Study the world-class International Baccalaureate at one of England’s highest performing state schools with no tuition fees.
Following the successful completion of our IB Candidacy, Wembley High Technology College will be one of only 20 non-fee-paying schools in England offering the prestigious IB Diploma, the qualification of choice for internationally-minded students aiming for top UK and global universities.
Why the IB? The IB: A World-Class Qualification
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the qualification of choice for students at leading private schools worldwide. It combines academic rigour with breadth, critical thinking, and a global perspective – exactly what top universities look for.
At Wembley High, you will be able study the IB with no tuition fees after we have completed our Candidacy phase.
At private schools, IB costs £15,000-£25,000+ per year, now with VAT.
Why Choose Wembley High for the IB?
One of England’s Highest-Performing Schools
- Progress 8: +1.90 (2018 – joint highest in England); +1.43 (2024), +1.72 (2025)
- Consistently in the top 1% of state schools nationally
- Students achieve nearly two full grades better than similar students across the country
- Outstanding (Ofsted 2022)
- Ranked #1 secondary school in England (Real Schools Guide, 2018)
- 3rd highest non-selective state school in Britain (Telegraph, 2025)
Exceptional Sixth Form Outcomes
- 42% A/A* at A-level (2025)
- 88% A-C; 100% pass rate
- Strong progression to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, including UCL, LSE, Imperial College London, and King’s College London
- 60% of students progress to top Russell Group universities
The IB at State School Prices
| Private School IB | Wembley High IB | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition | £15,000-£25,000+ | £0 |
| Plus VAT (20%) | +£3,000-£5,000 | £0 |
| Total over 2 years | £36,000-£60,000+ | £0 |
Save tens of thousands of pounds – invest in your child’s university and future instead of school fees.
WHTC Will Be One of only 20 State Schools Offering the IB
Once we have successfully completed our Candidacy, WHTC will be one the rare IB schools in the state section. This will be a unique opportunity to access a prestigious, globally recognised qualification at an Outstanding school, completely free.
Small, Pioneering Cohort = Exceptional Support
- High teacher-to-student ratio
- Personal IB mentor for every student
- Dedicated support in the first term to help students adjust to IB workload
- Outstanding pastoral care (Ofsted Outstanding 2022)
- Proven university guidance team with Oxbridge and Russell Group expertise
What is the IB? The IB Diploma in Plain English
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year qualification for students aged 16-19, designed to develop:
Breadth
You study 6 subjects across multiple disciplines:
- 3 at Higher Level (in-depth study)
- 3 at Standard Level (comprehensive coverage)
This keeps your options open for university – perfect if you’re unsure about your degree choice or want a well-rounded profile.
Depth & Skills
You complete three core elements that universities love:
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research project on a topic of your choice
- Theory of Knowledge (ToK): A course on critical thinking about knowledge itself
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Real-world projects, sports, arts, and community engagement
Global Recognition
The IB is respected by universities worldwide, including all top UK universities (Oxbridge, Russell Group) and internationally (USA, Europe, Asia, Australia).
Result: A well-rounded education that prepares you for the most demanding degrees and careers.
IB vs A-Levels – Which is Right for You?
| Feature | IB | A-Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Number of subjects | 6 subjects + Core (ToK, EE, CAS) | 4 AS Levels, 3 A Levels |
| Breadth vs Depth | Very broad – languages, sciences, humanities, maths, arts | Specialised in 3-4 subjects |
| Assessment | Mix of exams, coursework, independent research | Mostly exams (some coursework) |
| Best for | Students who want challenge, want to keep options open, or are undecided about degree | Students with clear subject focus |
| University recognition | Highly respected globally; especially valued by Russell Group and Oxbridge | Standard route; well understood by UK universities |
| Workload | Demanding but manageable with support | Intense exam preparation |
Bottom line:
Choose IB if you are ambitious, intellectually curious, want breadth, or are considering Oxbridge/Russell Group/international universities
Choose A-levels if you are clear on 3-4 subjects and want to specialise early
Who is the IB For?
The IB is ideal if you:
- Want to study a broad range of subjects and keep university options open
- Are considering Oxbridge, Russell Group, or international universities
- Enjoy being challenged and want to develop research, critical thinking, and leadership skills
- Value creativity and service alongside academics
- Are internationally minded and curious about the world
- Want to stand out in UCAS with a distinctive qualification
Not sure? Come to an Open Morning, Open Evening, or Online Information Session – we’ll help you decide.
The IB at Wembley High – Subjects
At Wembley High, you can tailor your IB to suit your interests and university goals. You’ll choose 6 subjects from the following groups:
| Group | Subjects | Levels Available |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature | English Language and Literature | Standard & Higher Level |
| Group 2: Language Acquisition | Spanish B French / Mandarin | Standard & Higher Level Standard Level |
| Group 3: Individuals and Societies | History, Geography, Psychology, Economics | Standard & Higher Level |
| Group 4: Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Standard & Higher Level |
| Group 5: Mathematics | Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches | Standard & Higher Level |
| Group 6: The Arts | Visual Arts Theatre | Standard & Higher Level Standard Level |
Example IB Pathways for Different Careers
These are just examples – you can create your own combination based on your interests and goals.
