IB qualification 'the best' in preparing students for university and work

The International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification is the best in preparing students for university and subsequently the graduate jobs market, an education professional has said.

Universities see the IB as compensating for the flaws of A-levels, which provide students with academic experience but falter when it comes to independent thought and initiative, ACS international Schools has said.

Figures released by the schools group state that 92 per cent of university admissions officers feel the IB spurs independent enquiry.

A further 88 per cent think it urges open mindedness among students.

Malcolm Kay, Superintendent of ACS International Schools, said: 'More students taking [the IB] would lead to them being better prepared to thrive at university and we believe in the world of work.'

According to figures released by the Joint Council for Qualifications, there were a record 827,737 A-level entries this year and 97.2% of those sitting the exams passed.