IB vs A Level: What’s the Difference?

Reviewed by: Liam Taft

Published

30 June 2025

Contents

If you’re trying to figure out which qualification best matches your learning style and future goals, you might be asking yourself: what exactly sets the International Baccalaureate (IB) apart from A Levels?

This guide will walk you through the key differences between IB and A Level — from workload and subject choices to assessment and future opportunities — so you can feel confident in your decision.

What are A Levels and the IB Diploma?

A Levels

A Levels are subject-based qualifications typically taken by students aged 16–18 in the UK. Offered in sixth forms and colleges, A Levels allow you to specialise in 3–4 subjects of your choice, offering deep exploration in specific areas.

They’re ideal for students with clear academic interests or career goals.

A Levels help you:

Gain in-depth subject knowledge
Prepare for higher education and career-specific training
Build strong analytical and critical thinking skills

IB Diploma

The IB Diploma Programme is a globally recognised two-year qualification for students aged 16–19. It focuses on developing well-rounded students through a broad curriculum of six subject areas, combined with three unique core components.

Instead of narrowing your studies, the IB encourages breadth and depth across disciplines — perfect if you’re curious about a range of topics.

The IB helps you:

Develop global awareness and intellectual curiosity
Balance academic rigour with creative learning
Prepare for competitive universities worldwide

Key Differences Between the IB Diploma and A Levels

Choosing between the IB vs A Levels means weighing up different learning styles, subject approaches and future goals. Here’s how they compare:

1. Workload and Level of Difficulty

IB: The IB Diploma is widely considered one of the most demanding qualifications at this level. Balancing six subjects, an extended essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires strong organisation and time management. The workload is quite intensive, but with the right approach and support, it’s more than manageable.

A Levels: A Levels are also challenging, but with a more focused scope. You’ll similarly study your subjects in depth, but you’re only studying 3–4 areas. You’ll need to master complex material and apply analytical skills, but the narrower subject range can allow for more focused revision.

Top Tip: If you thrive with variety and structured learning, the IB might be for you. Prefer to hone in on fewer areas? A Levels might be more suited to your learning style.

2. Structure and Teacher Support

A Levels: Students benefit from a mix of guided lessons and independent study. There’s a lot more flexibility and freedom than with GCSEs, but teachers still provide structured support and frequent check-ins. You’ll be expected to take accountability for your own learning, so staying motivated is important.

IB: The IB structure is more holistic and requires independence from the outset. However, students often work closely with advisors on core components like the Extended Essay. The collaborative atmosphere means there’s support, but you’ll be expected to manage your time effectively.

3. Subject Variety and Course Depth

One of the key differences between the IB and A Level is how many subjects you’ll study.

A Levels: You typically choose four subjects to study at AS Level, with students usually dropping one subject ahead of second year. This focused approach allows you to specialise early. It’s a great option for students with clear academic or career trajectories.

IB: You study six subjects — one from each subject group: Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Maths and the Arts (or a second subject from another group). Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), balancing depth and breadth.

For example:

An A Level student may study Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics at AS Level, dropping one subject ahead of second year
An IB student might study HL Biology, HL English, HL Geography, SL Maths, SL French and SL Theatre — all alongside TOK, CAS and an Extended Essay

As you can see, there’s quite a difference in subject breadth between the two qualifications.

4. Grading and Assessment

When it comes to grading and assessment, the IB and A Levels take quite different approaches. Understanding these can help you choose the path that suits you best.

A Levels: A Levels are graded from A* to E, with final exams at the end of two years making up the bulk (or all) of your marks. Some subjects also include coursework or practical assessments. Check out our guide to the A Level grading system to find out more.

IB: The IB uses a points system, with each subject graded from 1 to 7 and up to 3 additional points available from the core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay. That gives a maximum score of 45.

What makes the IB unique is its mix of internal and external assessments, spread throughout the two years, which helps reduce the pressure of one-off exams and rewards consistent effort. Whether you prefer a final exam focus or a more varied assessment style, it’s worth considering which structure will play to your strengths.

Our guide to the IB grading system helps break this down further.

5. Academic Requirements

Again, there are differences in the entry requirements when it comes to enrolling in the IB vs A Levels.

Most sixth forms and colleges offering A Levels require:

At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths
For specific A Level subjects, you’ll often need higher grades in related GCSEs — for example, a grade 6 or 7 in GCSE Maths to study A Level Maths

When it comes to the IB Diploma, the IB itself does not set any entry requirements –– this is down to each individual school. Generally speaking, you’ll need to have achieved decent results in either the Middle Years Programme (MYP) or an equivalent qualification, or may be required to complete entrance exams.

6. Future Prospects

Both A Levels and the IB Diploma are highly regarded qualifications that can lead to a range of exciting opportunities after sixth form or college. Whether you’re aiming to go to university, entering the world of work or applying for an apprenticeship, both qualifications can shape the direction you take.

A Levels are the traditional route to university in the UK. Most universities — including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions — base their offers on three A Level grades. Competitive courses often require specific A Level subjects and top grades.

