CambriLearn teaches 23 International GCSE subjects to students aged 14 to 16 in more than 100 countries, across two examination boards: Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge Assessment International Education*. Cognia accredited, with a 98% university acceptance rate.
International GCSEs are internationally recognised qualifications for students aged 14 to 16. They sit inside the British education system as the qualification taken before AS and A Level, equivalent to Year 10 and Year 11 in the UK, or Grades 9 and 10 in South Africa.
Two British examination boards award them internationally: Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Pearson Edexcel. Cambridge International qualifications are taught in more than 10,000 schools across 160 countries. Pearson Edexcel qualifications are recognised in more than 120 countries.
Across both boards the qualification covers a wide subject range. Students usually take around eight subjects, building a base across English, mathematics, sciences, humanities and elective subjects before narrowing their focus at A Level.
Grading differs by board. Cambridge uses the A* to G scale, with A* the highest. Pearson Edexcel uses the 9 to 1 numerical scale, matching current UK GCSEs. Universities treat the two as carrying equal weight.
What separates an International GCSE from a UK GCSE is context rather than standard. Geography papers draw on case studies from outside Britain. Language and literature syllabuses use texts from several traditions. That framing suits a child studying outside the UK, or one who may apply to universities in more than one country.
Universities in the UK, South Africa, the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe all recognise International GCSEs, and in the UK they are treated as equivalent to domestic GCSEs. Entry to a degree is normally decided on A Level results. South African universities also require a matriculation exemption certificate from the Universities South Africa Matriculation Board, which is assessed on AS and A Level passes, with International GCSE results counting toward the subject requirements rather than qualifying on their own.
Every subject is built and taught by qualified teachers, with a weekly schedule, marked assessments and exam preparation aimed at a specific examination session.
Standard includes a full library of recorded lessons, tasks and marked assessments. Premium adds weekly live lessons with the subject teacher, small-group question sessions and direct teacher chat. Packages are chosen per subject.
Fifteen subjects for Cambridge examination and eight for Pearson Edexcel. Both sit in the same timetable, so a child can take Edexcel sciences alongside Cambridge humanities.
Students enter after completing CambriLearn Foundation II or an equivalent grade, and finish ready to start AS and A Level study.
Each family works with a consultant who knows the board, the sittings calendar and the university requirements your child is aiming at.
Assignments and mock examinations are marked by CambriLearn teachers with written feedback. The Student Tracker shows lesson progress, submissions and current grades to parents and tutors.
Students write at authorised Pearson Edexcel or Cambridge examination centres in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and beyond. We help every family locate their nearest examination centre.
Twenty-three courses across the two examination boards. Most students take around eight subjects and can mix boards inside a single timetable.
Students may also add CambriLearn Python Coding, which suits anyone considering Computer Science. Subject availability is confirmed at enrolment and can change between academic years. Speak to an admissions consultant to confirm what is available for your child's start date.
Both boards are British, both are recognised internationally, and CambriLearn teaches both. The practical difference comes down to laboratory access, subject range and when examinations are written.
CambriLearn is accredited by Pearson Edexcel and teaches its International GCSE qualifications online. Students write as private candidates at authorised Pearson Edexcel examination centres, and we help each family find the nearest one.
The practical advantage: Edexcel International GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics assess experimental method, design and data through written papers. No school laboratory and no practical endorsement are needed, which is what makes full sciences workable for a child studying from home.
Edexcel International GCSEs use the 9 to 1 grading scale, matching current UK GCSEs. The qualifications are Ofqual regulated and recognised in more than 120 countries.
15 subjects at CambriLearn, including Afrikaans, French, Spanish, Accounting, History and Geography, which Edexcel does not cover here.
Two mathematics routes: Core Mathematics or Mathematics Extended, depending on what A Level subjects your child is heading toward.
Science practicals: Cambridge science subjects include a practical assessment component, so laboratory access is required.
Grading: A* to G, with examination sessions in May/June and October/November at accredited Cambridge centres.
| Feature | Pearson Edexcel | Cambridge* |
|---|---|---|
| Subjects at CambriLearn | 8 | 15 |
| CambriLearn status | Accredited by Pearson Edexcel | Courses aligned to the Cambridge International syllabus |
| Science practicals | Assessed through written papers, no laboratory required | Practical assessment component, laboratory access required |
| Grading scale | 9 to 1 | A* to G |
| Examination sessions | January and June | May/June and October/November |
| Where examinations are written | Authorised Pearson Edexcel centres worldwide | Accredited Cambridge Assessment International Education centres |
| Recognition | Recognised in more than 120 countries, and through UCAS in the UK | Recognised internationally, and through UCAS in the UK |
