Primary Years Programme
An inquiry-based programme for younger learners, implemented through an authorized whole-school framework.
IBProgramme Standards & Evaluation
NTES International Accreditation & Quality Library
IB Programme Standards& Evaluation
Explore IB Programme standards and practices, authorization, programme evaluation, self-study and the continuous development expectations applying to IB World Schools.
IB authorization confirms that a school is prepared to offer an IB programme. Programme evaluation then helps ensure that authorized schools continue to implement and develop their programmes effectively.
Programmes
PYP • MYP • DP • CP
Entry
Formal IB authorization
Quality Framework
Programme standards & practices
Evaluation
At least every 5 years
Current IB framework note
Authorization and programme evaluation currently use different PSP versions
The IB currently states that Programme standards and practices 2020 are being used for programme evaluation, while PSP 2014 continues to be used for authorization services at this time. Schools should therefore verify which framework applies to their specific IB process.
Understanding IB quality assurance
Authorization is the beginning of an ongoing quality cycle
A school must be authorized by the International Baccalaureate before it can offer one or more IB programmes as an IB World School.
Authorization verifies that the school is prepared to implement the relevant programme in accordance with IB requirements, philosophy and programme standards and practices.
Once authorized, the school continues programme development through professional learning, action planning, self-study and recurring programme evaluation.
IB quality cycle
1
Consider programme implementation
2
Apply for candidacy
3
Develop programme capacity
4
Complete authorization
5
Implement as an IB World School
6
Evaluate and continuously improve
IB programme continuum
Four programmes, one shared quality framework
Schools may be authorized for one or more IB programmes. Each programme has distinct requirements while sharing common IB philosophy and quality expectations.
Middle Years Programme
A concept-driven programme for students in the middle years, connecting curriculum, approaches to learning and global contexts.
Diploma Programme
A rigorous pre-university programme combining subject study with the DP core and internationally recognised assessment.
Career-related Programme
A programme combining IB academic study with career-related learning and the CP core.
Programme standards & practices
A framework for evaluating programme implementation
PSP provides criteria through which schools and the IB evaluate programme planning, implementation, development and continuing quality.
01Quality Area
Purpose
The school aligns its philosophy, mission and strategic direction with the values and expectations of IB education.
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IB mission
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School philosophy
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Strategic alignment
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International-mindedness
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Learner profile
02Quality Area
Environment
The school establishes structures, leadership, resources and policies needed to sustain effective implementation of the programme.
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Leadership
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Programme coordination
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Policies
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Professional learning
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Resources
03Quality Area
Culture
The school develops an inclusive and collaborative culture that supports IB values, learning and the wider school community.
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Collaboration
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Inclusion
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Academic integrity
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Community
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Student well-being
04Quality Area
Learning
Teaching, curriculum, assessment and learning experiences are implemented in ways that reflect the requirements and philosophy of the relevant IB programme.
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Curriculum
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Teaching
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Assessment
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Approaches to learning
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Student agency
Becoming an IB World School
The authorization journey
The IB authorization process supports schools in understanding programme expectations, developing capacity and demonstrating readiness to implement the relevant programme.
Step 01
Consideration
The school explores the IB philosophy, programme requirements and implications of implementation before deciding whether to pursue authorization.
Step 02
Request for Candidacy
The school submits its profile, application and supporting documentation and formally applies for candidate status.
Step 03
Candidacy & Development
The school develops the programme, completes required professional learning and works toward meeting authorization requirements.
Step 04
Request for Authorization
The school submits evidence showing its readiness to implement the programme and meet the applicable IB requirements.
Step 05
Verification
A team of IB educators verifies that the school's educational principles, systems and required standards and practices are in place.
Step 06
Authorization Decision
The IB reviews the evidence and verification feedback and determines whether the school is authorized to offer the programme.
Step 07
Ongoing Development
Authorization begins an ongoing cycle of programme development, professional learning, action planning and future programme evaluation.
Programme evaluation
Maintaining and strengthening authorization
Programme evaluation is the IB quality-assurance process through which authorized schools review implementation and demonstrate that programme requirements continue to be met.
