Parent Guide to IB: Everything You Need to Know

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the most rigorous and respected qualifications in the world. But for parents, it can also be one of the most confusing. 

The different grading systems and unfamiliar subject structures make it hard to know how you can best support your child’s studies.

Our parent guide to the IB Diploma Programme will detail everything you need to know, so you understand how the course works and support your child with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• The IB Diploma Programme (IB) is a two-year qualification taken by students aged 16–19, recognised by universities worldwide.

• Students study six subjects across different groups, alongside three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and CAS.

• The IB is graded on a scale of 1–7 per subject, with a maximum total score of 45 points.

What Is the IB?

The IB is an internationally recognised qualification designed for students aged 16-19. It was founded in Geneva in 1968 (opens in a new tab) and is now offered in over 6,000 schools across more than 160 countries (opens in a new tab). 

The programme is known for its breadth and rigour. Rather than specialising in a narrow set of subjects, students study across multiple disciplines, developing: 

• Critical thinking

• Research skills

• Global awareness 

• Academic knowledge

Universities around the world hold the IB Diploma in high regard. In the UK, many universities welcome IB applicants and publish their own IB entry requirements alongside A Level equivalents.

To dig into the detail, check out our comprehensive guide to the IB Diploma Programme.

When Do Students Take the IB?

The IB is a two-year course. Students tend to begin in Year 12 and complete their final exams in Year 13. 

In most schools in the Northern Hemisphere, final examinations take place in May of the second year. Schools in the Southern Hemisphere may follow a November exam session instead.

Internal assessments, coursework, and the Extended Essay are completed throughout the two years and submitted before the final exam period begins.

Understanding IB Subject Choices: How to Help Your Child Choose

The IB requires students to select six subjects from six different subject groups. This structure ensures a well-rounded education, and the choices your child makes will shape their entire two-year experience. 

Help your child think carefully about both their academic strengths and their future ambitions. Some university courses have specific IB subject requirements, so it's worth checking entry requirements early.

It’s also important to note that the range available will depend on what your child’s school offers, so it's worth having an early conversation with their IB coordinator about which subjects are on the timetable.

Every IBDP student must study one subject from each of these groups:

1. Studies in Language and Literature 

2. Language Acquisition

3. Individuals and Societies 

4. Sciences 

5. Mathematics 

6. The Arts or an elective (an arts subject or a second choice from Groups 1–4)

Here is a breakdown of the subjects in each group:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

Your child will usually take their native language in this group:

• Language A: Literature

• Language A: Language and Literature

• Literature and Performance (SL only)

Group 2: Language Acquisition

In this group, your child will learn a new language or develop one they already know.

• Language B (for students with some experience)

• Language ab initio (for beginners)

Languages that might be offered include: French, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, or Japanese.

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

This group covers the humanities and social sciences.

• History

• Geography

• Economics

• Psychology

• Global Politics

• Business Management

Group 4: Sciences

These subjects develop scientific skills through experiments and inquiry.

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Computer Science

• Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)

(ESS can count as either a Group 3 or Group 4 subject.)

Group 5: Mathematics

All IB students must take a maths course.

The two options are:

• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) – more algebraic and theoretical

• Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) – focused on application

Each course is available at HL and SL.

Group 6: The Arts (or a second subject from Groups 1–4)

This group allows you to specialise further or keep your curriculum broad.

Examples include:

• Visual Arts

• Music

• Theatre

• Film

• Dance

If you do not want to take an Arts subject, you can replace it with an extra subject from Groups 1-4.

Three subjects must be studied at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). HL subjects involve more content and are assessed in greater depth. 

Our dedicated IB subjects article has loads more information on the subjects your child might be considering.

How Many Subjects Do Students Usually Take at IB?

All IBDP students take six subjects - three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. This is a fixed requirement of the Diploma Programme. 

On top of their six subjects, students also complete three core components:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - a philosophy-style course exploring how we know what we know.

• The Extended Essay (EE) - an independent research essay of up to 4,000 words.

• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - a series of extracurricular activities across creative, physical, and community-based pursuits.

Understanding IB Grades and Assessment

How the Grading System Works

Each of the six subjects is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, where 7 is the highest. This gives a maximum subject total of 42 points. 

Students can also earn up to 3 bonus points from their TOK and Extended Essay performance, bringing the maximum possible score to 45 points.

What Counts as a Pass?

To be awarded the IB Diploma, students must achieve a minimum of 24 points overall, with no more than three subjects graded at 3 or below. 

There are also specific requirements around TOK and the Extended Essay. Students must meet the minimum standard in these components to receive the full Diploma.

