Beyond the benchmarks: Celebrating the growth and global readiness of ISHCMC’s Class of 2025

The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is celebrating a defining academic milestone as the Class of 2025 posts record-breaking International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma results, cementing the school’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading IB World Schools.

This year, ISHCMC’s graduating cohort of 109 students achieved a 98% diploma pass rate, well above the global average of 81%, with an average score of 34 points, surpassing the international mean of 30.58. Notably, 44% of students scored 35 points or higher, while six graduates reached the prestigious 40+ point benchmark, underscoring the school’s commitment to excellence and its culture of high performance.

“These results reflect more than numbers,” said Mr. Marco Longmore, Head of School. “They represent countless stories of determination, creativity, and growth. Our students are developing the curiosity and resilience that will carry them into their future endeavors.”

Beyond academic performance, ISHCMC continues to nurture globally minded, multilingual learners. Over half of the 2025 graduates (53%) earned the highly regarded IB Bilingual Diploma, more than double the global average of 23%. This achievement reflects the school’s emphasis on cultural fluency and its holistic approach to education.

Many of this year’s graduates began their journey at ISHCMC as early learners, progressing through the full IB continuum, from the Primary Years Programme (PYP), to the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and into the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP). This consistent educational pathway has enabled students to develop critical thinking, confidence, and compassion across every stage.

The Class of 2025 also made a mark through their Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) initiatives and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) work. Their projects addressed pressing issues such as sustainability, mental health, and social equity, impacting local communities through environmental campaigns, social entrepreneurship, and cultural performances.

ISHCMC’s educators have been integral to this success, providing not just academic instruction but also mentorship and guidance. Teachers and IB coordinators have cultivated an environment where inquiry and innovation thrive, supporting students to pursue their passions and achieve their best.

Looking ahead, ISHCMC’s graduates are preparing to enter world-class universities across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Students have received offers from top-ranked institutions including the University of California system, Imperial College London, the University of Toronto, and Seoul National University. Collectively, the Class of 2025 has earned more than $56 million in scholarships and awards.

However, the school emphasizes that these students are taking more than academic accolades into their next chapters. Equipped with ISHCMC’s core values - curiosity, achievement, resilience, and empathy - they are ready to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving world.

As ISHCMC marks this proud achievement, it also sets its sights on the future. The school plans to further invest in student wellbeing, enhance its learning environments, and strengthen partnerships with global institutions, ensuring the next generation of learners are empowered to meet tomorrow’s challenges with confidence and clarity.

 

About ISHCMC

Founded as the first international school in Ho Chi Minh City, ISHCMC offers a high-quality education for students aged 2 to 18 through three distinct pathways: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, IB Courses, and the ISHCMC High School Diploma. Accredited by leading international bodies including the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), ISHCMC provides a nurturing, inquiry-based environment where students are encouraged to discover their potential and grow holistically. ISHCMC students have been accepted into seven of the world’s top ten universities as ranked by the QS World University Rankings.

Website: www.ishcmc.com

Phone: (028) 3898 9100

Email: admissions@ishcmc.edu.vn