The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is one of the world’s most respected Sixth Form qualifications, preparing students for success at university and beyond through a broad and academically challenging curriculum. Oakham has proudly offered the IB Diploma for more than 25 years and is one of the UK’s largest and most successful independent IB schools. Students benefit from expert teaching, exceptional pastoral support and a long-established programme that combines academic rigour with individualised guidance.
The IBDP is ideal for students who enjoy a wide range of subjects and want to keep future options open. By studying languages, sciences, humanities and mathematics alongside specialist subjects, students develop both depth and breadth of understanding, learning to make connections across disciplines and view the world from multiple perspectives.
The IB Diploma
Students taking the IB Diploma study six subjects, choosing three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Every programme includes English, Mathematics, a science, a humanities or social science subject and a language, creating a balanced academic experience that encourages intellectual curiosity and versatility. The Diploma is recognised by universities around the world and opens doors to a wide range of degree courses and future careers.
With 26 subjects available and 19 offered at both Higher and Standard Level, students at Oakham can build a personalised programme that reflects their interests, strengths and university aspirations. Whether their ambitions lie in STEM, the arts, languages, business or the humanities, the IB allows them to create a pathway that is both broad and ambitious.
For those who prefer a focus programme of study across three subjects, Oakham offers the A-levels and BTECs.
The Right Choice
The IB Diploma is particularly well suited to students who enjoy a broad curriculum and are interested in exploring connections between different areas of learning. Rather than specialising in three subjects, students develop knowledge and skills across a wider range of disciplines whilst still pursuing areas of particular interest through Higher Level study.
Many students choose the IB because it develops independence, critical thinking, research skills and global awareness. It is an excellent preparation for university and is particularly attractive to students considering international study or who are not yet ready to narrow their academic interests.
Subject Options
The breadth of subjects available is one of Oakham’s greatest strengths. Students can choose from sciences, humanities, languages, mathematics, arts, design and technology, business, psychology, global politics and sports, exercise and health science, creating a programme tailored to their interests and ambitions.
Recent developments include School-Supported Self-Taught Language A for students whose first language is not offered within the curriculum, English B for non-native English speakers, and IB Dance, reflecting Oakham’s commitment to a broad, global and inclusive IB education.
Features of the IB Diploma
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) challenges students to think critically about how knowledge is created, evaluated and shared.
The Extended Essay provides an opportunity to undertake independent research into an area of personal interest, developing advanced academic research and writing skills through a substantial project.
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) encourages students to engage fully with opportunities beyond the classroom, developing leadership, confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose through sport, the arts, service and wider school life.
Academic Support and Tutoring
Oakham’s IB timetable is designed to balance academic challenge with strong support. Students benefit from dedicated pastoral time, tutorials, one-to-one guidance and a structured programme that prioritises wellbeing alongside academic success. Coursework, research projects and the Extended Essay are supported through regular supervision and expert guidance.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, track their progress and develop the independence needed to thrive at university and beyond.
Learning Support and English as an Additional Language
Every student’s pathway is different. Learning Support and EAL provision is tailored to individual needs, helping students access the curriculum confidently and achieve their full potential.
The IB is attractive to many international students, and Oakham provides a range of pathways to support multilingual learners, including English B and School-Supported Self-Taught Language A options where appropriate.