The Cambridge curriculum is an internationally recognised programme of education developed by Cambridge International Education (CAIE), part of the University of Cambridge. It runs from primary through to pre-university level and leads to qualifications including Cambridge IGCSE® and Cambridge International AS & A Levels. It is one of the two leading British-style international curricula used by schools worldwide — the other being the Pearson Edexcel International curriculum.

This guide explains what the Cambridge curriculum is, how it is structured, what qualifications it leads to, and how it compares to the Pearson Edexcel pathway — so parents researching their options can make an informed decision.

What Cambridge International Education is

Cambridge International Education (CAIE) is the international examinations arm of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge. Until October 2017 it was known as CIE (Cambridge International Examinations); the name was updated to CAIE, and the awarding body is now referred to as Cambridge International Education.

Each year, more than a quarter of a million students take Cambridge IGCSE® examinations in over 150 countries and nearly 6,000 schools worldwide. This global reach — particularly across physical international schools in the Gulf, Asia, and Africa — is why Cambridge is one of the most widely recognised names in international education.

How the Cambridge curriculum is structured

The Cambridge Pathway is designed for students aged 3 to 19 and runs through five stages:

This structure closely mirrors the Pearson Edexcel iProgress pathway, which runs through iPrimary, iLowerSecondary, International GCSE, and International AS/A Levels. Both follow the British educational framework adapted for international learners. Read about the Pearson Edexcel iProgress pathway for the direct comparison.

Cambridge IGCSE® explained

Cambridge IGCSE® (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a two-year, subject-based qualification for students aged 14 to 16. It is the most widely recognised international qualification of its kind globally.

Key features of Cambridge IGCSE®:

• Over 70 subjects available, with students typically taking between 5 and 14

• Core subjects are English, Mathematics, and Sciences

• Graded A* to G (the original international scale), with 9–1 available in some subjects

• Examinations held twice a year, in June and November

• Many subjects include coursework or practical components

It is worth knowing the terminology here: "IGCSE" is a registered trademark of Cambridge. Pearson Edexcel — the other major board — is not permitted to use the IGCSE acronym, and instead calls its equivalent qualification the "International GCSE." Both are equivalent qualifications at the same academic level. Read the full explanation of IGCSE vs International GCSE.

Cambridge International AS & A Levels

Cambridge International AS & A Levels are the advanced, pre-university qualifications in the Cambridge pathway, taken by students aged 16 to 19. They are accepted by universities worldwide as evidence of academic readiness for degree-level study.

Like Pearson Edexcel International AS & A Levels, Cambridge AS & A Levels are assessed through external examinations and lead to qualifications recognised by universities globally. Read about International AS Levels and how they support university entry.

Cambridge vs Pearson Edexcel: which should you choose?

Both Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel are leading British-style international curricula. Both are accepted by universities in over 160 countries. Neither is academically superior — universities treat them as equivalent.

The genuine differences are practical:

The reduced coursework and written practical papers of the Pearson Edexcel International suite make it particularly well-suited to online learning, where laboratory access and coursework supervision are not always available. Read the full Cambridge vs Pearson Edexcel comparison for online learning.

Frequently asked questions about the Cambridge curriculum

Is the Cambridge curriculum better than Pearson Edexcel? Neither is better. Both are leading British-style international curricula, both are recognised by universities worldwide, and both lead to qualifications at the same academic level. The right choice depends on which board a school offers, the subject range needed, and — for online learners — which board's assessment structure best suits online delivery.

Is Cambridge IGCSE® recognised by universities? Yes. Cambridge IGCSE® and Cambridge International AS & A Levels are recognised by universities in over 150 countries. So are Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs and AS/A Levels. Both boards' qualifications are accepted on equivalent terms.

Can I study the Cambridge curriculum online? Some online schools offer Cambridge; others, including Teneo, offer the Pearson Edexcel International curriculum. Both are British-style international curricula leading to equivalent, globally recognised qualifications. Can you study IGCSE online? Read more here.

What is the difference between Cambridge IGCSE® and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE? They are equivalent qualifications from different awarding bodies. "IGCSE" is Cambridge's trademarked term; Pearson Edexcel calls its equivalent the "International GCSE." Both are accepted by universities on the same basis. Read the full comparison.

Teneo Online School delivers the British International curriculum through Pearson Edexcel — the international suite designed with minimised coursework and written practical papers that make it especially well-suited to online learning. Explore the British International programme, view results and accreditation, or contact the admissions team to discuss the right pathway for your child.