NTES Curriculum & Examination Framework Library
Explore the Cambridge Pathway from Early Years through Primary, Lower Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE and O Level, and Cambridge International AS & A Level.
This NTES reference page separates curriculum programmes, optional assessment systems and formal qualifications so schools can understand how the different Cambridge stages fit together.
Pathway
Ages 3–19
Structure
Five stages
IGCSE
70+ subjects
AS & A Level
50+ subjects
Important curriculum distinction
Cambridge Early Years, Primary and Lower Secondary are curriculum programmes with flexible assessment options. Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and International AS & A Level are formal qualifications with subject-specific syllabuses and assessment requirements.
Cambridge Pathway
Cambridge International structures its educational offer through five stages covering learners from approximately age three through nineteen.
Each stage builds on earlier learning, while Cambridge also allows schools to offer stages independently rather than requiring every school to adopt the complete pathway.
This flexibility means schools can integrate Cambridge programmes with national curricula, bilingual provision or other school-specific educational models.
Cambridge educational continuum
Cambridge Early Years
Age 3+
Cambridge Primary
Age 5+
Cambridge Lower Secondary
Age 11+
Cambridge Upper Secondary
Age 14+
Cambridge Advanced
Age 16+
Five-stage pathway
Age 3+
Early Years Curriculum Programme
A play-based, holistic early-years programme supporting children's development through structured curriculum areas, learning resources and approaches to monitoring progress.
Official Cambridge information →Play-based learning
Holistic development
Six curriculum areas
Continuous formative assessment
Progress monitoring
Multilingual contexts supported
Age 5+
Primary Curriculum Programme
A flexible international primary curriculum offering schools subject frameworks, teaching support and optional assessment approaches across core and additional subjects.
Official Cambridge information →10+ subjects
Flexible curriculum
Classroom assessment
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint
International benchmarking
Progression to Lower Secondary
Age 11+
Lower Secondary Curriculum Programme
A broad and adaptable lower-secondary curriculum designed to prepare learners for upper-secondary study while allowing schools to respond to their own context and curriculum needs.
Official Cambridge information →10+ subjects
Flexible implementation
Optional assessment
Lower Secondary Checkpoint
Global Perspectives
Progression to Upper Secondary
Age 14+
Upper Secondary Curriculum & Qualifications
The upper-secondary stage includes formal international qualifications such as Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level, with schools able to construct programmes from a broad range of subjects.
Official Cambridge information →Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge ICE
External assessment
Subject syllabuses
Progression to advanced study
Age 16+
Advanced & Pre-University Qualifications
Cambridge Advanced provides academically demanding pre-university study through Cambridge International AS & A Level and related advanced qualifications.
Official Cambridge information →International AS Level
International A Level
Cambridge AICE
Cambridge IPQ
50+ subjects
University progression
Cambridge Early Years
Cambridge Early Years uses a holistic approach that connects physical, cognitive, language, communication, social and emotional development.
Progress is primarily supported through continuous formative assessment, observation and evidence gathered during learning rather than formal examination.
Explore Early Years CurriculumCommunication, Language and Literacy
Creative Expression
Mathematics
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development
Understanding the World
Cambridge Primary
Cambridge Primary provides schools with curriculum frameworks, classroom support and a range of assessment approaches for learners beginning from approximately age five.
Schools can select subjects and adapt implementation to suit local context, culture, language profile and educational priorities.
Curriculum frameworks help schools structure progressive learning across the primary stages.
Cambridge provides guidance for formative classroom assessment in several curriculum areas.
Optional end-of-primary assessments provide international benchmarking in selected subjects.
Cambridge Lower Secondary
Cambridge Lower Secondary is typically used for learners aged 11–14 and can be adapted to local, bilingual and international curriculum contexts.
Schools can construct a broad lower-secondary curriculum using Cambridge subjects in combinations suited to their learners.
Cambridge Lower Secondary can operate alongside national curricula or within bilingual and international-school programmes.
Schools can choose from classroom assessment, diagnostic tools and externally marked Checkpoint assessments.
The programme provides progression toward Cambridge Upper Secondary while remaining usable as a stand-alone stage.
Cambridge Upper Secondary
At Upper Secondary, Cambridge moves into formal qualification structures such as Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level.
International Qualification
Typically 14–16
Cambridge IGCSE is a flexible international upper-secondary qualification offering more than 70 subjects and multiple routes for learners with different abilities and language backgrounds.
70+ subjects
Core and extended options in selected subjects
Written, oral, practical and coursework assessment depending on subject
International recognition
Preparation for advanced study
International Qualification
Typically 14–16
Cambridge O Level is an internationally recognised qualification equivalent grade-for-grade to Cambridge IGCSE, with more than 40 subjects currently available.
40+ subjects
External assessment
June and November examination series
International recognition
Progression to advanced programmes
Group Award
Upper Secondary
Cambridge ICE is a group award built around Cambridge IGCSE subjects and can provide schools with a broad programme across different subject groups.
Broad curriculum structure
Built around IGCSE subjects
International group award
Supports balanced subject choice
Upper-secondary pathway
Cambridge Advanced
Cambridge Advanced serves learners typically beginning around age sixteen and includes Cambridge International AS & A Level alongside other advanced programmes.
