If you are weighing up IB vs IGCSE and A Levels vs an American programme, here is the short answer for teachers: the British route (IGCSE then A Levels) is the most common in international school job ads, the IB is second and growing, and American-curriculum schools are a smaller but distinct market. Each type of school tends to ask for a different teaching qualification. British schools usually want QTS or a PGCE, IB schools prize IB experience and IB training, and American schools usually want a US-style teaching licence and two years of experience.
This guide explains how each system works, how they compare for students (the questions parents and pupils ask, like “IB vs A Levels, which is harder?”), and what each means for your job search. Facts come from the IB, Cambridge International, Pearson, the College Board, UCAS and the UK and US governments, checked in October 2026. The IB’s website blocks automated readers, so IB figures are as the IB publishes them on its facts and figures page.
Which curricula international schools hire for
On Teacher Jobs World, our October 2026 report counted the curricula named in the 1,363 live ads (an ad can name more than one):
| Curriculum named in the ad | Jobs | Share of all jobs |
|---|---|---|
| British curriculum | 302 | 22% |
| International Baccalaureate (any) | 196 | 14% |
| IB Diploma (DP) | 123 | 9% |
| IB Primary Years (PYP) | 53 | 4% |
| IB Middle Years (MYP) | 43 | 3% |
| American curriculum | 38 | 3% |
| Indian curriculum | 25 | 2% |
Most ads do not name a curriculum at all, so treat these as a guide to the mix, not a market share. Many schools also combine systems, for example IGCSE in Years 10 and 11 followed by the IB Diploma.
The British curriculum: IGCSE and A Levels
British-curriculum international schools follow the structure of the English National Curriculum, with international exams at 16 and 18. The two main exam boards are Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel.
- Cambridge says it has more than 10,000 schools in 160 countries (Cambridge International). Its pathway runs from age 3 to 19 in five stages: Early Years, Primary, Lower Secondary, Upper Secondary and Advanced.
- Cambridge IGCSE is “the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds”, with more than 70 subjects (Cambridge IGCSE).
- Cambridge International AS and A Levels usually take two years. The AS covers half the A Level content. A Level grades run from A* to E, and exams are held in June and November (Cambridge A Level).
- Pearson Edexcel offers International GCSEs and International A Levels as part of its programmes for ages 5 to 19 (Pearson).
Students take a broad set of IGCSEs and then specialise in a few A Levels. That depth in a few subjects is the main difference from the IB.
The British Schools Overseas mark
The UK Department for Education runs a voluntary British Schools Overseas (BSO) accreditation. Approved inspectorates inspect the school against UK standards, and it must be re-inspected every 3 years. Only accredited schools can offer statutory induction to early career teachers, which matters if you are newly qualified (GOV.UK). The official list had about 300 accredited schools when we checked, updated 5 October 2026, with the most in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Spain (GOV.UK list).
The International Baccalaureate (IB)
The IB has four programmes:
| Programme | Ages |
|---|---|
| Primary Years Programme (PYP) | 3 to 12 |
| Middle Years Programme (MYP) | 11 to 16 |
| Diploma Programme (DP) | 16 to 19 |
| Career-related Programme (CP) | 16 to 19 |
The IB’s facts and figures page reported, as of May 2026, more than 8,900 programmes in more than 6,200 schools in over 160 countries (IB). Schools can offer one programme or several.
In the Diploma, students take six subjects from six subject groups, some at Higher Level and some at Standard Level, plus a core of Theory of Knowledge, the extended essay and CAS (creativity, activity, service). Each subject is graded 1 to 7 and the core adds up to 3 points, for a maximum of 45. A pass needs at least 24 points plus other conditions.
IB training for teachers
The IB runs professional development workshops in three categories. Category 1 is for teachers new to the IB and covers how a programme works. Category 2 is about delivering a programme. Category 3 goes deeper on a topic (IB workshops). The IB says Category 1 workshops meet its requirements for school authorisation, so a school may pay for yours after hiring you. Having done one already, or having taught in an IB school, makes your application stronger.
The American curriculum and AP
American international schools award a US-style high school diploma based on credits and a grade point average. Many offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the last years. The College Board lists 42 AP subjects, and each exam is scored from 1 to 5, where 5 means “extremely well qualified” (AP course index; AP score scale). Some schools offer the IB Diploma instead of, or alongside, AP.
