Secondary School

Graduation
& Beyond

Every student's path after graduation is unique. From Year 9, our students plan their next steps together with the academic team, our College Counsellors and their families, and graduate with qualifications that open doors to universities and careers around the world.

Compare DP & CP Where our graduates study
The pathway

From Year 9 to graduation

Planning for life after school starts early, so every student can make confident, well-informed choices.

  1. Year 9

    Start the conversation

    Students begin discussions with the academic team about what they would like to do after graduation.

  2. Year 10

    Plan with our College Counsellors

    Planning and goal setting: university applications, career goals and next steps, so students can choose their coursework for the final years together with their families.

  3. Final years

    Choose a programme

    Students select the IB Diploma Programme or the IB Career-related Programme with a specialism in Entrepreneurship or Creativity. All students also take the Greek and Cypriot Apolytirion.

    IBDP IBCP + Apolytirion
  4. Graduation

    Open doors worldwide

    With an IB diploma and the Apolytirion, students have diverse global opportunities: to study in the EU, the UK or the USA, to pursue entrepreneurship, and more.

The final years

Comparing the DP and CP for your child

Both are International Baccalaureate programmes. Students choose the one that best fits their goals, and every student also takes the Greek and Cypriot Apolytirion.

Focus

Academic excellence, critical thinking, independence, and preparation for university and life.

Academic and vocational learning. Career-related and transferable skills, with a route to university, further training or work.

Subjects

Six subject groups: Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals & Societies, Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts (or an additional group). Three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level.

At least two DP courses, plus a career-related study: we offer the BTEC International Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Entrepreneurship or Art & Design. The CP also includes career-specific short courses, e.g. Unity or Microsoft.

Core

Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay (4,000 words) and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).

Personal and Professional Skills, Community Engagement, Language & Cultural Studies, and the Reflective Project (3,000 words).

Assessment

Final IB examinations and coursework, including internal assessments.

DP courses are assessed as in the DP. The career-related study is assessed through a range of internal and external assessments; final grades are moderated and awarded by the external awarding body.

Scoring

Up to 45 pointsA minimum of 24 points, alongside the other IB requirements.

No total scoreStudents earn the IBCP certificate, individual DP course grades and certification from the career-related study provider (Pearson BTEC).

Best for

Students seeking a challenging, internationally recognised qualification with broad university pathways.

Students considering university or entrepreneurship, or who may choose a practical or vocational direction.

Students graduate with the IBDP or IBCP diploma + the Greek and Cypriot Apolytirion.

About the IB Diploma About the IB Career-related Programme
College counselling

Personal guidance towards university and career

With two specialised counsellors dedicated to supporting students in their university and career aspirations, The Island School provides a ratio of [1 counsellor per XX students].

Head of College Counselling

Sean Ragan

  • Background in selective US admissions as Director of International Students
  • Leadership roles in admissions at universities in Europe and Asia
  • Director of university counselling in Switzerland
  • Guidance on top universities around the world

In recent years: Ivy League, UCs, top Liberal Arts Colleges, UBC, McGill, Toronto, Sydney, Oxbridge, EPFL/ETH, TU Munich, UvA, Bocconi, IE Madrid, Delft, HKU, NU Singapore and more.

College Councellor

Lars Pfannkuchen

  • [Experience highlight 1]
  • [Experience highlight 2]
  • [Experience highlight 3]

Focus: [Areas of guidance, e.g. UK and European applications]

Events

Throughout the year, we share local events with families and host events at the School, so that students can get better acquainted with the many options available to them after graduation.

University Fair

Universities from around the world meet our students and families on campus.

Career Orientation Week

Parents, businesses and non-profits host presentations, panels and workshops about their work and career paths.

Class of 2026

Our first graduating class

In June 2026, our first cohort of graduates successfully completed their studies in both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the Greek and Cypriot Apolytirion. This milestone highlights the determination and hard work of teachers, leaders, staff, students and parents.

  • 100%

    Apolytirion pass rate

  • 40%

    received a bilingual diploma, recognising academic achievement in two languages

  • 95%

    went to their first-choice university

  • 100%

    placed in universities and tertiary pathways of their choice

"Every student's success is unique, and we are so proud of the many pathways students are taking following their graduation. We celebrate their achievements as they prepare for university studies in the UK, USA, France, Netherlands, Cyprus and beyond."
Jak KearneyHead of The Island School

In their academic journey, every student explores a wide range of pathways with teachers, parents and advisors, so that each graduate is supported and well prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Where our graduates study

From Limassol to the world

Our graduates continue their studies at universities in Cyprus, the UK, France, the Netherlands and the USA. Select a pin, a country or a university to find out more.