At CambriLearn, we offer a range of curriculum options, including South Africa’s CAPS curriculum, the Cambridge/International British Curriculum. Pearson Edexcel and the US K12 Curriculum. As more families explore our platform, we’ve noticed a growing curiosity about how these different education systems compare, especially in terms of structure, flexibility, and international recognition.
In this article, we unpack the key differences between the CAPS and Cambridge/ International British Curriculum to help you make an informed choice about which path is best suited to your child’s learning needs and your family’s lifestyle.
What is the Cambridge Curriculum?
The Cambridge Curriculum, often referred to as the International British Curriculum, is a globally recognised education system that equips students with a strong academic foundation and critical thinking skills. It’s widely respected by universities and employers around the world for its high academic standards, emphasis on independent learning, and flexible subject choices.
At CambriLearn, we offer the International British Curriculum, which follows the structure and learning outcomes of the Cambridge education system. Our curriculum is designed to prepare students thoroughly for their Cambridge exams, which can be written at any registered Cambridge examination centre worldwide.
This makes the Cambridge pathway ideal for homeschooling and online learners who want a high-quality, internationally recognised education while enjoying the flexibility of studying at their own pace.
The Cambridge Curriculum is divided into four key stages:
- Primary: foundational subjects with a focus on numeracy, literacy, and basic sciences
- Lower Secondary: intermediate development of core academic skills and subject exploration
- IGCSE: the International General Certificate of Secondary Education is typically taken in Grades 10–11 (or ages 14–16)
- AS and A Levels: advanced qualifications that prepare students for university and specialised study
Benefits of the Cambridge/International British Curriculum
The International British Curriculum provides learners with a solid academic foundation and the freedom to shape their educational journey. Here are some of the key benefits that make this curriculum a popular choice.
- Flexible, self-paced learning: students following the International British Curriculum can progress through their studies at a pace that suits their individual needs, abilities, and schedules. This level of flexibility is especially beneficial for learners who have demanding extracurricular activities, suffer from medical conditions that require frequent care, or thrive in a personalised learning environment.
- Globally recognised qualification: the curriculum is accepted by universities and institutions worldwide. Learners who complete their IGCSEs, AS Levels, and A Levels are well-prepared for tertiary education, having developed strong academic, critical thinking, and independent learning skills.
- Worldwide exam centre access: students are able to sit their official Cambridge examinations at accredited centres across the globe. This allows for both international recognition and logistical convenience, especially for online learners.
- Ideal for families who travel or immigrate: the structure and standardisation of the Cambridge Curriculum make it a practical choice for families who relocate or travel during the academic year. Its global consistency and online accessibility ensure that students can continue their education uninterrupted, no matter where they are in the world.
What is CAPS?
The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) is the National Curriculum that is taught in most schools across South Africa. CAPS is not a new curriculum, it is an amendment to the National Curriculum Statement. The main goal of the revisions was to lessen the administrative load on teachers and to ensure that they have clear guidelines to maintain a level of consistency. With the updated CAPS curriculum, every subject in each grade has a comprehensive policy document. This document provides teachers with clearly defined course guidelines per grade and per subject.
Children who enrol with the CAPS curriculum through CambriLearn will work according to the South African school terms and write their exams at accredited South African based exam centres.
What Are the Pass Rates for Cambridge and CAPS?
Understanding pass rates can help provide insight into the academic expectations and standards of each curriculum. Below is an overview of how pass rates generally compare between the Cambridge International Curriculum and South Africa’s CAPS curriculum.
Cambridge International Curriculum
- International GCSE (IGCSE): the pass rate for IGCSEs is generally high, especially among students who are well-prepared. Students usually take multiple subjects, and a pass is awarded when a grade of C or above is achieved. In March 2025, globally, 79-83% of Cambridge IGCSE grades fell within the A–C range, indicating strong academic performance across subjects.
- AS and A Levels: these exams are widely recognised by universities around the world. While the curriculum is academically demanding, students who follow a structured learning plan and prepare adequately often achieve strong results. In March 2025, subject-level data shows that approximately 69–78% of students achieved a grade C or higher for their AS Levels, while 79–84% of students achieved a grade C or higher.
CAPS Curriculum
The final year of CAPS is Grade 12, where students write the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, commonly referred to as matric.
In 2024, the national matric pass rate reached a historic high of 87.3%, as reported by the Department of Basic Education. This includes students who met the minimum requirements to pass the NSC.
Importantly, 47.8% of candidates achieved a Bachelor’s Pass, qualifying them for university admission which is a significant improvement compared to previous years.
Is the Cambridge Curriculum Accepted by South African Universities?
CambriLearn’s International British Curriculum is recognised internationally (and that includes South Africa). Children who complete their British A Levels or AS Levels can apply to universities around the world. As with many university degrees, there may be a prerequisite to have completed certain subjects at High School level in order to qualify to register for a certain degree. We recommend having a professional subject or career choice assessment from our educational psychologist to ensure that your subject choices match your intended career pathway.
Moving from CAPS to Cambridge
Students moving from the CAPS curriculum to the Cambridge British curriculum can do so if they have completed an equivalent Level or Grade. CambriLearn’s expert education consultants are available to give you the best advice on how to transfer from one curriculum to another and how to map out your child’s ideal learning schedule.
What is the Cambridge Level Equivalent in South Africa?
When choosing between the CAPS and Cambridge International Curricula, it’s helpful to understand how the different stages align in terms of academic level, student age, and progression. Although the two systems are structured differently, there are generally accepted equivalencies that allow parents and learners to compare milestones across the two pathways.
Which Curriculum is Better?
At CambriLearn, we believe that there is not one education approach best suited for all children. Just like there is no one curriculum best for all learners.
The CAPS curriculum offers South African homeschoolers the opportunity to follow structured school terms and exam dates that enables them to integrate with the South African school year.
Where on the other hand the International British curriculum offers the freedom and flexibility of self-paced learning and a possible younger graduation age.
Both the CAPS and International British Curriculum are available to South African homeschooling students through our online homeschooling platform.
So whether you are interested in the CAPS or International British Curriculum, CambriLearn offers everything you need to ensure you receive an internationally accredited education in an environment that promotes individuality and personalised learning.
Catering for Gifted Children: CAPS vs Cambridge Curriculum
If you have noticed that your child seems to comprehend concepts far above their grade level or they are bored with their current schoolwork, they might be gifted. Gifted children learn at an accelerated rate and this should be celebrated.
The Cambridge curriculum can cater to gifted learners as students are able to work at their own pace. In this case, a gifted student will be able to work through their course material and even finish their schooling sooner than typically expected.
During the Primary and Lower Secondary Levels, students will be able to complete their course material and assessments at any time. At IGCSE, AS Levels, and A Levels, students are able to work through the course material at their own pace, but will only be able to write their Cambridge exams during the May/June and Oct/Nov exam times.
The CAPS curriculum does follow the same schedule as the National curriculum which does make it difficult to progress faster than is typically expected of a student.
Which Curriculum Will Suit Your Child?
Both the CAPS and International British curriculum have their merits. Therefore, determining which curriculum will suit your child best depends entirely on their personal educational needs. Some students flourish on the CAPS curriculum, while others prefer the International British curriculum, it all depends on their personality and preference.
If you are still unsure about which curriculum is best suited to your child, you are encouraged to speak to a CambriLearn Educational Consultant.
Our expert consultants offer free, personalised guidance to help you make an informed decision based on your child’s needs, goals, and learning preferences.
Book your free consultation today and take the first step towards your child’s future success.
