When families explore international sixth-form options, they often wonder about the differences between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Both programmes are internationally recognised, but they offer different approaches to learning and preparing for university.
At Dallington School, we considered both options before choosing A Levels for our College programme. Why did we opt for the British system?
What are A Levels, and how do they differ from the IB?
A Levels (Advanced Levels) are the qualifications students work towards in Year 12 and Year 13, the final two years of the British education system.
Their defining feature is specialisation: students typically choose three or four subjects that reflect their interests, strengths and university ambitions, allowing them to study each in greater depth.
The International Baccalaureate (IB), by contrast, offers a broader education, with six subjects from different areas of knowledge alongside compulsory components involving research, reflection and extracurricular activities.
Both systems provide a rigorous academic education. The main difference lies in their approach: while the IB maintains a broader curriculum, A Levels allow students to specialise further.
Why did we choose A Levels at Dallington?
At Dallington, we believe every student has different strengths, interests and aspirations.
A Levels allow us to offer a more personalised academic pathway, enabling students to explore the subjects that motivate them most in greater depth and begin shaping their education around their university ambitions.
They also provide continuity with the British curriculum our students follow in earlier years, including their IGCSEs.
This specialisation also encourages the development of essential university skills, including critical thinking, independence and time management.
For students who are not yet sure what they want to study, our Teen Career Programme helps them explore their interests, discover different university options, visit real workplaces to gain a better understanding of different sectors and, ultimately, make more informed decisions about their future.
What if they want to study in Spain?
This was another key consideration when designing our College programme.
We wanted our students to benefit from A Levels without giving up the possibility of studying at a Spanish university.
That is why we developed Double Bac, which combines A Levels with preparation for the Pruebas de Competencias Específicas (PCE), the subject-specific examinations used in Spanish university admissions.
This combination enables students to prepare for different routes into Spanish and international universities, subject to the entry requirements of each degree programme.
To find out exactly how the programme works, read our article on Dallington College and the British–Spanish Double Bac.
Discover Dallington College on video
Would you like to see how our College programme works?
In this video, we explain how we combine A Levels with preparation for the PCE examinations and the opportunities our Double Bac programme offers students hoping to continue their university studies in Spain or abroad.
Watch the Dallington College video →
Discover our programme
Choosing between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate is not about deciding which programme is better, but which best suits each student.
At Dallington, we chose A Levels for their specialisation, flexibility and continuity with our educational approach. Through Double Bac, we can complement this education with the preparation needed to broaden students’ university options in Spain.
Would you like to find out more about how we support our students throughout Year 12 and Year 13?
