Diploma students at Sotogrande International School receive the highest average points score in the history of the school

Students at Sotogrande International School (SIS), part of the Inspired Education Group, have achieved record-breaking International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results despite the challenges COVID-19 presented.

The graduating class of 2020 at Sotogrande International School, Spain, achieved a school record of 35 average points in the IB Diploma, against a world average of 29.9 while 44% gained a bilingual diploma and an impressive 16% of the cohort received 40 IB points or more, out of a maximum of 45 points, opening the door to some of the best universities in the world. The results, announced last week, are a testament to the determination and resilience of students during the unprecedented effects of the current pandemic, which unexpectedly saw students and teachers switch to on-line learning.

Headmaster, James Kearney said "I am so very proud of each and every student's success. The adverse times that we faced in the run-up to these results have not phased our students. They have risen to the challenge and thrived. I would like to thank all staff, parents and students for their focus, dedication and trust through these challenging times."

During the COVID-19 lockdown, schooling at SIS seamlessly transitioned to virtual learning. Lessons were delivered on-line, using the latest technology and students were creatively engaged ensuring their final year’s education was not affected. The school day and timetable remained broadly unchanged and students received group and individual support from their Diploma teachers.

2020 graduate, Tara Smith, who gained 40 IB Diploma points, said "Throughout my 14 years at SIS, the support and encouragement that I have received from the teachers has helped me to develop into a confident and well-rounded student. The personalised teaching methods meant that the teachers knew how to support me and made it possible for me to achieve the results that I have. I leave SIS feeling confident and excited about my future.”

Jason Mungles, Head of University and Career Guidance, said "Despite exceptionally difficult circumstances our graduating cohort have proven themselves both resilient and successful. I remain intensely proud of their achievements and wish them the very best in their future degree and career courses. Some of the stand out placements to date are Boston University and NYU in the USA, Warwick & Edinburgh University in the UK, The University of Navarra in Spain, the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the University of British Columbia and Toronto University in Canada."

The results, impressive in themselves, are made even more remarkable when you consider Sotogrande International School is non-selective. The school's ethos of personalised learning allows students to identify their unique interests, gifts and talents and enables them to focus on areas of interest throughout the IB programme.

SIS places great importance on the three-way partnership between students, parents and teachers, endorsing this as a powerful model to ensure the success both academically and in the wellbeing of students. "Each and every member of the Sotogrande community, from teachers to parents and the school's administration teams have helped to nurture our students to achieve the best results in the history of the school" said James Kearney, Headmaster.