Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Baccalaureate

Monday 20 October 2025 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alison Bennett raised concerns about Varndean sixth-form college in Brighton, the sole state-funded International Baccalaureate provider in Sussex, facing financial challenges.
  • Fleur Anderson asked the Minister to confirm that the International Baccalaureate programme can still be studied at Ashcroft technology academy in her constituency.
  • Ms Polly Billington highlighted the success of Dane Court school's International Baccalaureate programme in breaking down barriers to opportunity for pupils in East Thanet.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Bennett Lib Dem Mid Sussex
Education
Context

Varndean sixth-form college, the only state-funded IB provider in Sussex, warned that without additional funding, the IB will become financially unviable. This would limit its availability to private sector institutions and create a two-tier system.

Question

I am concerned about Varndean sixth-form college in Brighton being the sole state-funded International Baccalaureate provider in Sussex, which has warned that without additional funding, IB will become financially unviable. This affects many Mid Sussex students who have gone on to study engineering, medicine and maths at leading universities. Does the Minister think it right for this world-class qualification to be available only in private sector schools? Will he meet me and Varndean students to discuss the benefits of the IB for state-educated pupils and why this decision must be reversed?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)

Funded institutions for those aged 16 to 19 have the freedom to decide how to use their funding. The Government made big decisions at the spending review to increase overall funding available to 16-to-19 courses by over £800 million next financial year, with per-pupil funding going up substantially. While supporting STEM subjects through extra A-levels, we still recognise the International Baccalaureate as an important course and want to support it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to reversing decisions that affect IB funding or meeting with Varndean students to discuss specific actions for state-funded pupils.

How: We Are Prioritising Those Subjects, Frank And Honest About This Choice

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Q2 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Education
Context

Ashcroft technology academy in Putney runs a successful International Baccalaureate programme. The school is seeking confirmation that the programme will continue to be funded.

Question

I welcome the Minister’s support for the international baccalaureate. Ashcroft technology academy in my constituency runs a successful IB programme. Will he confirm that this programme can still be studied and that pupils can choose to study the International Baccalaureate at Ashcroft academy?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)

I can confirm that changes will mean the International Baccalaureate can still be studied. We are providing funding for 16-to-19 provision so sixth-form colleges can make those decisions.

Answered
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Q3 Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon
Education
Context

Families in Layla Moran's constituency are concerned about the impact of funding changes on Europa school’s International Baccalaureate programme, which is beneficial for students’ lives.

Question

This week I have been inundated by families who send their children to Europa school just outside my constituency. They are extremely concerned by these changes. The IB curriculum can make a significant difference in children's lives. Does this policy direction not send a negative signal from the Government? Labour introduced the funding for IB initially.

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)

Over 75% of students in receipt of extra support from the large programme uplift are studying A-levels, especially STEM subjects. We prioritise these areas due to their importance for our economy and education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address whether the decision undermines standards or signals a negative stance towards IB in state schools.

How: Frank And Honest About This Choice

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Q4 Polly Billington Lab East Thanet
Education
Context

Dane Court school in Broadstairs offers an International Baccalaureate programme that breaks down barriers to opportunity for pupils in a deprived area. The school is seeking reassurance on the continuation of this support.

Question

I, too, have a school in my constituency that offers the international baccalaureate. Dane Court school has an extremely successful programme breaking down barriers to opportunity for many pupils in East Thanet. Only 10% of children succeed in passing the Kent test; we need maximum opportunities available. Will the Minister reassure me, senior leadership team, and parents and students at Dane Court that the IB will still be possible?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)

This year, per-student funding is rising to £5,105. Decisions made across the further education system and for sixth-form colleges mean institutions can make best choices for students, including backing them to study International Baccalaureate where appropriate.

Answered
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Q5 Mr Speaker Shadow Minister
Education
Context

The headteacher of Ashcroft academy has written to the Secretary of State expressing concerns that additional funding for the International Baccalaureate has been cut, affecting its delivery. The shadow minister criticises this decision.

Question

I welcome the Minister to his new role but must say that rhetoric does not match actions. The headteacher of Ashcroft academy wrote saying IB cannot be delivered due to additional funding cuts. The IB is recognised globally and allows British students to compete internationally. Cutting funding means those who can afford it will have access, while state sector pupils will not. Why is the Minister scrapping funding for the IB and undermining standards in our state schools?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Josh MacAlister)

System provides level of funding necessary to 16-to-19 providers. Government have made big decisions not backed by Conservatives in spending reviews or Budgets, ensuring funding is there for colleges to make choices. We prioritise students taking more than three A-levels in STEM subjects.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the concern about undermining standards and equality of education by cutting IB funding.

How: Frank And Honest About This Choice

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