Possible reasons for these outstanding examination results at a school with so many graduating students could include:

• The calibre of the students in terms of their academic excellence, i.e. ACS Independent may have a highly selective admissions policy

• The calibre of the teaching staff, i.e. the school's recruitment policy. Many "top" IB World Schools only hire teachers with relevant IB teaching experience. Some IB World Schools pride themselves with the large number of teachers who are IB examiners, Workshop Leaders, Senior Examiners and so forth. These experiences will have a positive impact on teaching and learning at their respective schools.

• Pre-IB courses offered at the school, i.e. what learning experiences do these students have prior to their formal registration on the Diploma Programme?

• External influences, such as parental support (pressure?) and the impact of private tuition. It is not uncommon for IB students to use private tuition services to support them throughout the Diploma; after all, it is a hugely challenging course for a teenager.

• School culture/ history, and national cultures will also have an impact on the quality of teaching and learning in a school.

In any case, it is still hugely impressive for any school to achieve these sets of results. Imagine leading a school where 363 graduating students were awarded 40+ points, and a cohort who achieved an average of 42 points. The Leader Team at ACS Independent deserve some of the credit too.