A-Levels or IB? British school qualifications compared
Anyone seriously considering a British boarding school will eventually face a central question: A-Levels or the IB Diploma Programme? Both are respected by universities worldwide and both open doors to higher education in Germany and internationally. But they are built on fundamentally different principles.
This page explains how each qualification works, what sets them apart and what to consider when choosing subjects whilst keeping an eye on recognition back in Germany.
A-Levels: Specialisation over breadth
Structure and subject choice
A-Levels are the traditional British upper school qualification. Students choose three or four subjects and study them intensively over two years. There are no compulsory subjects and no minor subjects. For students who know their strengths and want to move purposefully towards a particular field, the structure suits them well.
Teaching is demanding and often shared between two teachers per subject, which allows for close individual attention. Typical combinations include chemistry, biology and mathematics for students heading towards medicine, or economics, mathematics and history for those drawn to business or the social sciences.
Who are A-Levels suited to?
Who are A-Levels suited to? Students with clear interests, a preference for depth over breadth and some sense of the academic direction they want to take.
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma): Breadth with depth
Structure: six subjects and the IB Core
The IB Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification that resembles the German Abitur in scope and ambition, but makes greater demands in terms of workload and independent thinking.
Students choose six subjects across six groups: language and literature, second language, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and a sixth elective. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level, three at Standard Level.
Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS
Beyond the six subjects, three further elements are compulsory:
Theory of Knowledge: An enquiry into the nature of knowledge and how we know what we know.
Extended Essay: An independent research paper of 4,000 words on a topic of the student's choosing.
CAS Programme (Creativity, Activity, Service): Sustained engagement in creative, physical and community activities as a formal part of the qualification.
Who is the IB suited to?
Students who are strong across subjects and ready to meet depth and breadth simultaneously, academically, intellectually and personally.
A-Levels or IB: Which is right for your child?
The answer depends on the child: their interests, how they learn and what they are planning next. Not every school offers both qualifications, and not every qualification suits every student.
We work through this question in our consultations and help you reach a considered decision, taking subject choice and recognition in Germany into account from the start.
Recognition in Germany
A-Levels and university entry in Germany
A-Levels are recognised in Germany as a university entrance qualification and are treated as a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.
IB Diploma and university entry in Germany
The IB Diploma is also recognised in Germany, as either a subject-specific or general university entrance qualification depending on the subjects taken.
Why subject choice matters
The requirements apply nationwide but vary depending on the intended degree programme. The wrong subject combination can limit a student's options when they return. We know what German universities require and we advise on subject choices before the decision is made, not after.
Our brochure
Our free brochure contains school profiles, first-hand accounts from students and an overview of the application process.