The IB programme was conceived in Oxford in the 1960s and now involves students in over 100 countries. Since its founding, the IB Diploma has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. The IB is exceptionally highly regarded as a qualification that offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum and rigorous assessment, emphasising responsible citizenship and enabling IB students to become compassionate thinkers and lifelong learners.

The IB philosophy puts emphasis on the strong understanding of a broad range of subjects, on the value of higher-level skills of research and critical reflection, and on the importance of individual commitment to creativity, extra-curricular activities and service to others. These elements are at the heart of the vision of education at North London Collegiate School, where they have always been regarded as key features of a stimulating and ambitious broad-based education. The promotion of internationalism and understanding between cultures, which lies at the heart of the IB philosophy, is particularly well-suited to the existing ethos at North London Collegiate School.