Stage 01
Programme Development Planning
The school continuously reviews programme implementation, identifies development priorities and maintains an improvement plan.
Stage 02
Self-Study
The school evaluates the implementation of its IB programme against current programme standards and practices.
Stage 03
Stakeholder Engagement
Teachers, leaders, students and other members of the school community may contribute evidence and perspectives during evaluation.
Stage 04
Programme Evaluation
The IB evaluates whether the programme continues to meet the requirements expected of an IB World School.
Stage 05
Feedback & Findings
The school receives findings that inform future programme development and areas requiring further action.
Stage 06
Continuous Improvement
The school uses evaluation feedback to strengthen programme implementation and prepare for the next evaluation cycle.
Evaluation cycle
The IB states that each IB World School is evaluated at least once every five years. Self-study is a central component of this continuing-improvement process.
Professional application
Connect IB programme evaluation with internal school quality assurance
IB programme evaluation is strongest when schools maintain reliable evidence throughout the cycle rather than beginning self-study only immediately before formal evaluation.
Programme leaders can connect PSP expectations with internal evidence review, improvement planning, professional development and strategic school priorities.
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Understand IB authorization requirements
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Review programme implementation systematically
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Strengthen school self-study
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Organise evidence against PSP expectations
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Prepare for verification or evaluation
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Strengthen programme leadership and coordination
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Develop programme-improvement priorities
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Monitor continuing implementation quality
International comparison
IB programme quality is not the same as institutional accreditation
IB authorization and evaluation focus specifically on implementation of IB programmes. Other organisations in this library accredit or evaluate the institution more broadly.
| Area | IB | CIS | NEASC | Cognia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Authorization and ongoing programme-quality evaluation for implementation of one or more IB programmes. | Developmental international accreditation aligned with organisational learning and strategic school improvement. | Developmental institutional accreditation combining organisational foundations, peer review and learner-centred improvement. | Evidence-based institutional accreditation and continuous improvement. |
| Quality framework | Programme standards and practices together with programme-specific requirements. | Cornerstones, standards and developmental Dimensions. | Foundation Standards and accreditation pathways such as ACE Learning. | Performance Standards organised around four key quality characteristics. |
| Internal evaluation | Programme self-study and development planning by the authorized school. | School-led self-study and Development Initiatives. | Structured self-reflection linked to learning and organisational development. | Institutional self-assessment against Performance Standards. |
| External evaluation | IB authorization verification and recurring programme evaluation. | Peer evaluation supported by CIS representatives. | Peer review through trained visiting teams. | External Engagement Review by trained evaluators. |
Official IB resources
Verify requirements through the International Baccalaureate
Schools should use current IB documentation for formal authorization, programme evaluation and implementation decisions.
IB Authorization Process
Official IB guidance explaining consideration, candidacy, authorization and the route to becoming an IB World School.
View Authorization ProcessProgramme Standards & Practices
Official IB professional-learning resources explaining the Programme standards and practices and how schools use them for implementation and development.
Explore PSP ResourcesAuthorization Resources
Official resources for candidate schools, including programme-specific authorization support and PSP guidance.
Open Authorization ResourcesIB Resource Library
Official resource library containing sample documents and programme standards and practices materials for candidate schools.
Open Resource LibraryMoving Forward as an IB World School
Official guidance about programme development after authorization and the continuing evaluation cycle.
Explore Ongoing DevelopmentProgramme Evaluation Resources
Official IB learning resources supporting schools in planning and conducting programme evaluation.
Explore Evaluation Supporti
Always verify current IB requirements
Programme standards, authorization requirements, professional-development requirements, evaluation procedures and rules can change. Schools should always verify the current requirements directly with the International Baccalaureate.
NT Education Solutions is an independent education provider. Inclusion of the International Baccalaureate, IB programmes or related quality frameworks does not imply endorsement, authorization, approval, partnership or affiliation.
From programme evaluation to whole-school improvement
Build a stronger evidence-informed internal quality process
The NTES School Self-Evaluation Toolkit supports evidence review, triangulation, validated strengths and development areas, priority selection and leadership validation across the wider school.