St Leonards Exam Results 2026: A Year in Review

28 August 2026

IB Diploma Programme Results

The Class of 2026 achieved St Leonards’ second-highest IB Diploma average on record, with an average points score of 35, equivalent to approximately three A grades at A Level and above the global average of 30.88. A record 88% of Higher Level grades were awarded at 7-5, equivalent to A*-B at A Level, while 18% of pupils achieved 40 points or more. Two pupils achieved an outstanding 44 points out of a possible 45. The Class of 2026 will now continue their education at leading universities including the London School of Economics, University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh and University College London, alongside institutions in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands and Spain.

2026 also marks 20 years since the IB Diploma was introduced at St Leonards. In 2006, we were the only Scottish school and one of fewer than a dozen nationally to offer exclusively or predominantly IB examinations. Twenty years later, the IB Diploma has become a defining part of our academic offering.

IB Career-related Programme and BTEC Results

Our graduating IB Career-related Programme and BTEC pupils achieved an average of 145 UCAS tariff points, equivalent to AAA at A Level, with pupils securing places across Scotland, the wider UK and internationally. Destinations include the University of Minnesota, Jacksonville State University, Webber International University, University of Stirling, Manchester Metropolitan University and Mountview Academy of Dramatic Arts, while half of our Career-related Programme leavers are heading to colleges in the United States on golf scholarships.

Leading the cohort was Martin S, who achieved an impressive 186 UCAS tariff points, exceeding the A Level tariff equivalent of A*A*A*, and will continue his studies at the University of Minnesota.

Introduced at St Leonards in 2020, the IB Career-related Programme combines practical, career-focused learning through the BTEC in Business with the academic depth of two or three IB Diploma courses. Alongside this, the IBCP core focuses on service learning, language development and real-world skills, preparing pupils for higher education and future careers.

GCSE and Pre-IB (IGCSE) Results

Year 11 pupils achieved an impressive set of GCSE and IGCSE results across a broad range of subjects, including those completing our one-year Pre-IB programme. More than 90% of entries were graded 9-4, equivalent to A*-C, with 44% of all grades reaching 9-7, equivalent to A*/A. Almost 30% of all results were awarded the highest grades of 8 or 9.

Individual achievements were equally strong, with nine pupils securing more than six grades at 8 or 9, while seven achieved a clean sweep of grades at 9-7. Across individual subjects, 50% of pupils in both History and Art achieved grades 9-7, alongside strong performances in Mathematics, English and Science.

Beyond Results Day

Across the IB Diploma, Career-related Programme, BTEC and GCSE/IGCSE qualifications, the 2026 results reflect the strength and breadth of academic achievement across Years 11-13 and the range of routes available to pupils at each stage. As the new academic year begins, we look forward to seeing what comes next for our pupils, both here at School and beyond.