Understanding the differences between a curriculum and an assessment body empowers parents to make an informed decision that aligns with their child’s aspirations. Here’s everything you need to know to help your child thrive when choosing an assessment path.

A curriculum outlines what learners are expected to study and achieve. It sets the framework for subjects, skills, and knowledge at each level. An assessment body, however, evaluates learners' progress against the curriculum, oversees examinations, and issues certifications.

The CAPS vs British International curriculum decision determines what your child learns, while choosing the assessment body (IEB vs SACAI or Pearson Edexcel) determines how their knowledge is assessed.

At Teneo School, learners following the CAPS curriculum are assessed through SACAI (South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute) or the IEB (Independent Examinations Board), with their preferred examination board selected in Grade 10. All assessments, including tests and examinations, are written through Teneo School. However, the final Grade 12 matric exams are conducted through the learner’s chosen assessment body, ensuring they receive an accredited and widely recognised National Senior Certificate (NSC) to support their future academic and career goals.

Learners who choose the British International curriculum at Teneo School will write all their IGCSE and AS Level examinations through Pearson Edexcel, a globally recognised examination board. This ensures that their qualifications meet international standards, opening doors to universities and career opportunities worldwide.

The CAPS curriculum

Building a solid foundation: Grades R to 9

CAPS, short for the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement, is the national curriculum set by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). It is widely implemented across South Africa and covers key subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Languages, and Social Sciences. At Teneo School, learners in Grades R to 9 follow the CAPS curriculum in either English or Afrikaans.

Discover online learning for primary school learners in South Africa through Teneo School.

Two pathways to matric: Grades 10 to 12

From Grade 10 to 12, learners continue with the CAPS curriculum. Depending on your family’s needs and your learner’s future study plans, you can choose between two examination bodies:

• SACAI (South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute): A fully accredited South African examination board that awards the National Senior Certificate (NSC), which will allow the learner to study at a South African university of their choice.

• IEB (Independent Examination Board): Internationally recognised and equivalent to a Cambridge AS qualification, ideal for families who want the flexibility for their child to study outside of South Africa.

Teneo School offers both SACAI and IEB as an educational pathway, providing unmatched flexibility for your child’s academic journey.

IEB vs SACAI: What’s the difference?

The key distinction between IEB and SACAI lies in their assessment approach:

• SACAI is an assessment body that provides a pathway for learners to complete the National Senior Certificate (NSC) under the CAPS curriculum.

• The IEB is an independent assessment body also offering the NSC under the CAPS curriculum, but is recognised for its academically rigorous approach with a focus on application of knowledge.

Both pathways lead to a National Senior Certificate issued by the Umalusi Council. This certification allows learners to apply to universities both locally and internationally.

Find out more about completing matric online in South Africa with Teneo School.

The British International curriculum

For learners seeking an international education, Teneo School offers the British International curriculum from Year 8 (Grade 8) to AS Levels (Grade 12 equivalent). This curriculum provides a global perspective and is designed to prepare learners for university-level education worldwide.

Our learners write their final exams through Pearson Edexcel South Africa, a globally recognised examination board. With triple accreditation (IEB, SACAI, and Pearson Edexcel), Teneo delivers globally recognised qualifications with the flexibility of live, hybrid, or recorded school formats – making it South Africa's most advanced and inclusive pre-primary, primary and high school.

Read more about our accreditation.

By choosing the British International Curriculum, learners earn an AS Level qualification at the end of Grade 12, equivalent to the National Senior Certificate. The South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) recognises and converts these international qualifications, ensuring seamless access to tertiary education.

Read more about completing the British International Curriculum through Teneo School.

Unlock your child’s extraordinary with Teneo School

Our mission is to deliver a high-quality online education that goes beyond academics. We prepare learners to succeed in the real world with strong conceptual understanding, knowledge application, and problem-solving skills.

Click here to see how Teneo consistently produces successful matriculants, year after year.

Teneo School hasn't just brought school online – it has reimagined what learning can be. Our Smart School System™ combines the best of teachers, technology, and insight to help every learner achieve their best. It's learning that's measurable, motivating, and meaningful.

With our intuitive learning platform, engaging lessons, and expert teachers, your child is supported at every stage of their academic journey. Whichever curriculum or assessment body you choose, you can rest assured that your learner will receive a future-ready education.