How the MYP Helps Students Thrive at Secondary School and Beyond

For many families, secondary education in the UK is seen as a fixed pathway, with GCSEs as the default option. At ACS International School Egham, we invite families to rethink that assumption.

We offer a powerful alternative in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), a forward-thinking, internationally recognised curriculum for students aged 11 to 16. Designed to develop confident learners, critical thinkers and globally minded young people, the MYP prepares students not only for academic success, but for life beyond school.

A Proven Pathway to Top Universities

The strength of the MYP is reflected in the success of our students long after they leave ACS Egham. Our graduates consistently progress from the MYP into the IB Diploma Programme, and then on to some of the world’s most respected universities.

Recent alumni include:

• Angad, Oxford University, Physics and Philosophy
• Diniz, Brunel University, Medicine
• Eva, University of Manchester, Chemistry
• Jai, University of Warwick, Physics
• Alara, King’s College London, Law

Each of these students began their journey in the MYP, developing the independence, resilience and academic confidence that allowed them to thrive in the demanding IB Diploma Programme and beyond.

Why Choose the IB Middle Years Programme?

A broader, more flexible education

Unlike GCSEs, which require students to narrow their subject choices at an early age, the MYP offers a balanced and coherent five-year programme. Students continue to study a broad range of subjects, including mathematics, sciences, humanities, languages and the arts, while developing strong academic foundations and transferable skills.

This breadth keeps future options open and supports students in discovering their interests and strengths before making more specialised choices at 16.

Learning with real-world relevance

MYP learning is built around global contexts such as sustainability, innovation, inequality and community. Students are encouraged to ask meaningful questions, make connections across subjects, and understand how their learning applies to the real world.

As a result, students do not simply learn what to study, but why it matters. This sense of purpose is a defining feature of the programme and one that students consistently value.

Rigorous and modern assessment

The MYP includes Ofqual-accredited eAssessments, which are recognised as equivalent to GCSE Level 2 qualifications. These assessments focus on critical thinking, data analysis, problem solving and real-world application, rather than rote memorisation.

Alongside exams, every student completes the Personal Project, an independent research project that allows them to explore a topic they care about deeply. This piece of work is highly regarded by universities, as it demonstrates initiative, self-management and intellectual curiosity.

What Students Tell Us

Students who join ACS Egham from GCSE-based schools often describe the MYP as more engaging, more flexible and more focused on genuine understanding.

They value the variety of ways they can demonstrate their learning, whether through presentations, videos, prototypes, performances, investigations or written work. Many also say they feel more motivated and confident, with a clearer sense of ownership over their education.

What Makes ACS Egham Different

ACS Egham is a warm, welcoming international school set on a beautiful 36-acre campus designed to inspire learning and growth. Our students are taught by exceptional educators, including IB examiners, curriculum writers and subject specialists with global experience.

Small class sizes, strong pastoral care and a values-driven ethos ensure that every student is known, supported and challenged to be their best. It is no surprise that our students genuinely enjoy coming to school each day.

Discover the MYP Advantage

Choosing the right secondary pathway is one of the most important decisions a family can make. The IB Middle Years Programme at ACS Egham offers an academically rigorous, future-ready alternative to GCSEs, one that prepares students for top universities and a rapidly changing world.

We invite you to join us at an Open Day or book a personal tour to see first-hand how the MYP can transform your child’s learning experience.