What Is the Cambridge Syllabus and How Does It Compare to the IB The Cambridge syllabus is an international curriculum for students aged 3 to 19, developed by Cambridge International Education at the University of Cambridge. It runs through five stages, from Early Years to A Level, with formal exams at IGCSE and A Level. For families moving to Hanoi, it often sits on the same shortlist as the IB. This guide explains each stage, the subjects and grading, and how Cambridge compares with the IB if your child is changing schools. What Is the Cambridge Syllabus The Cambridge syllabus is a connected set of curriculum frameworks, teaching standards and exams. Schools around the world use it alongside or instead of their national curriculum. Nearly a million learners study Cambridge programmes in around 10,000 schools across more than 160 countries, according to Cambridge International Education. The word "syllabus" is used in two ways. Parents often use it for the whole Cambridge curriculum. Teachers usually mean the document for a single subject, such as IGCSE Mathematics, which sets out exactly what is taught and assessed. Students engage in a structured classroom lesson, combining subject knowledge Who Develops the Cambridge Curriculum Cambridge International Education designs the curriculum and runs its exams. You may also see two older names: Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). All three refer to the same organisation. Its history goes back to 1858, when the University of Cambridge began setting exams for schools. Today, it is part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, a department of the university. The Learning Approach Behind Cambridge Cambridge is built on strong subject knowledge. Each subject has a clearly defined syllabus. Students are expected to understand concepts well enough to apply them, not simply recall facts. The pathway is also highly sequential. Skills introduced in Primary are revisited in Lower Secondary, then assessed formally at IGCSE. For many families, this clear progression is the main reason they choose Cambridge. The Five Stages of the Cambridge Pathway Cambridge is organised into five stages by age. A school can offer all five or only some of them. Many international schools in Asia, for example, use Cambridge only for IGCSE and A Level. Stage Ages Approximate grades Qualification or assessment Cambridge Early Years 3 to 6 Nursery to Pre-K No formal exams Cambridge Primary 5 to 11 Kindergarten to Grade 5 Primary Checkpoint (optional) Cambridge Lower Secondary 11 to 14 Grades 6 to 8 Lower Secondary Checkpoint (optional) Cambridge Upper Secondary 14 to 16 Grades 9 to 10 IGCSE or O Level Cambridge Advanced 16 to 19 Grades 11 to 12 AS Level and A Level Grade equivalents are approximate and vary from school to school. Always check how a school maps its year groups before you apply. The Cambridge pathway runs from age 3 to 19, with formal qualifications at IGCSE and A Level. Cambridge Early Years and Primary (Ages 3 to 11) Early Years builds language, early numeracy and social skills, mainly through play. There are no exams at this stage. Cambridge Primary runs across six stages. The core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science. Schools often add Global Perspectives, Computing, Art and Design, Music and Physical Education. At the end of Primary, schools can enter students for the Primary Checkpoint test. Cambridge Lower Secondary (Ages 11 to 14) Lower Secondary covers three stages. Students deepen their core subjects and begin working more independently. The optional Lower Secondary Checkpoint gives schools and parents a clear benchmark before students choose their IGCSE subjects. Cambridge Upper Secondary IGCSE and O Level (Ages 14 to 16) This is the stage where most families first meet Cambridge. It is a two-year course leading to the IGCSE, or International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Students choose their subjects and sit external exams at the end of the second year, usually Grade 10. Cambridge O Level is a similar qualification at the same level. It is offered in a smaller number of countries. Cambridge Advanced AS and A Level (Ages 16 to 19) Cambridge Advanced prepares students for university. AS Level usually takes one year. The full A Level takes two years and goes into greater depth. Most students take three or four subjects at this stage. They usually choose subjects linked to the degree they plan to study. This makes A Level a specialised route, well suited to students with a clear academic direction. What Subjects Are in the Cambridge Syllabus Subject choice is one of the biggest strengths of Cambridge, especially from IGCSE onwards. Cambridge IGCSE alone offers around 70 subjects, including 30 languages. Each school decides which subjects it can teach. Subject group Examples Languages English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Vietnamese Mathematics Mathematics, Additional Mathematics Sciences Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science