A Level or IB: Which is the Best Option for Your Child?
There are three different English curricula: Advanced Placement (AP), A Level, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). In this article I am going to focus on A Level and IB — and which is most advantageous to enter universities around the world.
It is important to note that both A Level and IB are widely accepted by global universities. These include Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, and the US. Both are considered challenging curricula, and while they differ in some aspects, they have similar roots.
Both programmes can start with the same foundational courses in Years 10 and 11. Many MOE schools and international schools in Singapore teach the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which then leads to either A Level or the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 12 and 13. It is also possible to pursue IBDP through its own Middle Years Programme as foundational coursework. However, GCSE has been around much longer than the IB Middle Years Programme, making it the standard building block for both A Level and IBDP in many ways.
A Level vs IB — What are the Differences?
A quick synopsis of the IBDP. Firstly, it is important to know that the IBDP has its roots in A Level. Students taking the IBDP take three Higher Level (HL) subjects and three Standard Level (SL) subjects. The HL subjects were originally designed to provide the academic depth associated with A Level, while the SL subjects were introduced to ensure students develop a broader range of knowledge and skills across multiple disciplines.
In addition to these six subjects, the IBDP includes three core academic competencies to improve students’ global awareness — Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Together, these elements form a pre-university programme that is academically rigorous and complex.
On the other hand, most A Level students take three subjects, which is the standard number required by most universities in the world, including Oxford University, Cambridge University, and Ivy League universities in the US. Some students may take four A Level subjects depending on their intended course of study in university and university requirements. The fourth subject is usually Further Math.
While it may seem that A Level students take fewer subjects, it is important to understand that three A Level courses cover just about the same breadth as IBDP. There is a common misconception that IBDP students learn more than A Level students. But the reality is that, in terms of actual seat time learning, the two programmes are almost exactly the same. A Level students can also add the Extend Project Qualification (EPQ), which is similar to the IB Extended Essay.
Furthermore, while the IBDP is often perceived as offering additional components such as TOK and CAS, many A Level schools also provide a rich and varied extra-curricular programme. At The Perse School (Singapore), students have access to an extensive range of extra-curricular activities — including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, sport, performing and visual arts, STEM programmes, entrepreneurship initiatives, industry mentorships, and outdoor education opportunities.
Students are also encouraged to engage in reading and learning beyond the classroom. Such pursuits are called super-curricular activities and may include the Extended Project Qualification, as well as summer academic programmes and reading journals, magazines, and books. In fact, many top universities around the world, particularly Hong Kong and the UK, place great value in super-curricular activities.
Which is the Best — A Level or IB?
Ultimately, the choice comes down to the student’s strengths, interests, and aspirations. Both A Level and IB offer excellent opportunities for academic growth. Students taking A Level need to be more independent compared to their IB counterparts in their learning by going beyond the coursework of a subject. Moreover, success is not solely defined which pre-university programme a student takes; it requires doing well in academics while also taking part in the wider community around them, as universities look for beyond what students have done in the classroom.
In conclusion, it is important for families to assess what both A Level and IB offer. Spend some time truly thinking about your goals and expectations — academically, personally, and socially. I would also encourage you to spend time assessing the school’s faculty, facilities, and values. Ultimately, both the family and the student should consider where the student is most likely to thrive. A collaborative and engaging school environment will help ensure that the journey not only supports academic success but also prepares students for their next step — university.
A Level at The Perse School (Singapore)
From August 2027, The Perse School (Singapore) will offer the A Level programme. Students will continue to learn through The Perse Way, where academic excellence is balanced with outstanding pastoral care and a rich programme of extra-curricular opportunities. We believe that success at university and beyond is shaped not only by examination results, but also by character, curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to contribute to the wider community.
Students are supported by a comprehensive university guidance programme from Years 9 to 13, helping them make informed decisions about subject choices, university applications, future career pathways, and more. We follow the 400-year educational legacy of The Perse School Cambridge in the UK, whose students consistently gain places at the world’s leading universities, with around 30 to 40 students progressing to Oxford and Cambridge each year, alongside many others entering top universities across the UK, the US, Asia, Australia, and beyond. For families considering an A Level education, The Perse School (Singapore) is set to offer an academically rigorous pathway within a supportive community where every student is encouraged to flourish and fulfil their potential.
About Hamilton Gregg
Hamilton Gregg is a world-renowned university guidance consultant. He has 30 years of experience advising students and their parents on university pathways. He has worked in leading schools across Switzerland, Japan, and China, and currently supports The Perse School (Singapore) as we grow our Senior School and prepare for our A-Level pathway in August 2027. At The Perse, Hamilton works with students and parents to strategically prepare for competitive global universities.
