NOTTINGHAM students who are the first in their college to take a different type of qualification have recorded results which are better than the worldwide average.

Bilborough College introduced the International Baccalaureate in 2009 and the first set of students to take it have completed the course.

Their results have now been published and Bilborough College was not only placed among the top 15 schools in the UK but also exceeded the worldwide average of global baccalaureate scores and pass rate.

The diploma, which is the equivalent of four-and-a-half A-levels, gives students the chance to study a wider range of subjects.

Principal Chris Bradford believes the breadth that the qualification offers can give students an advantage.

"We think that almost all of our International Baccalaureate students have done at least as well on the diploma as we would expect them to do on an A-level programme," he said.

"It's a different programme and it suits a different kind of student and it's particularly suitable for students who are good all-rounders who want to keep a wider range of subjects.

"There is also an opportunity to amass more UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) points because of the amount of study and the number of subjects they take.

"These students have gained more points than someone doing A-levels would."

Mr Bradford added that the college is now looking to increase the number of students taking the qualification.

A larger number of students have already signed up to it this year.

As well as traditional subjects, like maths, science and English, baccalaureate students complete modules in Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) and theory in knowledge.

The modules encourage students to get involved with activities outside of their studies and take a different approach to subjects.

Gayatri Dave, who received her results on Wednesday, said the two modules really benefited her development.

"You had to do 50 hours of each and basically I think it helps you try out new things that maybe you wouldn't normally do," said the 18-year-old, from South Normanton.

"It gives you something apart from your college work to focus on and it gives you skills for jobs so it really helps because it helps you develop as a person.

"I also didn't really know if I wanted to do A-levels, which subjects I wanted to do and what I wanted to do after college, so the IB gave me the chance to do a really wide range of subjects."

Anisah Osman Britton, 18, from Cinderhill, Bulwell, also received her results on Friday.

She said: "I wasn't too sure what I wanted to do at college and I wanted to do a few subjects.

"It was a bit challenging but it was the best thing for me because it made a lot of sense and the teachers were extremely helpful.

"The theory in knowledge module was also beneficial as I'd never thought of different ways of approaching things, so it gave me a new outlook."