Introduction to CAIE

Cambridge Assessment International Education prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. They are part of the University of Cambridge.

Their international qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career. As a not-for-profit organisation, they devote our resources to delivering high-quality educational programmes that can unlock learners' potential.

The University of Cambridge formed the ‘Local Examinations Syndicate’, now known as Cambridge Assessment, over 150 years ago. Its aim was to raise standards in education by administering exams for people who were not members of the University and inspecting schools.

 

History

For the first time in 1858, 370 school candidates in 7 English cities sat exams set by the University of Cambridge. Today this has risen to more than 8 million candidates a year in 160 countries. The Syndicate began examining internationally in 1864, and this aspect of its work grew quickly.

In 1998 the Syndicate created a new structure, leading to the establishment of three exam boards:

• Cambridge Assessment International Education – the world’s largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds.

• Cambridge Assessment English – provider of the world’s leading range of certificates for learners of English.

• OCR – a leading UK exam board, dedicated to recognising achievement in learners of all ages.

The Syndicate adopted the brand name ‘Cambridge Assessment’ in 2005.

In August 2021, Cambridge Assessment came together with Cambridge University Press to form a single organisation: Cambridge University Press & Assessment. The new organisation provides world-leading academic research, learning and assessment globally, backed by the first-class teaching and research departments of the University of Cambridge. It is a not for profit organisation.

 

 

 

Curriculum

CAIE helps schools to build a Cambridge Advanced curriculum that brings success for learners. The syllabuses prepare learners for university study, which is why universities worldwide value and recognise Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications.

Cambridge International AS & A Level develops learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• In-depth subject content

• Independent thinking

• Applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations

• Handling and evaluating different types of information source

• Thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments

• Making judgements, recommendations and decisions

• Presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them logically and clearly

• Working and communicating in English.

They offer a choice of 55 subjects and schools can offer them in almost any combination. This flexibility means schools can build an individualised curriculum, and learners can choose to specialise in a particular subject area or study a range of subjects.

Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level. Find out more about the different assessment options.