Failing the IB Diploma? Your Complete Action Plan

Getting a result you didn't expect, or feeling like you're on the edge of failing, is one of the toughest experiences in the IB. It can feel disheartening and overwhelming, but I want you to hear this first: it is not the end of the road. Many students face this challenge, and there is always a path forward. This guide is your action plan, breaking down exactly what you can do next, whether you're worried about upcoming exams or you've already received your results.

Part 1: For Students Currently Worried About Failing

If you're still in the programme and feeling the pressure, now is the time for proactive steps. Don't wait. Let's get on the front foot.

Part 2: You've Received Your Results and Didn't Get the Diploma

Okay, this is tough. Take a moment to process it. But once you're ready, it's time to switch from being disappointed to being strategic. You have several powerful options.

Step 1: Understand Exactly Why

Before making any decisions, you must understand the precise reason/s you weren't awarded the diploma. The IB provides a statement explaining this. Was it your total point score? A failing grade in a core component? A grade of 1 in a subject? A careful review of your results with your IB Coordinator is the essential first step to choosing the right path forward.

Step 2: Choose Your Next Move

Once you know the 'why', you can decide on the 'what next'. Here are your primary options:

Option A: Consider an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR)

Your results page tells you how many marks are required to get up to a higher grade in each subject. If you and your coordinator think there's reasonable potential there was a grading error on an externally assessed paper, you can request an EUR re-mark. Be cautious: this is not a guaranteed grade boost and it does come with a fee (check the amount with your coordinator). Your mark can go up, stay the same, or even go down. This is a path to consider only if a few marks would make a significant difference and there's a genuine belief an error occurred.

Other EUR options can help you access the examiners' comments and marks. This may help you understand where things went wrong if you are considering other options such as retakes.

Option B: Retake Exams

This is common and can be an effective route if you are ready to hit the books again. You can retake specific exams to improve your grades. The main retake session for May candidates is in November, but you can also wait until the following May. You should contact your Coordinator, but take note that lots of schools do not offer retakes. They can, however, provide other useful contacts. You don't need to be enrolled in a school, but you must register through an IB World School. Focus on retaking the subjects that will have the biggest impact on your overall score.

Option C: Pivot to IB Course Certificates

This is incredibly important: despite not passing the Diploma, you do not walk away empty-handed. For every subject you passed, you earn an official IB Course Certificate. These are valuable qualifications recognised by universities, demonstrating your subject-specific knowledge at a high level. This varies by country but, for many students, a collection of strong IB Certificates is enough to meet university entry requirements, especially when combined with other qualifications.

Option D: Explore Alternative University Pathways

If you narrowly missed your university offer, don't assume it's a closed door. Many universities, particularly in the UK, offer Foundation Year programs. These are one-year courses designed to bridge the gap between your current qualifications and the entry requirements for a full undergraduate degree. Successful completion often guarantees entry into your chosen degree programme at that university. Contact university admissions departments directly to explore this.

A Final Word: Your Score Doesn't Define You

The IB Diploma is a challenging programme, and navigating a setback like this builds resilience that will serve you for the rest of your life. Your academic performance in one programme does not define your intelligence, your potential, or your future. Focus on what you can control, make a clear plan using the options above, and remember that there are many different pathways to a successful and fulfilling future.