Humanities and social sciences History, Geography, Economics, Global Perspectives Creative and technical Art and Design, Music, Computer Science, Business English, Mathematics and Science run through every stage. The range of optional subjects widens at IGCSE. Most students take between five and nine IGCSE subjects, depending on the school. Many IGCSE subjects are offered at two levels, Core and Extended. Extended papers give access to the highest grades. Core papers suit students who need a more accessible route, but they cap the top grade available. Ask your child's school which level they recommend for each subject. How Cambridge Assesses Students Cambridge uses different types of assessment at different stages. This is a common source of confusion for parents, so it helps to look at each one separately. Assessment Grading Purpose Primary and Lower Secondary Checkpoint Score from 0 to 50 with a performance band Feedback, no pass or fail Cambridge IGCSE A* to G, or 9 to 1 Formal qualification Cambridge O Level A* to E Formal qualification Cambridge AS Level a to e Formal qualification Cambridge A Level A* to E Formal qualification Checkpoint Tests at Primary and Lower Secondary Checkpoint tests cover English, Mathematics and Science. They are diagnostic tools, not qualifications. Since 2023, Primary Checkpoint results show a score from 0 to 50 and a band from Basic to Outstanding. Schools use the report to plan support, not to rank students. IGCSE and A Level Grading IGCSE results use either the A* to G scale or the 9 to 1 scale. The school chooses the scale for each subject. Cambridge introduced the 9 to 1 option for some subjects from 2017. On both scales, "U" means ungraded. Assessment is mainly through external written exams. Depending on the subject, students may also complete coursework, practical tests or speaking exams. Cambridge runs its main exam series in June and November each year. Students complete written examinations as part of formal Cambridge assessment processes worldwide. Is Cambridge the Same as the British National Curriculum The two are closely related but not identical. The National Curriculum for England is set for schools in England. It uses Key Stages that lead to GCSE and A Level. Cambridge International Education is an exam board that designs qualifications for schools outside the UK. Its IGCSE and International A Level follow a similar structure to the English system, with an international focus. Other boards, such as Pearson Edexcel, offer comparable qualifications. This means a "British international school" may use Cambridge for some or all of its exams, or it may use another board. If the board matters to you, ask the school directly. Cambridge vs IB Key Differences for Parents Both Cambridge and the International Baccalaureate (IB) are respected international curricula. Universities around the world recognise both. Neither is simply better than the other. The real difference lies in how each one teaches, assesses and shapes a student's learning. Aspect Cambridge IB Structure Five subject-based stages PYP (ages 3 to 12), MYP (11 to 16), DP (16 to 19) Learning approach Deep subject knowledge with a structured sequence Inquiry-based and concept-driven, with links across subjects Subject choice at 16 Usually three or four A Level subjects Six subjects across different groups Assessment Mainly external exams, with some coursework A mix of internal assessment and external exams Extra requirements None beyond chosen subjects Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and CAS Final result A grade for each subject A total score out of 45 When Cambridge Is a Strong Fit Cambridge often suits students who prefer clear structure and want to specialise as they progress. At A Level, students can choose subjects that match their strengths and university plans. Those considering medicine or engineering, for example, may focus on relevant sciences and mathematics. Cambridge can also suit internationally mobile families, with programmes offered in over 160 countries. In Hanoi, Doris lists Cambridge IGCSE as the most common curriculum among the international schools in its directory as of September 2026. For more options, see this overview of international schools in Hanoi. When the IB May Suit Your Child Better The IB may suit students who enjoy inquiry, critical thinking and connecting ideas across subjects. In the Diploma Programme, students study six subjects alongside three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These components help students develop research, reflection and independent learning skills. Families interested in this pathway can explore Westlinkâs planned IB Diploma Programme. Westlink is authorised for PYP and MYP and is currently a Candidate School for the Diploma Programme, with a planned launch from August 2027. Moving from Cambridge to the IB and What to Expect Many families who relocate to Hanoi face this exact question. The good news is that the core skills transfer well. A student with strong