A score of 38 or above out of 45 is considered excellent and is needed as a minimum for highly selective universities. 

You can find out more about IB assessment in our IB Grading overview.

Key Dates and Timeline for the IB

Choosing Subjects or Pathways

Subject selection usually takes place at the end of Year 11, before students begin the Diploma in Year 12. Schools often run information evenings and one-to-one meetings with IB coordinators at this stage.

Encourage your child to research their chosen subjects and, where possible, to speak to older students who have already studied them.

Beginning IB Courses

The first year of the IB (Year 12) is usually an introduction to all six subjects plus the three core components. Internal assessments begin during this year, and many students start their Extended Essay research.

It's normal for the first year to feel intense. The workload is significantly heavier than at GCSE, and students often need time to adjust to the pace.

Assessment Period

Final IB exams are held in May for most schools in the Northern Hemisphere. The exam session typically runs for three to four weeks, with students sitting multiple papers across their six subjects. 

Internal assessments and the Extended Essay must be submitted before the exam session begins.

Results and Next Steps

IB Diploma results are released in early July for the May exam session. 

UCAS university applications in the UK will already have been submitted earlier in the year, with most offers conditional on IB results. 

How Can Parents Support Their Child Through the IB?

The IB can be demanding, for students and parents. But your support matters enormously, even when it's quiet and behind the scenes. 

Creating a Supportive Home Environment

Consistent routines make a big difference. Help your child establish regular study times, but also build in time for rest, meals, and activities they enjoy.

A calm and organised home environment, with a dedicated study space where possible, can make it much easier for your child to focus.

Supporting Revision and Study Skills

Ask your child what they're working on and show genuine interest, but try not to micromanage their revision. Trust them to lead their own learning, and offer support when they ask for it.

Practical tools from Save My Exams will supercharge your child’s learning. Explore: 

• Past papers - for exam practice as close to the real thing as possible

• Flashcards - for short burst revision

• Examiner-written revision notes - so your child is only learning what they need to know

• Topic questions - to turn weak topics into learning strengths 

For a more detailed breakdown of IB-specific revision tips, take a look at our guide to supporting your child through the IB.

Managing Stress and Wellbeing

It's completely normal for IB students to feel anxious at certain points in the year, especially around internal assessment deadlines and the May exam session.

Watch for signs of prolonged stress, such as: 

• Difficulty sleeping

• Withdrawing from activities

• Changes in mood

And, encourage open conversations about how they're feeling. Our free anxiety relief kit provides lots of revision tips to alleviate exam stress.

Communicating with Teachers or Tutors

Most IB schools have a coordinator who oversees the Diploma Programme. If your child is struggling, academically or emotionally,  this is often the best first point of contact.

Don't wait for parents' evenings if something feels urgent. A brief email or phone call can open up a helpful conversation much earlier.

What Happens If Results Aren't What You Expected?

Disappointing results are not the end of the road, and there are clear options available.

Enquiry upon results (EuR): Students can request a re-mark of their exam papers (opens in a new tab) if they believe their scripts were marked incorrectly. 

Retaking exams: Students can resit one or more IB exams in a future session. For more information, take a look at our IB resits guide.

Alternative pathways: If university entry is delayed, students can explore foundation courses, alternative qualifications, apprenticeships, or gap year options before reapplying.

Whatever happens, remind your child that their results do not define their future. Many students go on to achieve great things after a setback at this stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important are IB results for future education or careers?

IB results are highly regarded by universities worldwide. In the UK, most universities publish IB entry requirements, and a strong Diploma score is competitive for selective courses. 

That said, many pathways exist beyond university, and the skills developed through the IB - research, critical thinking, time management - are valued by employers too.

What should I do if my child is struggling with the IB?

Start by talking to your child. Find out whether the difficulty is academic, organisational, or emotional. Then contact their IB coordinator or form tutor at school to explore further support options.

Support Your Child’s IB Journey With Save My Exams

Passing the IB Diploma Programme is an impressive achievement, but it's also challenging, and your child will need support along the way. 

By understanding how the programme works, staying engaged with their progress, and creating a calm and encouraging home environment, you can play a huge part in helping them succeed. 

However your child’s IB journey progresses, Save My Exams is here to support every step of the way with a huge bank of IB revision resources. With the revision strategy and your support behind them, your child is in a much stronger position to reach their goals - whatever those may be.

References

IBO - IB Foundation Office (opens in a new tab)

IBO - Facts and Figures (opens in a new tab)

IBO - Assessment FAQ (opens in a new tab)