What was the mean grade in IB Visual Arts in May 2026?

The mean grade was 4.3 at HL and 4 at SL, according to the IB's provisional bulletin for May 2026. Both figures are the same as in May 2025.

How many candidates scored a 7 in Visual Arts in May 2026?

A grade 7 went to 2.9% of HL candidates and 1.2% of SL candidates. These are shares of all candidates at each level, so they should not be compared as head counts.

Is HL Visual Arts graded more generously than SL?

HL has a higher mean (4.3 against 4) and more grade 6 and 7 results as a share. The bulletin does not say why. It may reflect who chooses HL, so it is not proof of easier marking.

IB subject statistics

IB Visual Arts grade distribution and average grade, May 2026

By Michael Thompson - Head of Teaching Excellence; 15 years as an IB Coordinator

Published 5 October 2026Data: IB Diploma Programme provisional statistical bulletin, May 2026

Short answer: In May 2026, IB Visual Arts students averaged 4.3 at HL (9,709 students) and 4.0 at SL (6,076). 2.9% of HL and 1.2% of SL students scored a 7, and the most common grade at both levels was 4.

This page summarises how candidates performed in IB Visual Arts in the May 2026 session. The figures come from the IB's official statistical bulletin for that session. They are from the provisional bulletin, and a final version follows later in the year, so small revisions are possible.

In May 2026 the bulletin reports 9,709 Higher Level (HL) candidates and 6,076 Standard Level (SL) candidates. Below we look at what the mean grade and the spread of grades say about how the subject is scored, how the two levels differ, and what changed against May 2025.

Key figures

Level	Students	Mean grade	Share of 7s	vs May 2025
HL	9,709	4.3	2.9%	no change
SL	6,076	4.0	1.2%	no change

Grade distribution, May 2026

Grade distribution, May 2026
Grade	Higher Level	Standard Level
1	0.5%	0.2%
2	3.9%	5.9%
3	21.5%	26.2%
4	31.2%	36.0%
5	24.7%	20.5%
6	12.8%	6.6%
7	2.9%	1.2%

Grade 1-7, % of studentsHigher LevelStandard Level

Aiming for a 6 or 7 in Visual Arts?Visual Arts tutoring

What the mean grade and distribution show

The mean grade is 4.3 at HL and 4 at SL. Grade 4 is the most common single grade at both levels: 31.2% of HL candidates and 36% of SL candidates. Grade 3 and grade 5 follow, with 21.5% and 24.7% at HL and 26.2% and 20.5% at SL. The distribution is therefore bunched around the middle of the scale. Grade 7 is rare (2.9% at HL, 1.2% at SL), and grade 1 is rarer still (0.5% at HL, 0.2% at SL). The percentages are shares of all candidates at that level, and a small remainder received no grade, so the shares in each row add up to slightly less than the whole group.

HL compared with SL

HL has the higher mean grade, 4.3 against 4, and its distribution sits further towards the upper grades. Grade 6 is reached by 12.8% of HL candidates against 6.6% at SL, and grade 7 by 2.9% against 1.2%. At SL, more candidates are in the lower and middle bands: 5.9% received a grade 2 (3.9% at HL), and 26.2% a grade 3 (21.5% at HL). These are comparisons of shares, not head counts, as HL has more candidates overall. The bulletin does not explain the gap. One possibility is that students who choose HL are more committed to art, or have more studio experience, but the data cannot confirm this.

Change since May 2025

Against May 2025 the mean grades are unchanged: 4.3 at HL and 4 at SL. At HL the grade shares barely moved. At SL they did: grade 4 fell from 43% to 36%, with grade 3 rising from 22.1% to 26.2% and grade 5 from 18.5% to 20.5%, so the mean held while results spread out in both directions.

What this means for choosing and preparing

The distribution suggests a grade 4 is the typical outcome, while top grades are uncommon, so students aiming for a 6 or 7 should plan for sustained, high-quality work rather than a last-minute push. HL candidates reach grades 6 and 7 more often as a share, but that does not mean HL is automatically easier, since it asks for more work and the candidates may differ in background. Choose the level based on your interest, your portfolio so far and your timetable. Whatever the level, steady work on the studio and research components across the course is the most sensible preparation, because the grade is built up over many months.

Key takeaways

May 2026 mean grade: 4.3 at HL (9,709 candidates) and 4 at SL (6,076 candidates).
Grade 4 is the most common grade at both levels: 31.2% at HL and 36% at SL.
Grade 7 was awarded to 2.9% of HL and 1.2% of SL candidates, so top grades are uncommon.
Mean grades are unchanged from May 2025 at both levels.
The May 2026 figures are provisional; a final bulletin follows later in the year.

Frequently asked questions

What was the mean grade in IB Visual Arts in May 2026?: The mean grade was 4.3 at HL and 4 at SL, according to the IB's provisional bulletin for May 2026. Both figures are the same as in May 2025.
How many candidates scored a 7 in Visual Arts in May 2026?: A grade 7 went to 2.9% of HL candidates and 1.2% of SL candidates. These are shares of all candidates at each level, so they should not be compared as head counts.
Is HL Visual Arts graded more generously than SL?: HL has a higher mean (4.3 against 4) and more grade 6 and 7 results as a share. The bulletin does not say why. It may reflect who chooses HL, so it is not proof of easier marking.