Singapore parents often hear International Baccalaureate or IB scores mentioned as bare numbers. Someone says a student got 41, 43, or 45 points, and everyone is expected to know whether that is average, strong, or exceptional.
But unless you have been through the IB system yourself, these numbers can be hard to interpret. What is the passing score? Is 38 a good score? And how should parents read local results, when schools such as ACS (Independent) and St Joseph’s Institution often post outcomes that seem much stronger than global averages?
The truth is, there is no single answer to what counts as a “good” IB score. It depends on your teen’s next goal after the IB. A passing score may be enough for one pathway, while a competitive university course may require much more than just a high score.
This article looks at how IB scoring works, what recent results from local schools suggest, and what it takes to do well.
Students need at least 24 points to pass the IB diploma. The maximum possible score is 45.
In Singapore, scoring 40 points and above is the local benchmark for a "good" IB result, based on how ACS(I) and SJI report their outcomes.
Internationally, a score above 38 is generally considered solid. Top US universities look beyond scores, focusing on CV and interview performance.
What subjects do IB students take?
The IB diploma programme (IBDP) offers six subject groups for students to choose from:
- Studies in Language & Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals & Societies (subjects include economics, history, and geography)
- Sciences
- Maths
- Arts
In ACS(I) and SJI, students study six subjects from the above groups, with three subjects at “Standard Level” and three subjects at “Higher Level.” These are known as SL or HL subjects.
The subject offerings in both schools are slightly different, and it’s best to visit their websites for their latest information.
Just a bit more IB lingo for the uninitiated: the core of this programme is made up of three required components:
- Theory of Knowledge or TOK
- Creativity, Activity, Service or CAS
- Extended Essay or EE.
The TOK is unique to the IB programme, and its purpose is to develop critical thinking. Students are challenged to question the bases of knowledge, be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and develop the ability to analyse evidence.
The CAS is similar to mainstream secondary school programmes like co-curricular and values-in-action activities.
The EE is like a mini-thesis. It is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. It gives students the opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest, which relates to one of their six subjects. Students will receive support from a supervisor, who is usually a teacher at the school.
How does IB scoring work in Singapore schools?
Please note that some of the information below is based on recent documentation from local IB schools. This is subject to change, so do check directly with your schools of interest for updates.
In general, the IB diploma score is calculated by adding together the grades achieved from each of the six subjects, plus the points from the “core” elements.
Candidates are graded on a scale of 1 (“Very Poor”) to 7 (“Excellent”) for each subject, and they can get up to 3 points for the core elements (EE and TOK).
Standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) subjects are equally valued in determining the candidate’s final points. To achieve the IB diploma, students must earn at least 24 points and meet conditions specified by the International Baccalaureate Organization.
The highest score that an IB candidate can achieve is 45 points. This maximum score of 45 is obtained from 6 (subjects) x 7 (top grade) + 3 points from the core.
In Singapore schools, the final IB exams account for 70 to 80 per cent of the total mark for each subject, while school-based assignments make up the rest of the final grade. Internal assessments may include portfolios, essays, practical work, and oral presentations.
What have IB students in Singapore schools scored recently? What is considered a good score in the local context?
Based on how the two local IB schools — ACS(I) and SJI — report their exam results, scoring 40 points and above seems to be the benchmark for “good.”
For its 2025 graduating cohort, ACS(I) reported that 83% of students scored 40 points and above. In fact, 64% had scored between 42 and the full score of 45 points.
During the same period, SJI announced that 68% of its students had scored 40 points and above.
What is a good IB score, in the international context?
According to Crimson Education, a coaching service for students interested in top universities in the US and UK, any score above 38 is considered “solid.”
Based on Crimson’s experience with admissions, a 38 score is acceptable for universities such as Cornell. However, particularly for top universities in the US, one’s CV and interviewing skills may play a large part in getting accepted, and acceptance rates can be as low as below 2% for international students.
Anecdotally, one of our KiasuParents members has a teen who applied to engineering courses in three universities — MIT, Monash, and NUS — with an IB score of 41. They received acceptances for Monash and NUS.
In general, it would appear that Singapore school candidates seem to score well at the IB, by global standards. Two reasons for this:
- Only the better-performing students are able to qualify for the IB programmes in our local schools
- The Singapore education system is generally achievement-oriented and there is a culture of wanting to excel. This means local schools will do their best to prepare their students for the exams, and the students themselves may seek help from tutors or enrichment schools to fill gaps.
How to get a good IB score?
One important thing to note is that HL and SL subjects are weighted equally in the final diploma score. Some students choose subjects they enjoy or are stronger in at HL. But in practice, students may end up spending just as much time on SL subjects, especially when those subjects feel less intuitive.
Although the local IB schools are mainly made up of students who perform well in exams, it is still very common for students to get tutoring help, especially for STEM subjects. At enrichment school AskMrChan, which specialises in chemistry tutoring, they report that 100% of their IB students have attained grades of 6 to 7 for chemistry, suggesting that the right guidance can turn strong potential into outstanding results.
For those who do not do as well as hoped during internal assessments, it is crucial not to lose hope. Internal assessments matter, but they are not the whole story. The final papers can change the outcome, especially for students who are able to improve their accuracy, exam technique, or content mastery before the written exams.
A strong IB score usually comes from staying steady across all six subjects and continuing to push for marks even after disappointing results in school. It requires resilience to recover from setbacks, honesty about what is not working, and the discipline to adjust study habits. Students who improve tend to be the ones who respond early: they identify which subjects are slipping, get help where needed, and make better use of the time left before the final papers.
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