An IB Diploma experience like no other
“Success was testimony to the support of the staff team and the Westbourne model of academic excellence.”
WILLIAM, 44 IB POINTS, TOP 2% WORLDWIDE
Our mission is clear
To best prepare leaders of the future for STEM and business careers on the global stage. Our results speak for themselves.
With graduates consistently ranking in the top 1-2% worldwide, Westbourne has a century-long history of facilitating student access to the world’s leading universities, including Oxbridge and the Ivy League.
Previously named IB School of the Year, and delivering IB Diploma excellence in the UK for over a decade, we offer the IB in place of A-Levels for its rich depth and breadth of study, and for the clear head-start it gives students when applying to elite universities.
Joining our dynamic IB Sixth Form in Penarth opens the doors to an invigorating global network of like-minded scholars spanning three continents. Students collaborate with their peers at our leading schools in Sydney, Singapore and, soon to launch, Mumbai, in real-time, using cutting-edge technology to share research and learnings globally.
Strengthened further by Singapore and Sydney exchange trips, our “mini MBA” Future Leaders Lab programme led by INSEAD professors, and university application preparation second to none, the development of our students’ global leadership skills starts from the very first day.
Accelerating student success
Westbourne is specifically designed for academically elite, globally minded students seeking pathways to the best universities globally.
INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS
Oxbridge and Russell Group open days
Local & Global expert tutoring
GLOBALLY MINDED, LOCALLY ROOTED
Mentored on a personalised basis by highly experienced teachers and careers experts at our Penarth campus, students also benefit from virtual tutorials with subject specialists from our global schools, meaning they access the very best global expertise.
We offer a highly supportive learning environment characterised by intellectual curiosity, collaboration and an exceptional drive for excellence, where students are treated as young professionals from day one.
“Mini MBA” Future Leaders Lab in Singapore led by INSEAD professors Study exchanges with our Sydney and Singapore schools
Joint projects with classmates in Sydney and Singapore
“I think the community at Westbourne is incredible. The great thing is that you can still draw on Westbourne now, even as alumni, for an amazing support network.”
DHARANI, 44 IB POINTS, STUDYING LAW AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
CAMBRIDGE
Privileged connections with world-leading universities
Global university applications managed by market experts with longstanding admission director relationships
Global careers advice
“The teachers have been very supportive of my academic progress. The IB Coordinators allowed me to take on ever higher challenges and break out of my comfort zone.”
ANTHONY, 45 IB POINTS. SCHOLAR AT CALTECH, USA, FOLLOWING STUDYING BIOCHEMISTRY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Outstanding results
38 IB Point average
Westbourne global average, 2024
90% of graduates achieve Top 20 university places
1st in Australia with first graduating cohort
Highest percentage of students achieving 44+ IB Points
% of graduates entering top 20 UK universities or equivalently elite international institutions
Westbourne IB Diploma further DOUBLES this advantage
Future-focused curriculum
Uniquely STEM & Business-centric.
Preparing our students with the skills, mindset and knowledge to thrive in a constantly evolving global environment.
IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The ‘gold standard’ in secondary education, the IBDP is a holistic educational programme world-renowned for its academic rigour. At Westbourne, we uniquely tailor the programme to ensure that all students are fully prepared for the careers of the future.
Core subjects
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
‘Philosophy for 17 year-olds’ – develops critical thinking.
Extended Essay (EE)
4000 words – provides independent research and writing skills; gives students a significant advantage during the university application process.
Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS)
Develops creativity, social responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills.
Academic subjects
Mathematics
Analysis & Approaches, Applications & Interpretations
Science
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Environmental Systems & Societies
Individuals & Societies
Business, Economics, History
Studies in Language & Literature
English Language & Literature
Language Acquisition
Chinese, French, Spanish, Russian. Additional languages may be considered
3 subjects at Higher Level to create DEPTH
3 subjects at Standard Level to develop BREADTH
*subject to demand
Standard curriculums students WHAT to think. The IB teaches them HOW to think.
Academic Accelerator
PRE IB
The very best grounding for the IB Diploma Programme. Specifically designed for students who are new to the UK education system. One year GCSEs available.
Boosting confidence, study skills and IB Diploma success.
“Studying at Westbourne has improved my leadership skills and sense of independence. I love being part of a community of students who are so ambitious and we’re given so many opportunities to develop our own ideas.”
ELERI CARMEN, IB STUDENT
GRADUATE STORIES
SCAN the QR code to hear from our graduates
Pathways
Our students are mentored and supported to ensure success on highly competitive courses at the world’s top ranking universities.
OXBRIDGE & THE G5
IVY LEAGUE
Global futures
IB Sixth Form study at Westbourne comprises a myriad of exclusive opportunities designed to enrich and strengthen every student’s academic and professional portfolio. Gain a headstart on your future.
CARDIFF CASTLE WELCOME DINNER
A highlight of the calendar, IB1 students are inducted into the Westbourne community with a spectacular gala dinner in the company of their peers from our global schools.
SCAN the QR code to watch the highlights on YouTube
INSEAD WORKSHOP
Led by esteemed INSEAD professors, students attend an intensive series of masterclasses to build core entrepreneurial skills and professional acumen.
INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES
Exciting exchange opportunities with our Sydney and Singapore campuses support students to build a dynamic global alumni network.
FUTURE LEADERS LAB
A gateway to the thrilling world of business and entrepreneurship, led by INSEAD professors. Our fully immersive MBA-style programme offers cutting-edge insights and real-world experiences, running at our Singapore campus in June.
CAREERS
Strengthening their professional profiles, students attend regular one-to-one careers mentoring with our resident careers experts, including advice on pathways, university applications, CV writing, interview techniques, and building a professional network on LinkedIn, as well as support in securing meaningful work experience in the UK and globally.
Be Curious, Be Bold, Be Future Ready
A rolling application process with limited places, our admission process involves three simple steps.
Send us your last two years of school reports.
2. Entrance tests
Aptitude test
English exam
Mathematics exam
3. Interview Online, or in person, supervised by our friendly admissions team.
1. School reports With our Principal.
Applications are typically processed – start to finish –in less than one week. Limited academic scholarships are available for highly talented students. A further scholarship paper will be required.
Start your IB journey today SCAN the QR code
“My favourite aspect of Westbourne is most definitely the small classes, which allow me to establish better relationships with my teachers and classmates, increasing my desire to excel in my education.”
MORGAN, NOW STUDYING AT QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
