Celebrating the IBDP Class of 2026: Mat

This year, our 2026 graduates achieved outstanding results in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), with an impressive average score of 35.7 points—well above the global average of 30.88.

15% of learners scored 40 points or above, and 62% scored 35 points or more, placing them among the world’s top-performing IB learners.

As a cohort, they also achieved results that were, on average, 4.3 points higher than their initial predicted grades at the beginning of the programme.

Among these exceptional achievers is Matt, who embraced every opportunity available to him during his time at Nexus, from business competitions to community initiatives and sport. He credits the support of his teachers and the many opportunities beyond the classroom with helping him secure an unconditional offer to IE University in Madrid, where he will study Business Administration and International Relations.

Three years ago, Mat joined Nexus International School Singapore midway through his IGCSE studies after moving from the Philippines. Adjusting to a new country, a new curriculum and a new school could have been daunting, but after achieving 39 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), he is now preparing to begin a dual degree in Business Administration and International Relations at IE University in Madrid with an unconditional offer.

For Mat, one of the biggest reasons for his success was the way Nexus encouraged him to look beyond the classroom and embrace every opportunity available.

“At Nexus, I was able to explore more opportunities and learn both inside and outside the classroom. Competitions like Junior Achievement and the Wharton Investment Competition allowed me to take my learning beyond lessons and build a strong profile for university.”

Those opportunities helped him discover where his interests truly lay. While Business quickly became his favourite subject, it was applying those concepts in real-world settings that made the biggest impact.

“I really enjoy Business because it doesn’t feel like work. I enjoy learning about it, and Mr Jim always made the lessons interesting, even when we were focusing on exams.”

Through the Junior Achievement Company Programme, Mat joined the marketing team behind Ojo, an eye mask infused with essential oils designed to help people relax. Building a business from the ground up gave him valuable experience in product development, branding and entrepreneurship.

“It was really cool learning how to build and operate a business. Everyone had different responsibilities, just like a real company.”

He also stepped into the world of finance through the prestigious Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, where he and his teammates developed an investment strategy for a fictional client.

“Before the competition, I didn’t know much about investing. It allowed me to learn with others how investing really works, which is something I want to get into in the future.”

Those experiences confirmed that business was more than simply an academic subject. It was the career he wanted to pursue.

Outside academics, Mat continued to challenge himself in new ways. He volunteered at public events, organised fundraising initiatives with friends and even completed the Singapore Marathon as part of his community involvement. He also joined the Nexus rugby team despite having never played the sport before.

That decision led to one of his proudest moments when the team won the 2024 FOBISIA Rugby Sevens Tournament in Johor Bahru.

“It was my first time winning a championship in sport. The best part was being with the team and my friends. After that trip, everyone became so much closer, and I made lifelong friends through rugby.”

His willingness to embrace unfamiliar experiences mirrors his own journey at Nexus. Having joined midway through Year 11 from a non-international school, he initially faced the challenge of catching up on almost a year’s worth of IGCSE content while adapting to an entirely new education system.

“It was quite challenging, having to catch up on a year’s worth of content and relearn topics by myself, but the teachers were really helpful, and I was able to adjust quite quickly.”

One teacher who made a particularly lasting impression was Mr Jim, who taught Mat Business from Year 11 through to the IBDP.

“When I joined in Year 11, I’d missed half the syllabus, but Mr Jim helped me catch up and excel in my exams. He’s also been incredibly supportive with my university applications and really inspired me to do well.”

That support continued throughout the university application process. After discovering IE University at the Lion City Fair, Mat worked closely with the Nexus university counselling team to prepare his application, essays and interviews.

“They helped me prepare for my interviews through mock interviews and answered every question I had. By the time I had my actual interview, I felt really prepared and confident.”

Receiving an unconditional offer confirmed that his hard work had paid off.

Looking back, Mat believes the biggest lesson he has learned is simple: say yes to opportunities.

“My advice is to take every opportunity that’s given to you and just do it. Whether it’s a competition, a sport or an activity outside the classroom, you never know what you’ll become passionate about or where it might lead.”

For Mat, that mindset transformed his three years at Nexus into an experience filled with friendships, new passions and opportunities that have prepared him for the next chapter in Madrid.

Mat’s IB journey reflects so much of what we value at Nexus: academic excellence, resilience in the face of challenge, and a deep commitment to personal growth.

As Mat prepares to begin a new chapter, we have no doubt that he will continue to thrive and inspire. We are incredibly proud of all that Mat has achieved and are grateful to have been a part of his journey.

Mat is just one of our incredible learners in this year’s graduating class.  To see more highlights from our IBDP Class of 2026, including cohort statistics and success stories, click here.