Welcome to the Diploma Programme

The ISL Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised course increasingly favoured by prestigious universities around the world. It has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment and equipping students with the skills and attitudes they will need to succeed in higher education and employment.

Critical, reflective and holistic thinking, collaborative working, individual initiative, personal organisation and planning are the core outputs of the DP. The core components of the Diploma Programme (DP) consist of a 4000-word research paper, critical analysis of the nature of knowledge and activities focusing on creativity, action and service, which provide an enjoyable balance to the academic rigour of the programme. 

IB Coordinator

Dr El Kahina Meziane joined ISL in 2015 as an MYP Science and Diploma Biology teacher. Since then she has then held a variety of positions including Extended Essay Coordinator, Head of Department for Diploma Science, Diploma tutor and STEM higher education adviser. Kahina holds a PhD in Immunology/Medical Oncology and worked in scientific research for over a decade at the universities of Manchester and Cambridge before embracing international education and academic writing. She has co-authored IB MYP and DP resource books and online material and led international webinars on Diploma Biology and the Extended Essay.

College life

We offer an exceptional learning environment. The Diploma College is a learning community where individuals are valued, connections are nurtured, and friendships are made for life.

The College is built around the small group teaching and seminar-based approach to learning in the IB Diploma Programme, with well-equipped teaching rooms, dedicated laboratories, an architect-designed Art studio and a learning centre and library on site. Students can also meet and relax in their Common Room which includes a small kitchen and café area, recently redesigned by the students themselves.

Science student looking through the microscope

Learning

The Diploma College offers programmes leading to qualification at level 3 in the UK National Qualifications Framework. Our courses are specially designed for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, a world-renowned and highly regarded pre-university qualification that is also a UK national award.

We offer a personalised approach to learning both in the classroom and in the 3-to-1 personalised support we offer to our students outside the classroom.

Academic results

In 2023, our ISL graduates averaged 33 points, against a global mean of 30, with the highest score being 43 of a possible 45 - a brilliant result!

In the same year, our graduates were offered places at many prestigious higher education institutes to continue their academic journeys, both in the UK and overseas.

Languages in DP

ISL is proud to be the most culturally diverse international school in London and this is reflected at the College where students can be heard, both informally and formally, using many different languages as well as with English.

ISL’s world-renowned embedded Home Language / Language & Literature programme, alongside our Language Acquisition and Academic English programmes, make ISL’s Languages Programme widely recognised as a model for international schools.

Trips

The Diploma College trips are packed full of inspiring adventures and academic rigour to bring out the best in our students.

We build confidence in our students to try challenges in new environments, increase engagement back in the classroom, encourage and strengthen team building and develop essential life skills for the next stage of their higher education journey and future careers. Most Diploma College trips have a strong Service Learning component in line with the values of our school.

Sports

With teams at all levels of inter-school competition, there’s plenty of opportunity for fun and focus on the sports field at the Diploma College.

ISL alumni often mention the resulting sense of teamwork and cultural exchange from participating in sport as a highlight of their time at ISL.

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