As the results for the May 2026 International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations are released, we are once again witnessing the outstanding achievements of students across the YCYW Education Network. During this graduation season, filled with both challenges and opportunities, our students from YCIS Hong Kong, YCIS Shanghai, YCIS Beijing, YCIS Chongqing, and YCIS Qingdao have composed a remarkable anthem of youth, demonstrating exceptional academic results and well-rounded personal development.

This year, A total of 208 YCYW students participated in the IB exams, with an overall average score of 35.23, surpassing the global average of 30.88. Among them, 1 student from YCIS Shanghai achieving a perfect score of 45, and 7 students scored an impressive 44 points. Over 20% of the cohort scored 40 and above, and 48.2% attained the Bilingual Diploma, significantly surpassing the global average of 27.4%(2025).

To be awarded the IBDP Bilingual Diploma, students must complete two Language and Literature courses in different languages, achieving a grade of 3 or above in each. Alternatively, they may achieve a grade of 3 or above in one Language and Literature course, whilst studying a regular subject from Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) or Group 4 (Sciences) in a different language, also attaining a grade of 3 or above.

As one of the most influential international secondary school curricula globally, the IB programme is renowned for its core philosophy of holistic education. Comprising a comprehensive framework of six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), it is widely regarded as the gold standard for cultivating international-mindedness and critical thinking, and is particularly highly regarded by top-tier universities worldwide.

Commenting on the outstanding performance of YCYW students in this year's IB examinations, Mr John Liu, Director of Careers and University Guidance and Student Development, noted that there has not been a fundamental change to the IB curriculum itself. however, this year, YCYW Super-Curricular Programmes, particularly those offered through the Seeds for Tomorrow Initiative. Many students who took part in these opportunities seem truly to have borne the fruit of that extra engagement.

“For instance, students involved in our particle physics programmes developed a much stonger conceptual understanding of their subject. this not only supported them in navigating exam materials with grater confidence, but also deepened their ability to carry out more thoughtful and rigorous research. In turn, that has had a clear positive effect on the quality of their Internal Assessments and, for some, has also provided valuable support for their Extended Essays in related areas.”

YCYW has always upheld the educational philosophy of providing equal opportunities for all. YCYW firmly believes in the long-term commitment to education and are dedicated to nurturing future leaders with a global perspective, intercultural communication skills, and a strong sense of social responsibility. The outstanding results in this year's IB examinations are not only the best reward for students' unremitting efforts but also a testament to the YCYW educational philosophy.

It is particularly heartening to see that the high-achieving students have not only scaled the heights of academic exploration but have also achieved well-rounded development in character developing, community service, and leadership. Through their actions, they have proven that IB students are not merely top performers in examinations, but also young role models who are globally minded and willing to take on responsibilities.

“YCYW’s bilingual and multicultural learning environment prepared me well for the IB’s dual language subject requirements. Similarly, as a IB Geography student, the focus that YCYW places on multiculturalism, enabled me to evenhandedly evaluate the interests of stakeholders from starkly contrasting backgrounds. Meanwhile, as an English Lit student, the core values cultivated in me during my time at YCIS allowed me to consider the global perspectives of characters in both an empathetic and critical manner.”

It is also worth noting that in 2025, Leroy’s sister, Levona, who also graduated from YCIS Shanghai Puxi, achieved a perfect score of 45 in the IB examinations. Both siblings have been part of the YCYW community from a young age and remained until their graduation from high school.

As a co-captain and student coach of the school's women's volleyball team, Levona played a pivotal role in enhancing team cohesion and morale. Furthermore, she was actively involved in service-learning projects, providing academic tutoring to disadvantaged students outside the school, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a profound sense of social responsibility.

Despite achieving a perfect score, Leroy drew upon his own personal experience to advise younger students against placing academic achievements on a pedestal or becoming overly fixated on perfection.

“Ultimately, the IB is an exercise in time management, and focusing on a few essential extracurriculars and core subjects will yield superior results to saying yes to everything in an effort to seem as accomplished as possible.”

