As pupils across Scotland await their SQA results on August 5, students at the International School Aberdeen (ISA) are already celebrating exceptional success in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
This year, ISA’s IB Diploma students achieved an impressive average score of 33 out of a total of 45, well above the global average of 30.
More than a fifth of students (22%) scored 39 or higher, placing them among the top tier of IB graduates worldwide.
Almost half of the class of 2025 are from the UK, with the other 52% from different parts of the globe, including Brazil, Canada, Poland, Ecuador, Russia, Norway, Malaysia, Germany, New Zealand, Bolivia, Netherlands, India, Ukraine and China.
This year, the graduating students are off to study a broad range of subjects, from aerospace engineering and computer science to languages, economics and history, at top universities across the UK and beyond.
Scottish destinations include the Universities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen and St Andrews, while others are heading to Cambridge, King’s College London, UCL and international institutions such as the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia and Cayuga Community College in New York.
Head of School Nick Little, who has been at ISA since 2018, said the IB provided a strong pathway for students to progress to their university of choice.
“I’d like to say a huge well done to all our IB students whose hard work and dedication over the past two years have paid off,” he said. “Each July, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of our IB cohort with a graduation ceremony, and this year was no exception, as students, staff, and families came together for a special celebration to honour the class of ’25.
“Scotland’s education system is rightly respected, but we’re fortunate to offer the International Baccalaureate, a globally recognised programme that’s gaining popularity among students in Aberdeen and the surrounding area.
“Its broad and balanced curriculum encourages critical thinking, independence, and global awareness, qualities that are more important than ever. Above all, I’m incredibly proud of all our IB students and wish them well as they head into their next chapter.”
Oleksii Sandul
One of this year’s graduating students is Oleksii Sandul, who joined ISA in 2022 after fleeing Kyiv, Ukraine, at the age of 15 when the war began.
Now, just three years later, he has completed the International Baccalaureate with a score of 38 and will go on to study Business and Economics at the University of Edinburgh.
He credits ISA’s welcoming community and dedicated teachers with helping him adapt quickly, learn English, and succeed both academically and personally.
“ISA is such a great school. The teachers are very supportive, and there's an encouraging environment. I’m grateful to them for everything they’ve done, including finding various sources, methods, and techniques to support my learning. Having lived here for quite a while now, I’d say Aberdeen has truly become my second home.
“The IB pushes you to succeed and I think that this will make the transition to university easier. Besides taking maths, English, social sciences and sciences, you also take creative subjects and a language, which helps you become well-rounded. You also volunteer in the community as part of the diploma. This way, you focus not only on schoolwork but also on real-life experiences.”
Marla Carmichael
Another student, 17-year-old Marla Carmichael from Aberdeen, has been at ISA since kindergarten and is one of many long-term local pupils who have flourished with the IB programme.
She scored an impressive 41 out of a possible 45 on her IB qualification, placing her in the top 4% of IB students worldwide.
After the summer, she’s off to the University of St Andrews to study Social Anthropology and will mark her 18th birthday just one day before Freshers’ Week begins.
Marla said: “ISA is a true community. The relationships, the opportunities, and the support are something special. There’s space to be yourself and room to grow.
“The IB helps you become well-rounded and broadens your perspective. I’d never have picked maths or Spanish if it were up to me, but the IB encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and prepares you for the independence needed at university.”
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised programme that encourages students to become independent, well-rounded learners.
Students study six subjects alongside core components, such as the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, with final scores awarded out of a maximum of 45 points. Each subject is graded out of 7, with up to 3 additional points possible for the core components.
The ISA IB programme also includes a Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component, which requires students to volunteer in the community.
From its campus on North Deeside Road, ISA welcomes all local and international students, from pre-school through to High School. To learn more or arrange a visit, go to www.isa.aberdeen.sch.uk