The IB is recognised by top universities worldwide, including Oxbridge and Ivy League institutions. The breadth of study, independent research and critical thinking it requires makes it an excellent foundation for higher education.

With a strong IB or A Level result, you can:

Apply to universities across the globe
Access higher apprenticeships or foundation degrees
Pursue competitive careers

Tips for Transitioning to IB or A Levels

Although both the IB Diploma and A Levels are known for their academic rigour, they’re absolutely manageable — especially with the right mindset and the support systems that are in place to help you succeed.

To help you stay confident and avoid feeling overwhelmed, here are some top tips.

1. Time Management

Whether you choose IB or A Levels, time management is essential. Make use of calendars, weekly planners or digital tools to stay on top of deadlines, especially if you’re juggling coursework or extended projects.

Break large tasks into manageable chunks, and set specific goals for each study session.

2. Staying Motivated with Increased Independence

Post-16 education places a greater emphasis on personal responsibility. If you studied GCSEs, IGCSEs or O Levels, you’re probably used to frequent guidance and reminders from teachers about homework and deadlines.

Without as many structured lessons at IB and A Level, your motivation becomes key. Set meaningful academic and personal goals — like securing a place at your dream university or landing your first job.

Track your progress and reflect on wins (big or small) to stay energised.

3. Avoiding Burnout

Burnout can be a risk when it comes to demanding qualifications like the IB and A Levels. Protect your wellbeing with healthy routines, sleep, exercise and downtime.

Use the Pomodoro technique or similar methods to build focus and schedule regular breaks. If stress builds up and you begin to feel overwhelmed, remember that your teachers and school counsellors are there to support you.

IB vs A Level Pass Rates

When comparing IB vs A Level results, there’s a notable difference in pass rates. But it’s important to look beyond the surface.

In 2024, 97.2% of A Level entries in England achieved a grade E or higher (the minimum required for a pass). Meanwhile, the global pass rate for the IB Diploma was approximately 80%, based on figures released by the IBO.

At first glance, this might make A Levels appear easier to pass, but the comparison isn’t that straightforward. A Levels typically attract students who choose 3–4 subjects they excel in and wish to pursue in depth.

In contrast, IB students must study six subjects across a broad curriculum, along with three core components (TOK, Extended Essay and CAS), making it a more demanding structure overall.

What’s more, when looking at IB pass rates in the UK alone, the pass rate in 2024 was 94.57%.

IB to A Level Conversion

Wondering how IB results convert to A Level grades?

While exact conversions may vary slightly by institution, this table reflects standard benchmarking used by UCAS and many universities:

IB Score (per subject)	A Level Equivalent
7	A*
6	A
5	B
4	C
3	D/E (below standard offer)
1–2	U (ungraded)

Full Diploma Comparison (out of 45)

Total IB Points	Typical A Level Equivalent
43–45	A*AA (or above)
38–42	A*AA to AAA
34–37	AAA to AAB
30–33	ABB to BBB
27–29	BBC to BCC
24 (minimum pass)	Around CCC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IB better than A Level?

Neither qualification is ‘better’ than the other — they suit different learning styles and goals. Both are highly respected by top universities in the UK and abroad. IB may be more suited to you if you want a balanced, global education across subjects. On the other hand, A Levels are ideal if you want to specialise early on.

Is IB harder than A Levels?

Whether you would find the IB harder than A Levels depends on what you find challenging. Both are academically rigorous, but they differ significantly in structure, expectations and workload. As mentioned, the IB requires students to study more subjects across a broader range, and includes unique components such as the TOK, CAS and Extended Essay.

That being said, A Levels can be just as challenging and requires the same level of analytical reasoning and critical thinking.

Can I switch from A Levels to IB or vice versa?

It may be possible to switch from A Levels to the IB Diploma or vice versa, but it depends on timing, school policy and your individual circumstances. Here's what you need to know if you're considering a switch:

You’ll most likely need to switch within the first term or few weeks of starting Year 12
You’ll need to be at a school that offers the IB, or be willing to transfer
Schools will usually assess your academic background (e.g., GCSEs) and ensure you're able to cope with the broader workload of the IB
You'll need to catch up on IB core components like TOK, CAS, and begin planning for your Extended Essay
If you’ve already made significant progress with A Level coursework or content, switching could mean starting over

What are the IB entry requirements for UK universities?

UK universities widely accept the IB Diploma, however entry requirements vary depending on the course and university, so it’s important to check individual criteria.

Generally speaking, most UK universities require an IB score of around 34-36 points for undergraduate programmes, while more competitive universities can require a score of around 38-42 points.

What are the A Level entry requirements for UK universities?

Again, A Level entry requirements also vary depending on what you’re studying and where you’re studying. For a competitive undergraduate course such as Medicine, you’ll typically need three A Levels with grades A*AA or AAA, including in Chemistry and usually Biology. Some universities also require an additional subject like Maths or Physics, alongside strong GCSEs, particularly in English, Maths and Sciences.

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