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Global Academic Excellence

2026 was a landmark year for Westbourne School. Winning two major awards – Sunday Times Independent School of the Year 2026 and the Edufuturist Independent School of the Year 2026 – Westbourne is proud to be a top academic and IB Diploma school, consistently recognised for high standards and outstanding results on the global stage. With students ranking in the top 1-2% worldwide for IB scores, we set an exceptional academic benchmark for independent schools in both the UK and internationally.

Our commitment to excellence is mirrored across our global campuses. In Sydney, Westbourne ranks 1st for IB results, with most students achieving a perfect 45 Points. In Singapore, 40% scored 41+ Points in 2026. In the UK, 2026 saw almost 70% of our graduates secure the very top grades (A*-A, or 9-7 IB Points), opening doors to elite STEM, business, and economics university programmes.

Our most recent awards successes follow several consecutive years of national and global recognition for academic and innovation excellence. Named Sunday Times Independent School of the Year for outstanding results and provision across the board, we were also named Independent School of the Year Winner 2025 for Best Use of Education Technology, and ISA Award Winner for Most Innovative UK Independent School 2024.

We’re delighted to see our IB grades place the school as the No.1 IB Boarding School 2025 in the best-schools.co.uk league tables. Our continued innovation in education has also earned us three Pearson National Teaching Awards, including Headteacher of the Year and Digital Innovator of the Year, following our 2023 Global EdTech Award for digital transformation.

We are currently a Silver Winner in the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards for Transformational Use of Digital Technology, with the Gold Winners to be announced in the coming months on BBC1.

These achievements reflect our commitment to preparing students with the skills, knowledge, and global perspectives they need to succeed – both now and in the future.

Explore our Awards

2026 IB Diploma Grades

What is your ranking?

In 2026, our IB Point Average for Westbourne School in the UK is 37.3.

We are delighted to rank as the #1 IB Boarding School in the UK in the best-schools league tables 2025 (co-ed schools), Sunday Times Independent School of the Year 2026, and Edufuturist Independent School of the Year 2026.

What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The IBDP is the gold standard in global education – a rigorous programme that goes beyond academics to build critical thinkers, researchers, and global citizens. Unlike traditional programmes, it combines six subject areas with unique core elements: the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), fostering skills for success in the world’s top universities and beyond.

Explore our Sixth Form

How does the IB compare to A Levels?

While A Levels offer depth in typically three subjects, the IB Diploma takes a broader approach, covering six areas that include languages, sciences, and the arts. It challenges students to think across disciplines, giving them skills in critical analysis, independent research, and teamwork through its core components. For students with top university ambitions, the IB’s breadth and global perspective make it a perfect match.

Each pathway will suit individual students differently, depending on their interests, study style and future ambitions.

We are pleased to offer both pathways in our award-winning Sixth Form.

Explore our Blog on the IB Vs A Levels

How do Westbourne’s IB results stack up globally?

Our students are among the best of the best. Westbourne students rank in the top 1-2% globally, with graduates securing spots at elite universities in fields like STEM and business.

In Sydney, Westbourne leads IB results, with the highest number of perfect 45 IB Point scores.

In Singapore, 40% of our students scored a phenomenal 41+ IB Points in 2026.

The global average for IB Points is 30. The Westbourne UK average is 37.3, Westbourne Sydney is 39.

What universities do Westbourne graduates attend?

Our graduates regularly gain admission to the world’s leading institutions, including Russell Group universities and Oxford and Cambridge, as well as elite international equivalents such as Ivy League institutions, Caltech and Sciences Po. With Westbourne’s IB foundation, students are prepared for top programmes in medicine, engineering, business, and beyond.

2026 GCSE Grades

“Westbourne is one of the most consistently high-achieving independent schools in Britain” Sunday Times Best Schools Guide

‘Westbourne is one of the most consistently high-achieving independent schools in Britain’ Sunday Times Best Schools Guide

The Secret of Our Success

In a word, it’s our people.

At Westbourne, success is driven by a highly supportive academic environment and a clear mission: to prepare tomorrow’s leaders in STEM and Business for the global stage. Our dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and focus on individual growth create a close-knit community that encourages every student to thrive.

Beyond our Penarth campus, the Westbourne family is expanding worldwide with new IB Colleges currently in 3 continents. Students benefit from global exchange opportunities, access to a network of alumni across continents, and enhanced academic support from world-class teachers. This international perspective empowers our GCSE and IB students with the skills, experiences, and confidence to excel.

To discover more about the unique Westbourne experience and inspiring student journeys, explore our Westbourne Voices.

Hear Our Success Stories

UK League Tables

Independent School of the Year 2026, Sunday Times

Westbourne has a long-standing reputation of ranking 1st for results.

Most recently, we were named Independent School of the Year 2026 in the prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power league tables, reflective of our outstanding academic results as well as exceptional provision across the board, from co-curricular to pastoral care.

Sunday Times Parent Power 2026

Independent School of the Year 2026, Edufuturist

A second Independent School of the Year accolade for Westbourne School in 2026! The Edufuturist Awards recognise the very best schools across the UK, applauding academic excellence as well as a forward-thinking approach to education.

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