Why is Cambridge making this change?

• Cambridge is introducing a phased transition from selected Cambridge O Level qualifications to equivalent Cambridge IGCSE qualifications in administrative zones 3 and 5.
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• Cambridge IGCSE is our leading and most widely adopted international qualification for learners aged 14 to 16. It is widely recognised by universities and employers around the world and is supported by an extensive range of teaching, learning and professional development resources. This transition will streamline and strengthen our qualification offer while continuing to provide schools with internationally recognised qualifications and high-quality support.

When will my school transition to Cambridge IGCSE?

• The transition will take place in phases. The first phase applies to selected subjects from the June 2029 examination series. We will communicate key dates and subject-specific information well in advance of each phase.

Do I need to do anything now?

• No. We will contact affected schools with further information and guidance before each phase of the transition. In the meantime, we recommend bookmarking this webpage and checking back regularly for the latest updates.

What does this transition mean for the future of Cambridge O Level qualifications?

• As part of the ongoing development of our international qualification portfolio, we are transitioning selected Cambridge O Level qualifications to Cambridge IGCSE in administrative zones 3 and 5. Cambridge O Level continues to play an important role in specific local contexts. We will continue to run O Levels in administrative zone 4 and continue to monitor local requirements and preferences.

Do I need to change what I teach or buy new resources?

• Not for the first phase of transition. The Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses and assessments included in phase 1 are identical, as reflected in the titles on the front covers of all resources. As the transition continues, we will advise schools how closely O Level resources match what will be needed for the teaching and learning of Cambridge IGCSE. In most subjects, there is considerable overlap.
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• The School Support Hub is also available for Cambridge professional development and subject-specific guidance.
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• To keep up to date with individual syllabus changes in future, we recommend signing up to the What’s new newsletter.

What support will be available to schools during the transition?

• We are committed to supporting schools throughout the transition.
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• Schools will have access to guidance, teaching and learning resources, professional development and regular communications to help them prepare for each phase of the transition. We will continue to share updates as further phases are confirmed.

What opportunities does Cambridge IGCSE offer for my school and learners?

• In addition to a wide range of language syllabuses, Cambridge IGCSE offers subjects including Agriculture, Drama, Physical Education and Travel & Tourism. See the full list of Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses for more information.

Do I need to change what I teach or buy new resources?

• Cambridge IGCSE is our leading international qualification for learners aged 14 to 16 and is taught by more than 6,000 schools in over 150 countries worldwide. As our most widely taught international qualification, it is recognised by leading universities and employers around the world.
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• Schools choosing Cambridge IGCSE benefit from:
  • an extensive range of teaching and learning resources, including schemes of work, lesson plans, specimen papers and examiner reports
  • a wide programme of professional development to support teachers throughout their careers
  • access to a global community of Cambridge schools and educators
  • a broad choice of syllabuses and subject combinations
  • a broad grading scale (A*–G), providing recognition of learner achievement across the full ability range.
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• As Cambridge continues to develop its international qualification offer, Cambridge IGCSE also provides access to an expanding range of assessment models and subjects, helping schools meet the needs of their learners now and in the future.

Will universities recognise Cambridge IGCSE in the same way?

• Yes; as a global qualification that has been offered for almost 40 years, it is well-known and widely recognised. International GCSEs are aligned to the standard of GCSEs taken in England.
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• Cambridge IGCSE is recognised by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement and preparation for further study.

Will the standard of the qualification remain the same?

• Yes. Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level are directly comparable Level 2 qualifications.

Are Cambridge IGCSE assessments more difficult than Cambridge O Level assessments?

• No. Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level are directly comparable qualifications.

What grading scale will Cambridge IGCSE use?

• Cambridge IGCSE uses grades A* to G.

Will examination entry processes change?

• Schools will continue to make examination entries through Cambridge International Direct.
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• Where qualification codes change as part of the transition, we will provide guidance well in advance of the relevant examination series.

Will learners need to sit different examinations?

• In the first phase of the transition, the syllabus content and assessments of Cambridge IGCSE and O Level are identical. The only change is the qualification name and syllabus code.

Can learners take Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE in the same examination series?

• Yes, provided they are in different subjects.
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• Learners cannot enter for both the Cambridge O Level and Cambridge IGCSE version of the same subject in the same examination series.

What is tiering?

• Some Cambridge IGCSE mathematics and science syllabuses offer Core and Extended entry options. Details are available on the relevant syllabus pages.
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• Core candidates can achieve grades C to G. Extended candidates can achieve grades A* to E. If a student is securely in the ‘middle’ of the range, only the Extended tier will offer the grades the student may be capable of achieving. Students are not able to achieve above a C for their syllabus grade if they are entered for the Core curriculum.

Are all Cambridge IGCSE subjects coursework-based?

• No. Most Cambridge IGCSE subjects are assessed by examination. Some subjects include coursework or offer coursework as an optional assessment route. Details for each subject are available in the relevant syllabus.

Will there be any changes to individual syllabuses?

• There are no syllabus-specific changes for Phase 1 except the qualification name and syllabus code. We will publish information about syllabuses in future phases as it becomes available.