Class of 2026 IB Results: An Average of 37.9

2026-07-10

The global IB results for 2026 were released on 6 July, and we could not be prouder of what our pupils have achieved. Wellington Shanghai's Class of 2026 has secured an outstanding initial average score of 37.9, well above the global average of 30.88, with remarks still pending.

Class of 2026

Remarkably, nearly a quarter of pupils achieved a score of 42 or higher. Over one third of pupils achieved a score of 40 or above. 70.6 percent of the subject grades are 6 or higher (out of 7).

Claire, who attained a perfect score of 45, described receiving the news as a moment of pure joy. Having already received an offer from Imperial College London, she is now applying to her dream universities in Korea, making her full score even more significant. She said:

“

Looking back, I realise how much the IB taught me about resilience and dedication. Staying focused on my own goals, even while others around me had already decided on their university paths, required real determination. Consistently working hard across a broad range of subjects over two years has truly taught me the value of diligence.

Dr Charles Debieux, Head of Secondary School, said:

“

These results are exceptional, but what makes me proudest is the way our pupils have grown as learners, connectors and changemakers along the way. They have every reason to celebrate, and I cannot wait to see what they go on to achieve as Old Wellingtonians.

Wellington Shanghai has built genuine depth of expertise in IB education, and year after year our pupils are placed to compete for admission to the world's leading universities.

Over the past three years, more than half of our applicants to the top 30 US universities have been offered places. Our average acceptance rate for Oxford stands at an impressive 29% as well, far higher than the global average for non-British applicants over the same period.

Selected Global University Offers and Acceptances 2021-26

The good news does not stop there. Nearly half of the Class of 2026 have already received offers from QS World University Top 20 institutions, including Cornell, Columbia, Oxford and Imperial College London — the highest proportion in six years.

Why does the IB suit our pupils so well? Its emphasis on critical thinking, interdisciplinary understanding and independent learning aligns with what the world's best universities look for: well-rounded, inquisitive young people who are ready to think for themselves. Our commitment to the IB has never been about short-term admissions statistics. We believe in it because it genuinely develops the academic resilience and global outlook that will serve our pupils for life.

That same commitment to excellence saw Wellington Shanghai ranked first nationally across all three categories — Senior School, Middle School and Junior School — in the 2026 Forbes China International Schools Awards.

Wellington Shanghai Tops 2026 Forbes China International

This year's results are a wonderful reminder of the strength and consistency of teaching and learning at Wellington Shanghai.

Martin O'Brien, Head of Sixth Form, remarked:

“

We are extremely proud of the results that our pupils have achieved. Their hardworking, supportive and ambitious nature has paid dividends, and we wish them the best of luck as they continue their journey to some of the best universities in the world.

Congratulations to our Class of 2026 on all they have achieved.

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