The Beaconsfield School has become the first school in Buckinghamshire to be awarded International Baccalaureate (IB) World School status.

The status will allow the school to offer places for 16-19-year-olds from September 2019 and give the students the access to combine vocational skills with academic learning.

Across the world, over 4,700 schools and education providers have been recognised by the scheme.

The programme will incorporate the schools BTEC Foundation Diploma which also includes two International Baccalaureate Diploma subjects.

More UCAS will be available upon completion of the programme, giving students a competitive advantage when entering Higher Education or moving straight into professional industries.

Each IBCP student will still continue to work towards a BTEC Foundation Diploma of their chosen specialism of Sport, Science or Performing Arts.

Alongside the BTEC, IBCP students will complete two IB Diploma subjects, choosing from subjects such as Information Technology in a Global Community, Film, Social and Cultural Anthropology, and Psychology.

Headteacher John Fletcher says: “We wanted to offer our students a more holistic education which will instil in them the skills, knowledge, and outlook to succeed in the 21st century, both in their local community and in the wider world.

“At the same time, we wanted give our teachers the opportunity to be a part of an international network of experts leading the field in education. We are delighted to become an IB World School and we look forward to reaping the many benefits of the programme.”