Who Decides My Child's Predicted IB Grade?

Each subject teacher decides the predicted grade for their subject, based on the learner's performance across the course. Predictions are professional judgements informed by evidence, not the output of a fixed formula. Different subjects may therefore be predicted by different teachers.

Do Predicted Grades Affect My Child's Final IB Score?

No. The final IB score is determined by external assessment and moderation, entirely separate from the school's predictions. Predicted grades are used only for university applications. The final result stands on its own.

Can Predicted Grades Be Changed or Appealed?

Schools set predictions through their own internal process, so any concern should be raised with the DP coordinator rather than the IB. There is no external appeal of a school's prediction. Open, early conversation is the best route if something seems off.

What Happens if Final Grades Are Lower Than Predicted?

If results fall below an offer's conditions, confirmation depends on the university and the specific offer. Options such as reconsideration, clearing, or reapplying may be available, though no outcome is guaranteed. Applying with a balanced list of choices reduces the risk.

When Are Predicted Grades Submitted?

Predicted grades are typically finalised early in Grade 12 to meet university application deadlines. Exact timing varies by application system and cycle, so confirm the current schedule with the school. Planning ensures nothing is rushed.

IB Predicted Grades: A Parent's Guide

Published on: November 13, 2026

Few parts of the IB Diploma cause as much confusion as predicted grades, which parents often mistake for the final result. A predicted grade is a teacher's estimate, submitted to universities before the final exams, and it is not the same as the externally marked score a learner eventually earns. Knowing how predictions are made, and what they are used for, takes much of the worry out of the university application year. The guide explains how IB predicted grades are calculated, why they matter, and what happens if the final result differs.

What Are IB Predicted Grades?

IB predicted grades are teacher-assessed estimates of the score a learner is expected to achieve in each subject, submitted to universities before the final examinations. Each prediction is a forecast, not the official result, and it exists so universities can make offers while a learner is still completing the Diploma. The final score comes later, set by external IB assessment.

A prediction is made for each subject, on the standard 1 to 7 scale.
Predictions are submitted during the application cycle, ahead of final exams.
The official result is separate and externally determined.

How Are IB Predicted Grades Calculated?

IB predicted grades are based on a learner's performance across the course, combined with the teacher's professional judgement, rather than a single formula. Each subject teacher predicts independently, drawing on the evidence they have gathered over the two years. The aim is an accurate, fair estimate of likely final performance.

Classwork and coursework completed through the programme.
Internal assessments marked within each subject.
Mock examinations that simulate the final papers.
The teacher's judgement of trajectory and exam readiness.

Predicted Grades Versus Final IB Grades

The most important thing to understand is that predicted grades and final grades are not the same. A predicted grade is an internal estimate made by teachers, while the final grade is set by the IB through external marking and moderation and reported on the 45-point scale. How that final score is built is explained in this guide to the IB 45-point scoring system.

In summary, the prediction opens doors during applications, and the final result confirms them. The two can differ in either direction, higher or lower.

Why Predicted Grades Matter for University Applications

Predicted grades matter because most university offers made before results are conditional on them. A strong prediction can secure a conditional offer, which is then confirmed once the final results meet the stated conditions. The way applications and offers work across systems is set out in this guide to UCAS versus the Common App.

Conditional offers are typically based on predicted grades.
Final confirmation depends on the actual results.
Predictions also inform course and university shortlisting.

What If Final Grades Do Not Match the Prediction?

Final results can come in higher or lower than predicted, and it helps to understand both cases calmly. If results meet or exceed the conditions of an offer, the place is normally confirmed. If they fall short, the outcome depends on the university and the specific offer, and routes such as reconsideration, clearing, or reapplying may be available. No specific outcome is guaranteed, so it is wise to plan with a balanced list of choices.

How JBCN Supports Fair and Accurate Predictions

Accurate predictions rest on knowing each learner well and guiding choices early. At JBCN, university and career counselling begins in Grade 9, so subject choices and university goals are mapped long before predictions are due. That continuity helps teachers make well-evidenced predictions and helps families apply with realistic, well-matched targets. Placement outcomes across recent cohorts are shared on the university placements page.

Enquire About the IB Diploma at JBCN

The university years feel far less stressful with early, informed guidance behind them. A short conversation with the admissions team shows how the IB Diploma Programme and its counselling support work at JBCN.

Enquire about the IB Diploma at JBCN

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Decides My Child's Predicted IB Grade?

Each subject teacher decides the predicted grade for their subject, based on the learner's performance across the course. Predictions are professional judgements informed by evidence, not the output of a fixed formula. Different subjects may therefore be predicted by different teachers.
How Are IB Predicted Grades Calculated?

Predicted grades draw on classwork, internal assessments, and mock examinations, combined with the teacher's judgement of exam readiness. Each subject is predicted independently on the 1 to 7 scale. There is no single formula; it is an evidence-based estimate.
Do Predicted Grades Affect My Child's Final IB Score?

No. The final IB score is determined by external assessment and moderation, entirely separate from the school's predictions. Predicted grades are used only for university applications. The final result stands on its own.
Can Predicted Grades Be Changed or Appealed?

Schools set predictions through their own internal process, so any concern should be raised with the DP coordinator rather than the IB. There is no external appeal of a school's prediction. Open, early conversation is the best route if something seems off.
What Happens if Final Grades Are Lower Than Predicted?

If results fall below an offer's conditions, confirmation depends on the university and the specific offer. Options such as reconsideration, clearing, or reapplying may be available, though no outcome is guaranteed. Applying with a balanced list of choices reduces the risk.
When Are Predicted Grades Submitted?

Predicted grades are typically finalised early in Grade 12 to meet university application deadlines. Exact timing varies by application system and cycle, so confirm the current schedule with the school. Planning ensures nothing is rushed.