As an IB World School, Southbank students graduate with either the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or the Career-related Programme (CP). All graduating students also receive our High School Diploma, recognised by our full accreditation with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). There are no additional fees, exams or coursework required.
What is the High School Diploma?
The High School Diploma is the standard qualification awarded by American-curriculum high schools upon graduation. It is recognised by universities and colleges globally, opening doors to higher education on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond.
Combined with the IB Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme, it provides students with an additional internationally recognised academic qualification and broadens access to higher education opportunities worldwide.
Why is this valuable?
The High School Diploma awards students credits and grades for their work from Grade 9 upwards, allowing students to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and progression over time beyond final exam grades. It gives them an additional internationally recognised qualification through which to meet entry requirements and reflects the breadth and international standing of their education at Southbank.
How does it work at Southbank? There is nothing extra that students need to do. By completing the MYP and either the IB DP or IB CP at Southbank, students automatically meet the credits requirements for the High School Diploma. Students joining us after the beginning of Grade 9 can have their transcripts from their previous school assessed to be awarded credit to enable them to meet the credit requirements to earn their Southbank High School Diploma.
The diploma is awarded at graduation, alongside students' IB qualifications.