Brentwood School’s Class of 2026 Celebrates Outstanding IB Results: High Achievers, Global Citizens, and Co-Curricular Leaders

Students at Brentwood School are celebrating another outstanding set of International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results, cementing the school’s reputation as a premier hub for global education.

Established in 1968 to foster open and enlightened minds, the IB Diploma is now taught in almost 5,000 schools across 153 countries and remains one of the most respected and rigorous educational programmes worldwide. While the global average typically hovers around 30-31 points, Brentwood School’s Class of 2026 has achieved an average of 37 points (prior to remarks). This performance is set to maintain Brentwood’s firmly established position as one of the Top IB Schools in the UK.

Behind the statistics are incredible individual success stories of students who are now poised to take their places at some of the world’s most prestigious higher education institutions, both in the UK and overseas.

The lure of North American universities, with their outstanding reputations and facilities, has proven strong for the IB Class of 2026 at Brentwood. Chloe D was one of several Brentwood students who navigated the complexities of the US application process to secure multiple offers. She will soon be packing her bags as she heads off to the Ivy League Cornell University to study Engineering, having achieved an impressive 43 points. Hoping to join Chloe on the other side of the ‘Pond’ – albeit with a slightly longer journey – will be Annie C, who is seeking a place at UCLA. Venturing further North, Artur S will be spending the next few years at McGill University in Montreal.

With an impressive 39 points in hand, James M is looking to study Social & Data Sciences. In a brilliant display of the positive mindset cultivated at school, James actually predicted his exact score weeks ago, leaving the number 39 written on his fridge door throughout the waiting period. “That’s what Brentwood taught me,” James said of his focused approach. He now looks forward to celebrating his achievements while cheering England on in the FIFA World Cup.

James is just one of many success stories this year. His peers have secured places at prestigious universities spanning the length of the UK, from the South Coast and London through to the Midlands and the North of England. As befits the IB Diploma, this cohort illustrates the breadth of interests found at Brentwood. Students for whom Medicine, Maths and Engineering degree choices await have worked closely over the past two years with those whose passions lie in the creative arts and will study digital media, acting, creative writing and directing, as well as those going on to further their knowledge and understanding of the traditional humanities and social sciences, including History, Theology/Philosophy and Psychology.

Alvira K, who achieved 42 points and an impressive set of top grades in her Higher Level subjects, will continue her journey towards becoming a Medic. Alvira was one of 4 students from the cohort of 21 who achieved 40 points or more, alongside Tilin F (40), Chloe D (43) and top-scorer Fin T (44).

Fin’s heart is set on a career in teaching, a goal now one step closer with a place secured to read History at the University of Warwick. Despite being predicted such a high points tally, Fin said: “I worked very hard for it but didn’t really believe it would happen!”

In typical Brentwood fashion, academic brilliance did not come at the expense of a rich school life. The Class of 2026 threw themselves wholeheartedly into the co-curricular life of the school, proving that true IB students are as well-rounded as they are intellectually curious. From the sports fields and concert halls to holding vital student leadership positions, this cohort embodied the true spirit of global citizenship. Several also served in leadership roles, including Kateryna S, who was Head of our Girls’ Boarding House, while Alvira K, Tilin F, and James M were all Deputy Heads of School.

Kateryna, who is heading north to study Theatre writing, director, performance at York, set out with two clear goals: to earn her IB Diploma and secure her place at university. On Sunday, a very relieved and very happy Kateryna did exactly that.

“Our IB students never cease to impress us,” said Mr Jonathan Barfield Moore, Deputy Head Academic. “They don’t just study the curriculum; they live it. To see students achieving world-class marks while leading school societies, starring in productions, or captaining teams is a testament to their incredible time-management and resilience.”

Mrs Hollie Carter, Director of IB, expressed immense pride in the cohort’s journey: “The IB Diploma is a demanding framework designed to create thoughtful, analytical global citizens. The Class of 2026 has embraced this challenge with grace and ambition. They leave us not just with excellent results, but with the critical thinking skills needed to change the world.”

Reflecting on their growth within the wider school community, Mr Timothy Sellers, Director of Sixth Form, added: “This year group has set a fantastic example for the younger years. They have successfully balanced the immense academic rigour of the IB with a vibrant commitment to the wider life of the School, all while stepping up as compassionate, proactive leaders.”

Closing the celebrations, Headmaster Michael Bond offered his congratulations to the departing cohort: “These IB results reflect the hard work our students have put in over the past two years, as well as the dedicated support given to them by my colleagues. I do not doubt that they will go on to take their place in the world as leaders and change-makers: in addition to their excellent academic outcomes, they have also shown leadership, integrity, and kindness during their time with us. We wish them the very best of luck as they embark on the next chapter of their personal journey, and we will be rooting for them all as they do so.’’