PUPILS at King Edward’s, Witley, are celebrating success in their International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma exams.

The results represent the second-best set of grades since the school moved to an all-IB Sixth Form curriculum in 2011.

Almost three-quarters of papers taken by students in the exam – considered to be the global ‘gold standard’ for school leavers – were graded at the equivalent to A-level A*-B grades.

Of the 94 per sent of pupils who achieved a pass in the diploma, the average points score in 2016 increased to 33.5, well above the worldwide average, which is 30 points out of a possible 45.

Seventeen-year old Henning Juecker scored a world-class 43 points out of 45, with five candidates scoring in the 40s, including day pupil Emma Willett from Elstead (40) and head boy, Josef Moore, from Milford (41).

Headmaster John Attwater said: “This represents another very good set of results reflecting the hard work and dedication of our students and teachers. We should not underestimate the organisation and commitment of these young men and women in studying six subjects to a high level alongside the other aspects of the diploma: the extended essay, which is such good preparation for university, and the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) pursuits which help develop the attributes that employers, universities and society are looking for in the next generations of leaders.

“Especially in these turbulent times as the impact of Brexit is becoming felt, the IB’s reputation as a global-facing gold standard in world education has never been more important in demonstrating our students are among the best in, and ready to engage with the rest of, the world.”

King Edward’s has been running the IB since 2004.

The school announced last year it would once again be offering A-levels alongside the IB following government reforms to A-level exams.