We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our LAB16 class of 2026, who are among more than 200,000 students globally across 152 countries receiving International Baccalaureate Diploma and Careers Related Programme outcomes this year. From our 73-student cohort, a remarkable 74% have earned placement offers at Russell Group Universities, while 5 students secured offers from international institutions, highlighting how highly regarded these IB pathways are by both domestic and global universities.
At Leigh Academy Blackheath, we know the life-changing impact that studying the IB DP and CP has on our students. This is especially meaningful given that we are among a small number of non-selective UK state comprehensive schools providing both pathways at Post-16, whereas the prestigious Diploma Programme is generally limited to selective grammar, private, or international schools.
Graduates from our IB Diploma pathway earned a superb average of 165 UCAS points, arriving just short of the 168 UCAS points that represent 3 A* grades at A-Level. The cohort recorded an exceptional 87% pass rate, outperforming the 2025 global average of 81.9%, while matching the 2025 global average point score of 31.
The IBCP pathway included double the number of students as last year and achieved an 85% pass rate, well above the 2025 global average of 76.2%. In addition to their IB studies, CP students completed a BTEC course in either Sport, Business Studies, or Art & Design, achieving an exceptional average grade of Distinction, compared to the 2025 national average of Merit+. On average, our CP students obtained 128 UCAS points, which is the equivalent of achieving ABB at A-Level.
Looking at combined results across both programmes, 91% of all marks were at grade 4 or higher. Furthermore, 15 students attained UCAS points equal to or greater than 3 A*s, including three standalone high achievers who secured the equivalent of 4 A* grades at A-Level or higher.
Huge recognition must go to the following students who achieved exceptional overall results:
IBDP
- Nina – 41 points
- Megan – 40 points
- Stanley – 38 points
- Evelina – 37 points
- River – 36 points
IBCP
The following IBCP students are highly commended for their outstanding results:
- Lois achieved two grade 5s, an A in her Reflective Project, alongside a Distinction* and a Distinction in Art & Design.
- Oliver achieved a grade 6, a grade 4, an A for the Reflective Project, and a Distinction* Distinction in Business Studies.
- Aisha achieved a grade 6, an additional grade, a B for the Reflective Project, as well as a Double Distinction in Business Studies.
- Charlie achieved a grade 6, a grade 4, an A in the Reflective Project, coupled with a Distinction* Distinction in Sport.
- Alfie achieved his studies with a grade 6, a grade 5, a B for the Reflective Project, and a Distinction* Distinction in Business Studies.
Mrs Smith, Principal of Leigh Academy Blackheath, commented:
‘We are incredibly proud of the hard work and sheer determination shown by this cohort of students, and recognise the level of effort that has gone into achieving every grade awarded today. There are some truly inspirational results to celebrate, and both students and staff should be very proud.
A big congratulations to the class of 2026; we can’t wait to see where these results lead you next.’