English, mathematics, science and writing from Cambridge has a solid base for the IB. The main adjustment is learning style. IB students are expected to lead more of their own research, take part in discussion and complete more internally assessed work. Most students adapt within the first term when the school supports the transition well. Age Cambridge stage Equivalent IB programme 3 to 11 Early Years and Primary Primary Years Programme (PYP) 11 to 14 Lower Secondary Middle Years Programme (MYP) 14 to 16 Upper Secondary (IGCSE) Final years of the MYP 16 to 19 Advanced (AS and A Level) Diploma Programme (DP) The Smoothest Transition Points The most natural move is after IGCSE, straight into the first year of the IB Diploma Programme in Grade 11. IGCSE gives students a strong foundation for DP subjects, and many IB schools consider IGCSE results during admission. Moving at the end of Primary, around age 11, is also straightforward. Students join the MYP at the start of a new programme, alongside new classmates. The hardest time to switch is in the middle of a two-year course, such as halfway through IGCSE or A Level. The content and assessment rarely line up, so it is best to plan the move around these stages if you can. How a School Should Support the Move A good school will look at your child as a learner, not only at their previous curriculum. When you speak to admissions, ask how the school handles each of these points. Entry assessment. Admissions teams evaluate learning potential rather than syllabus-specific memorisation. For instance, Westlink International School in Hanoi utilizes the CAT4 assessment from GL Assessment to measure cognitive abilities and tailored learning needs. A chance to experience lessons. A trial day lets your child join real classes before you decide. Read more about the Westlink trial day. Language support. Students from non-English backgrounds should have access to English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Westlink offers personalised EAL support in a community of more than 30 nationalities. Subject planning. Older students need a clear plan for how their IGCSE subjects lead into DP choices. Map showing the best ages to move from the Cambridge curriculum to the IB How to Check a School's Cambridge or IB Status A school's website is a starting point, not proof. Before you shortlist, take a few minutes to check the facts yourself. For Cambridge schools, ask for the school's Cambridge centre number. You can confirm it through the Cambridge International Education school directory. For IB schools, search the IB's "Find an IB World School" directory. Check the status of each programme separately. Know the difference between "authorised" and "candidate". An authorised school is approved to teach that IB programme. A candidate school is still going through the authorisation process. Ask about teacher training. Teachers should be trained in the specific programme they teach. Ask about the full pathway. Make sure the school can take your child through to Grade 12 without another move. For more questions to ask on a school visit, read this guide on choosing an international school. Frequently Asked Questions Is the Cambridge syllabus hard? Cambridge is demanding, but "hard" depends on the student. Its exams reward applied understanding and structured writing rather than memorisation. Students who are used to textbook recall may find the jump challenging at first. With steady study habits and good teaching, most students adapt well. Is the Cambridge syllabus recognised by universities? Yes. Cambridge IGCSE and International A Level are widely accepted by universities in the UK, the US, Australia, Europe and Asia. Entry requirements differ by university and course, so always check the specific grades each one asks for. Can a student move from IGCSE to the IB Diploma? Yes. This is one of the most common transition routes. IGCSE ends at around age 16, which matches the start of the two-year IB Diploma Programme. The school will usually review IGCSE results, an entry assessment and an interview. What is the difference between IGCSE and O Level? Both are Cambridge qualifications for students aged 14 to 16, at a similar level. IGCSE is designed for international schools and is offered in many more countries. O Level is available in a smaller number of countries where it has a long history. Does Westlink offer the Cambridge curriculum? No. Westlink offers the IB Programme, taught fully in English, and a Bilingual Programme. The school welcomes students from Cambridge schools and helps each family plan a smooth move into the right programme. Every child's learning journey is different. If your child has followed the Cambridge syllabus and is now changing schools, the Westlink academic team can help. They will review your child's background and explain which programme and year group would suit them best. Book a consultation with Westlink admissions team to discuss your child's pathway, or arrange a school tour to see IB learning in action.
