹ has yet again reinforced that the IB Diploma Programme gives students the knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to excel in university and truly prepares students for the working world,” said Adrian Kearney, Regional Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa, International Baccalaureate.

“The research carried out by The University of Chicago² provides evidence for what we have known all along – that the Diploma Programme is excellent preparation for both college and career,” said Drew Deutsch, Regional Director of the IB Americas.

About the IB

Founded in 1968 the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a not-for profit foundation, which offers four high quality and challenging educational programmes for a worldwide community of schools. For 45 years, IB programmes have gained a reputation for their rigour and high academic standards, for preparing students for life in a globalised 21st century, and for helping to develop citizens who will create a better, more peaceful world. Currently there are over 1 million IB students attending nearly 3500 schools in 144 countries. To learn more, please visit www.ibo.org.

¹ http://www.ibo.org/research/policy/programmevalidation/diploma/

² http://www.ibo.org/research/policy/programmevalidation/diploma/documents/CPSResearchsummaryFinal3-3-12.pdf