Instead of a government inspection, American schools abroad are usually accredited by US regional agencies. A 2024 letter from the US State Department’s Office of Overseas Schools names WASC, NEASC, Cognia and MSA, and says US universities generally ask for transcripts from a school accredited by one of them. The Office supports 193 “assisted” overseas schools, which must be accredited by one of these agencies (State Department letter).
IB vs IGCSE and A Levels for students
IB vs IGCSE
These are not direct rivals. The IGCSE is a two-year course for ages 14 to 16 with an exam in each subject. The IB’s equivalent stage is the MYP, and its main qualification, the Diploma, comes after age 16. Many schools teach IGCSE first and then the IB Diploma.
IB vs A Levels: which is harder?
Neither is simply harder. They are built differently:
| IB Diploma | A Levels | |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects | 6, from the subject groups, plus the core | A few, chosen freely |
| Breadth | Spread across languages, humanities, sciences and maths | Can be all sciences or all arts |
| Extra work | Theory of Knowledge, extended essay, CAS | None required |
| Grading | 1 to 7 per subject, 45 points maximum | A* to E per subject |
Students who like many subjects often prefer the IB; students who want to go deep in a few often prefer A Levels.
UCAS points for IB and A Levels
UK universities use the UCAS tariff to compare qualifications (UCAS tariff tables):
| Grade | UCAS points |
|---|---|
| A Level A* | 56 |
| A Level A | 48 |
| A Level B | 40 |
| IB Higher Level 7 | 56 |
| IB Higher Level 6 | 48 |
| IB Standard Level 7 | 28 |
| IB extended essay or TOK grade A | 12 each |
The Diploma has no single tariff value; the points of its parts are added up. Many universities make IB offers in total points instead.
Cambridge vs IB
Cambridge is a flexible set of qualifications that schools choose subject by subject. The IB is a framework with fixed requirements, its own teaching approach and school authorisation. For teachers, that means more shared planning and IB-specific assessment in IB schools.
What each type of school asks teachers for
These are common requirements, not rules. A country’s work permit rules can add more (see our guides on Qatar and the UAE teaching licence).
| School type | Usually asks for |
|---|---|
| British curriculum | A degree plus QTS, iQTS or an equivalent teaching qualification from your country, and experience with the English National Curriculum or IGCSE and A Level |
| IB | A degree, a teaching qualification or licence, IB experience or IB workshops |
| American | A degree in your subject, a recognised teaching certification (often a US state licence) and at least two years of experience |
Tes describes British schools wanting QTS or a home-country equivalent, IB schools valuing IB educator certificates or workshops, and American schools wanting certification and a minimum of two years of experience (Tes). If you trained outside the UK, see QTS for teachers trained abroad and PGCE, iPGCE and international teaching qualifications.
Which curriculum should a teacher choose?
- For the largest number of jobs, British-curriculum experience opens the most doors in the ads we track: it is named in 22% of them, against 14% for the IB.
- For mobility between schools, IB experience travels well, because the programmes are the same everywhere.
- For American schools, a US licence is often the deciding factor.
If you switch, a Category 1 IB workshop or an iPGCE are the usual ways to show commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Is IB harder than IGCSE?
They cover different ages. The IGCSE is for ages 14 to 16; the IB Diploma is for ages 16 to 19. The IB’s stage for ages 11 to 16 is the MYP.
Is IB or A Levels better for university?
Both are widely accepted. UK universities use UCAS points or IB totals, and an A* at A Level and a 7 at IB Higher Level are each worth 56 UCAS points.
What qualifications do I need for IB teacher jobs?
Usually a degree, a teaching qualification or licence and IB experience or training. IB workshops in Category 1 are for teachers new to the IB, and schools often fund them.
Do British international schools hire teachers without QTS?
Some do, especially in shortage subjects, but most ask for QTS, iQTS or an equivalent teaching qualification. Only BSO-accredited schools can offer statutory induction for early career teachers.
What is the difference between the American curriculum and IB?
American schools award a credit-based diploma with optional AP courses scored 1 to 5. The IB Diploma has six subjects plus a fixed core and is scored out of 45.