Mr John Liu also remarked that success in the IB is not reserved solely for the naturally gifted; rather, it belongs to those who are prepared to commit themselves wholeheartedly to their studies. He therefore strongly encourages students to choose subjects they genuinely enjoy and that align with their interests. By taking it one step at a time, staying organised, and making full use of the support networks around them, students are certain to achieve outstanding results.

“At YCIS, I was given opportunities from a young age to explore my interests, work collaboratively, take ownership and learn through experience, whether in the classroom, through service, on stage or in student-led projects. That helped me develop critical thinking and leadership , but also the maturity to seek guidance when I needed it.”

Like his older sister Hannah and brother Enoch, Amos has been part of the YCIS family since he was just six months old. From the Infant and Toddler Learning Programme through to Year 13 graduation, Amos powerfully demonstrates the impact of a continuous and consistent educational pathway in YCIS. Amos describes it as "Holistic, Collaborative, and Growth-oriented." He credits his participation in school programmes for teaching him to find his voice and embrace servant leadership, skills that now define his path toward a future in sustainable engineering.

Hannah enrolled at Stanford University in 2024, whilst Enoch is currently pursuing his studies at the University of Toronto.

“Having grown up at YCIS alongside my brother and sister also made the journey especially meaningful, as the school became such an important part of our family story” Amos noted.

Hilary, also from YCIS Hong Kong, achieved an outstanding score of 44. Aspiring to become an emergency and critical care vet, she was deeply moved by her volunteer work at a local stray dog shelter and Kadoorie Farm. Witnessing the severe lack of veterinary resources for animals in Hong Kong, she has resolved to use her professional expertise to rescue and care for them.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I received during my two years at YCIS, and I will always miss my teachers, my friends, and the time I spent here. I was proud to represent YCIS, and I will forever cherish this chapter of my life.”

Including Amos and Hilary, 4 students from YCIS Hong Kong achieved 44 points this year, alongside another 4 who secured 43 points. Furthermore, 24 students attained scores above 40. In addition, 67 students were awarded the IB Bilingual Diploma. Notably, 51% of their university offers are from QS Top 50 institutions, 74% are from the QS Top 100.

Like Amos, Yebin from YCIS Qingdao has also grown up within the YCYW community, completing her entire educational journey from primary school through to high school since 2014.

In this year's IB examinations, Yebin similarly achieved an outstanding score of 44 points. In her view, this remarkable achievement stems not only from her own efforts but also from the supportive learning environment at YCIS Qingdao. In particular, the 2023 YCYW Leadership Retreat proved to be a turning point in her high school journey. It was there that she learned to think beyond the classroom. Students from different campuses encouraged one another, engaged in collaborative discussions, and continuously reflected on the true meaning of learning.“That experience sparked a genuine love for learning that has stayed with me ever since.”

Dr Esther Chan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (K-12 Education), said:

“This remarkable set of results fully embodies YCYW’s educational philosophy of providing equal opportunities for all. Whether students have grown up within the YCYW community or joined us through various entry pathways, we firmly believe that every student possesses unique potential. What brings us the greatest joy is not merely their outstanding academic scores, but more importantly, the character, confidence, resilience, and capacity for lifelong learning they have cultivated throughout their growth.

We have always believed that the true value of education extends far beyond examination scores and university admissions; it lies in nurturing well-rounded individuals who can continue to grow and make positive contributions to society in a rapidly changing world. Through our holistic education and through-train model, our students not only achieve academic excellence but also develop the future-ready skills, strong character, and cross-cultural perspectives essential for their lifelong journey.”

From science and engineering to the humanities and the arts, and from the emerging field of artificial intelligence to biomedical sciences, YCYW graduates are embarking on journeys across the globe. Carrying the wisdom and strength they have cultivated on YCYW campuses, they will continue to shine in their chosen fields, bringing about positive and profound change to the world!