How We Support IB Students
At Wembley High, we’re committed to making sure every IB student thrives:
- Small Cohort: In our early years, IB class sizes will be small, meaning more individual attention from teachers
- Personal IB Mentor: Every student gets a dedicated mentor to guide them through the programme
- Study Skills & Time Management: Workshops and support in the first term to help you adjust to IB workload
- Outstanding Pastoral Care: Ofsted Outstanding; we care about your wellbeing as much as your grades
- University Guidance: Our experienced team has a strong track record with Oxbridge and Russell Group applications
- Extended Essay & TOK Support: Dedicated time, resources, and teacher guidance for core elements
You won’t be left to figure it out alone – we will support you every step of the way.
Where Do Wembley Students Go? University Destinations & Outcomes
Our students regularly progress to the UK’s most competitive universities, including:
Oxbridge
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
Russell Group
- University College London (UCL)
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- Imperial College London
- King’s College London
- University of Manchester
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Warwick
- Durham University
- …and many more
Top Courses
- Medicine
- Law
- Engineering
- Economics
- Natural Sciences
- Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE)
- Computer Science
- Architecture
The IB opens doors: Universities value IB students for their breadth, independence, critical thinking, and research skills. Many Russell Group universities actively seek IB students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The IB is broader and includes independent research (Extended Essay) and critical thinking (Theory of Knowledge), which can be challenging. However, with the right support – which we provide – motivated students thrive.
The IB is not “harder” – it’s different. It’s broader, more holistic, and highly valued by universities.
Yes! All UK universities accept the IB. Many Russell Group universities actively prefer it for certain courses because it develops breadth and critical thinking.
Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, UCL, and others publish IB-specific entry requirements (e.g. “38 points with 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects”).
We typically look for:
- Strong GCSE results overall (e.g. average grade 7+)
- Grade 7 or above in subjects you wish to study at Higher Level
- Grade 6 or above in subjects you wish to study at Standard Level
We assess each application individually – if you are motivated and meet our entry criteria, you are eligible.
We typically look for:
- Strong GCSE results overall (e.g. average grade 7+)
- Grade 7 or above in subjects you wish to study at Higher Level
- Grade 6 or above in subjects you wish to study at Standard Level
We assess each application individually – if you are motivated and meet our entry criteria, you are eligible.
In the first few weeks, switches may be possible, subject to timetabling and space. After that, the programmes diverge significantly.
We will work with you to make the right choice from the start, so you do not need to switch.
£0.
There are no tuition fees. As a state school, the IB is free – the same as A-levels.
Yes! We welcome applications from:
- Students currently at private schools
- Students at other state schools
- Wembley High’s and North Brent School’s own Year 11 students
If you meet our entry requirements and are committed to the IB, you’re eligible to apply.
Perfect – the IB is ideal for you.
You keep studying 6 subjects across multiple disciplines, so you stay flexible. You can apply for Medicine, Law, Engineering, Humanities, or Sciences with a strong IB profile.
Many IB students finalize their university choice during Year 12 or 13 – the broad IB curriculum keeps doors open.
8:35am – 3:05pm with study periods and enrichment opportunities
IB students also have:
- Independent study time for Extended Essay and CAS projects
- Access to study spaces and library
- After-school support and enrichment
Yes. Wembley High has an excellent SEND team. We can provide:
- Access arrangements for exams (extra time, reader/scribe, etc.)
- Personalized learning support
- Regular check-ins with SEND coordinator
If your child has an EHCP or specific needs, please contact us to discuss how we can support them in the IB programme.
Absolutely.
The IB is excellent preparation for competitive courses:
- Medicine: Take Biology and Chemistry at HL, plus a third HL subject
- Engineering: Take Physics and Maths at HL
- Law: Take humanities (History, Economics, Psychology) at HL; strong written skills from EE and ToK
Many medical schools, law schools, and engineering departments actively value IB students for their breadth and critical thinking.
The IB is demanding but manageable:
- Lessons: 21 hours per week (the same as AS Levels)
- Independent study: ~10-15 hours per week (homework, Extended Essay, TOK, CAS)
We will teach you time management and study skills in the first term. Our students balance IB with sports, music, part-time jobs, and social life.
The IB Learner Profile
The IB aims to develop 10 attributes in every student. At Wembley High, we embed these into everything we do:
Reflective: Understand strengths and weaknesses, support personal growth
- Enquirers: Curious, love learning
- Knowledgeable: Explore ideas across disciplines
- Thinkers: Analyze complex problems, make ethical decisions
- Communicators: Express ideas confidently in multiple ways
- Principled: Act with integrity and fairness
- Open-minded: Appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives
- Caring: Show empathy and commitment to service
- Risk-takers: Embrace challenges with resilience
- Balanced: Maintain intellectual, physical, and emotional well-being
Candidate School Status
Wembley High Technology College is a Candidate School for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.*
This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy: a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education that Wembley High Technology College believes is important for our students.
*Only schools authorised by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.
For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.
Ready to Find Out More?
Join us at an IB Information Event
| IB Open Morning | Online Information Session: | IB Open Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 14th January 2026. 09:00 am – 10:30 am WHTC Sign Up | Monday 19th January 2026 Zoom link to be shared after you have registered Sign Up | Wednesday 21st January 2026 05:00 pm – 06:00 pm, WHTC Sign Up |
Or take the next step:
Questions?
We look forward to welcoming you to Wembley High’s IB Programme in September 2026.
