For parents who value top-tier quality and an international focus, the British qualifications A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma represent an excellent choice. But which path is right for your child? We provide an overview of both qualifications and their benefits, helping you make the right decision.
First things first: Both qualifications are highly regarded worldwide and provide access to universities across the globe, including all German universities.
A-Levels allow students to specialize in three to four subjects—ideal for young people with clear interests and targeted career goals. Aspiring doctors often choose Chemistry and Biology, while future economists benefit from Mathematics. There are no electives, so students can focus entirely on their strengths. The teaching is intensive, often with two teachers per subject, enhancing individualized support.
What our students say: "At first, the schoolwork and the wide range of courses were quite challenging, but over time I was constantly motivated by teachers, tutors, and especially my classmates to give my best."
The IB Diploma offers a comprehensive, holistic education. Students select their subjects from six different groups: Language and Literature, Foreign Languages, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts or an additional subject. With a combination of three higher-level and three standard-level courses, the IB mirrors the broad, general educational approach of the German Abitur but surpasses it in terms of intensity.
In addition to the six exam subjects, the IB includes three core elements: Theory of Knowledge (ToK) promotes critical thinking and a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created. The Extended Essay teaches scientific research by requiring students to work independently on a topic—from research to the 4,000-word paper. With the CAS program (Creativity, Activity, Service), students gain valuable experience in creativity, sports, and social engagement. This combination not only fosters academic excellence but also crucial future skills.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Speakers: Simone Lorenz-Weir, IB German Teacher and long-time IB Coordinator at Oakham School, and Theresa Glasmacher
Register for Webinar: The International Baccalaureate
Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Speakers: Simon Dorman, Headmaster, Haberdashers‘ Monmouth School, and Theresa Glasmacher
Register for Webinar: The A-Levels
The choice between A-Levels and the IB Diploma largely depends on your child’s individual interests, talents, and goals. A-Levels are particularly suited for focused learners who know their strengths and want to deepen them, while the IB is ideal for versatile and academically structured students who want a broad foundation. We’ll guide you in finding the best path for your child.
Whether your child chooses A-Levels or the IB, one thing is common to both qualifications: the approach to learning at British boarding schools. Here, the focus is not only on imparting knowledge but also on learning how to learn—and finding joy in the process. This approach makes the school experience in England so enriching.
Both A-Levels and the IB are recognized in Germany as university entry qualifications: A-Levels as a subject-specific academic university entrance qualification and the IB as the general higher education entrance qualification. The key is selecting the right subjects for both qualifications. We provide clear guidance in our consultation to ensure all formal criteria are met.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about your child's subject choices. We regularly host webinars providing key insights into A-Level and IB subject selection, with a particular focus on university recognition and academic pathways.
Also, listen to the podcast on "Applying to German Universities and Recognizing British Qualifications" with Theresa Glasmacher and David Hawkins, Managing Director of The University Guys.
In May 2025, our seven top IB schools will personally present themselves in Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich. Families will have the opportunity to reserve individual meeting times with one or more schools in advance or simply attend the informal evening reception.
• When: Wednesday, May 7 to Friday, May 9, 2025
• For whom: For families interested in a 1-2 year stay starting in September 2026 at one of the top British IB schools.
• Participating Schools: Ardingly College, Bromsgrove School, Haileybury, Malvern College, Sevenoaks School, Stonyhurst College, and Worth School
Register and find more information: IB-Schools Fair: Barbara Glasmacher International School Consultancy
Our free company brochure includes a selection of British boarding schools with which we’ve been working for decades. In addition to detailed school profiles, you’ll also find personal testimonials from students who spent part of their school time—sometimes the last two formative years—in England through us, and share their further plans. You’ll also learn everything about the application procedure and how we can guide you through the process.
