From Cambridge to George Washington: how ACS Cobham’s broad curriculum prepares students for an AI-driven future

As students across the country collect their A-level results today, students at ACS International School Cobham are celebrating exceptional outcomes that demonstrate the value of offering one of the broadest academic curriculums in the UK.

This year’s graduating class includes Owen Bourgeois, who achieved 43 points out of a possible 45 in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma before earning a place at George Washington University in the United States to study International Affairs while playing Division I college baseball, and Martin Donadini, who secured a place to read Mathematics at the University of Cambridge through the school’s Advanced Placement (AP) programme.

While their destinations are very different, their stories reflect the same philosophy: giving every student the freedom to choose the pathway that best matches their ambitions while developing the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming the workplace, ACS Cobham offers one of the UK’s broadest academic programmes, allowing students to choose between the globally recognised IB Diploma and the American Advanced Placement (AP) programme. Rather than preparing students for a single set of exams, both pathways develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, adaptability and independent learning that universities and employers increasingly value in an AI-influenced world.

Alongside academic choice, students benefit from an unparalleled international education. With classmates representing more than 70 nationalities, students develop cultural awareness, global perspectives and the confidence to collaborate across cultures from an early age, skills that are becoming just as valuable as academic achievement in today’s interconnected world.

Owen and Martin are both examples of the long-term impact of that education, having spent the majority of their school lives at ACS Cobham.

Owen joined the school 13 years ago and has spent the past four years balancing one of the world’s most demanding academic qualifications with competing internationally for Great Britain and the London Archers baseball club.

His dedication culminated in the highest IB score at ACS Cobham this year – 43 points out of 45, equivalent to around five A*s at A-level – alongside a scholarship to George Washington University, where he will continue both his academic and sporting career.

Unlike A-level students, IB Diploma students study six subjects alongside completing a 4,000-word independent research essay and the Theory of Knowledge course, developing the intellectual curiosity and independent thinking that universities increasingly seek.

Owen said:

“Achieving 43 points is something I’m incredibly proud of. The IB gave me the critical thinking, resilience and independence to balance the demands of academics and Division I baseball. I’m grateful to the teachers and community at ACS Cobham for their unwavering support, and excited to continue my academic and athletic journey at George Washington University.”

Martin’s journey demonstrates the flexibility of ACS Cobham’s curriculum.

Having joined the school at the age of two, he chose the AP pathway, allowing him to specialise in the subjects he was most passionate about before securing a place to study Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. Alongside his AP studies, he also completed IB courses in Spanish and Higher Level Mathematics, tailoring his education to match both his interests and his university aspirations.

Martin said:

“I chose the AP because it gave me the flexibility to specialise. You can focus on the subjects you’re passionate about and shape your own pathway. There’s a misconception that only the IB is recognised by the world’s leading universities, but that’s simply not true. Cambridge accepted it, Imperial accepted it, and so did every university I applied to.”

Their achievements are part of another outstanding year for ACS Cobham.

The school’s IB students achieved an average of 35 points, significantly above the global average of 30, with more than a quarter (28 per cent) scoring 38 points or higher. Across the AP programme, students completed 551 examinations in 38 subjects, with 92 per cent achieving scores of 3 or above, compared with a global average of around 60 per cent.

Graduates from the Class of 2026 are progressing to leading universities across the UK, the United States and around the world, with destinations including Imperial, Kings, Princeton and IE Madrid.

Robert Crowther, Head of School at ACS Cobham, said the results demonstrate why offering choice is more important than ever.

“The world our students are entering is changing faster than ever before. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, careers and the skills employers are looking for. Success will belong to young people who can think critically, solve complex problems, adapt to change and work confidently with people from different cultures.

“That’s why we offer one of the broadest curriculums in the UK. There is no single route to success, and our students shouldn’t all follow the same path. Owen’s journey to George Washington University and Martin’s place at Cambridge show how different academic pathways can both lead to exceptional outcomes.

“Both students have also grown up in one of the most internationally diverse school communities anywhere in the UK. Spending many years learning alongside classmates from around the world gives our students a level of cultural awareness, confidence and global understanding that simply can’t be taught from a textbook. Those experiences prepare them not only for university, but for leadership in an increasingly connected world.”

The school’s results reflect wider trends highlighted in the University Admissions Officers Report 2026, commissioned by ACS International Schools in partnership with the IB Schools and Colleges Association. The research found that university admissions officers rated the IB Diploma 23 per cent higher than A-levels across the skills they value most, including independent research, critical thinking and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Read the University Admissions Officers Report 2026 here:

www.acs-schools.com/university-admissions-officers-report