IB vs British vs American: choosing a curriculum as an expat family

Start with the proposed programme

A curriculum label helps you compare schools, but the decision depends on the subjects and support available to your child. A proposed timetable shows those subjects, the qualification they lead to and any conditions for entering advanced courses.

This guide focuses on the later secondary years, when subject choices affect transfers and university applications. For a younger child, consider teaching language, classroom practice and support alongside the school’s eventual leaving qualification.

Compare three things: how many subjects your child will continue, how their work will be assessed, and what would happen if your family moved before graduation. There is no single best choice for every expat family.

How the three routes are structured

British schools commonly offer GCSEs or IGCSEs before A levels. Cambridge IGCSE is designed for ages 14–16. The word “British” alone does not identify the examination board or subject specifications a school uses.

A levels allow pupils to choose a smaller set of subjects for advanced study. Cambridge permits many combinations, although a school’s timetable and staffing determine what it can offer. Schools also differ on the number of subjects expected and whether AS qualifications form part of the programme.

The IB Diploma combines six subjects with theory of knowledge, an extended essay and creativity, activity, service (CAS). Pupils take three or four subjects at higher level and the remainder at standard level. Subject-group requirements allow some choices and substitutions.

An American high-school diploma is awarded under the school’s graduation requirements. Those requirements set the credit assigned to each course and the way grades contribute to the transcript. A diploma and AP examination results are separate credentials.

Advanced Placement offers college-level study in individual subjects while pupils are still in high school. AP courses and examinations can accompany the diploma, but a school offering an American curriculum does not necessarily offer every AP subject.

Schools may combine these routes, so a child might pursue the full IB Diploma, individual IB or AP courses, A levels, or another school-leaving qualification. These choices are not interchangeable.

Plan a transfer subject by subject

A familiar curriculum can make comparison easier, but it does not guarantee a smooth move. Before accepting a place, give the receiving school your child’s transcript, current subject specifications and completed assessment work.

For a GCSE, IGCSE or A-level transfer, ask both schools to compare examination boards, topics already taught and assessment components. Establish whether the new school can accept completed work and enter the pupil for the intended examination session.

For an IB Diploma transfer, compare subjects, higher or standard levels, languages and the progress of the core work. Ask the receiving coordinator whether the proposed transfer date leaves enough time to meet its course and assessment requirements.

For an American diploma, a written credit review is the key document. It should identify which previous courses count, any missing graduation requirements and whether the planned graduation date remains possible. Similar course titles can still receive different credit.

If a move during the final school years is likely, discuss that possibility before choosing subjects. Find out what would require a repeated course or an extra term or year, and keep the school’s answer with your relocation plan.

University requirements for the actual course

Recognition of a qualification is only the first check. A university course may also specify subjects, levels, grades, language evidence or an admissions test. Review a few plausible courses before your child makes final subject choices.

Oxford illustrates why broad recognition claims are insufficient: it lists accepted international qualifications and directs applicants to course-specific subject requirements. Its IB requirements include higher-level grades as well as a total score. Other universities set their own conditions.

College credit and admission are different decisions. A qualifying AP score may earn credit or allow a student to skip an introductory course, depending on the college’s policy. Do not assume that taking an AP course automatically reduces the eventual degree cost.

Ask the school counsellor to show how the proposed subjects meet requirements in your likely destination countries. If plans are uncertain, identify which choices preserve the options your child currently wants, rather than trying to keep every possible degree open.

Compare the work your child would actually do

For the IB Diploma, consider whether your child wants to continue several subject areas alongside research and core activities. A sample assessment calendar shows how staff coordinate deadlines. Organisation can be taught and supported; it should not be treated as a fixed personality test.

For A levels, consider which subjects your child wants to study in greater depth and which future courses require them. Discuss the consequences of dropping a subject, especially if interests may change. Review the assessment method for each chosen syllabus.

For an American programme, look at the balance of required courses, electives and advanced study. Assessment methods, grade calculation and support for pupils who change course level vary by school. Flexibility depends on the actual timetable and graduation rules.

For every route, discuss language support, learning accommodations and the process for examination arrangements. A curriculum label or published examination average says little about whether the school can meet your child’s needs.