Schools can use individual qualifications or construct broader programmes according to learner interests, university pathways and institutional curriculum design.
Explore Cambridge AdvancedAn advanced qualification that can be taken independently or form part of progression toward a full Cambridge International A Level.
A rigorous international pre-university qualification recognised by universities and higher-education institutions around the world.
A group certificate requiring learners to complete a structured combination of Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects.
The Cambridge International Project Qualification develops independent research, academic enquiry and extended project skills.
Assessment progression
Cambridge assessment should not be understood as one single model applied identically from Early Years through A Level.
| Stage | Assessment Approach | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years | Continuous formative assessment | Observation, evaluation and planning for next steps are central to monitoring children's development. |
| Primary | Flexible classroom + optional external assessment | Schools can use classroom assessment, Cambridge Insight and Primary Checkpoint according to their needs. |
| Lower Secondary | Flexible classroom + optional Checkpoint | Optional assessments support progress monitoring and international benchmarking before Upper Secondary. |
| IGCSE / O Level | Formal qualification assessment | Subject-specific syllabuses define assessment objectives and may include written examinations, practical work, oral assessment or coursework. |
| AS & A Level | Advanced qualification assessment | Formal subject examinations and other components assess advanced knowledge, understanding and academic skills. |
Qualification resources
For formal qualifications, schools should work from the correct syllabus and examination-year documentation rather than relying only on generic curriculum descriptions.
Defines curriculum content, assessment objectives, examination structure and requirements for a particular qualification and examination year.
Show the format and style of future examinations and help schools understand how assessment requirements are applied.
Provide previous examination questions that can support teaching, assessment preparation and understanding of question styles.
Explain how marks are allocated and help teachers understand the standards expected in examination responses.
Provide commentary on learner performance, common errors and areas where candidates could improve.
Registered Cambridge schools receive access to additional teaching and learning resources, support materials and professional guidance.
School registration
Cambridge currently describes a four-stage process for schools seeking registration.
Schools begin by submitting an expression of interest and identifying the programmes or qualifications they intend to offer.
Cambridge reviews information about the school, leadership, educational values, teaching and learning, facilities and legal requirements.
Cambridge arranges an approval visit to evaluate whether the school is ready to meet its registration requirements.
If approved, the school completes the registration process and gains access to Cambridge curriculum, support and professional resources.
School implementation
Curriculum leaders need to connect programme selection, teaching, assessment, staffing, resources and learner progression into one coherent school model.
Schools should map Cambridge curriculum frameworks and syllabuses against their existing programme, local requirements and progression expectations.
The breadth of Cambridge subjects allows schools to construct programmes according to learner needs, staffing and future pathways.
Schools need a coherent approach connecting formative assessment, internal reporting, optional Checkpoint assessment and formal qualification examinations.
Successful implementation depends on teachers understanding Cambridge curriculum frameworks, syllabuses, assessment objectives and standards.
Schools should confirm subject-specific resource requirements, particularly where practical science, technology or specialist facilities are needed.
Curriculum leaders should ensure that knowledge and skills develop coherently from one stage to the next rather than treating each programme in isolation.
Pathway comparison
| Stage | Cambridge Provision | Nature | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years | Cambridge Early Years | Play-based developmental curriculum programme | Continuous formative assessment and progress monitoring |
| Primary | Cambridge Primary | Flexible international curriculum programme | Classroom assessment and optional external Checkpoint |
| Lower Secondary | Cambridge Lower Secondary | Flexible international curriculum programme | Classroom assessment and optional external Checkpoint |
| Upper Secondary | Cambridge IGCSE / O Level | Formal international qualifications | Subject-specific external qualification assessment |
| Advanced | Cambridge International AS & A Level | Advanced international pre-university qualifications | Formal advanced qualification assessment |
Official Cambridge resources
Curriculum frameworks, syllabuses, qualification structures and registration requirements can change. Schools should confirm current information directly with Cambridge International Education.
Official overview of the five-stage Cambridge Pathway from Early Years through Cambridge Advanced.
Explore Cambridge PathwayOfficial information about the Cambridge Early Years curriculum, resources and approach to measuring progress.
Explore Early YearsOfficial information about Cambridge Primary curriculum, subjects, assessment and school support.
Explore PrimaryOfficial Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum and assessment information.
Explore Lower SecondaryOfficial Cambridge IGCSE qualification, curriculum and subject directory.
Explore IGCSEOfficial information about Cambridge O Level curriculum, qualifications and available subjects.
Explore O LevelOfficial Cambridge Advanced programme covering International AS & A Level and related advanced qualifications.
Explore Cambridge AdvancedOfficial Cambridge information describing the registration and approval process for schools.
View Registration ProcessOfficial information about recognition of Cambridge qualifications by universities and educational institutions.
Explore RecognitionCambridge syllabuses and assessment arrangements are associated with particular examination years and can be revised. Schools should confirm that teachers, candidates and examination officers are using the documentation applicable to the correct examination series.
NT Education Solutions is an independent education provider. Inclusion of Cambridge International Education or related programme information does not imply endorsement, approval, partnership or affiliation.
From framework selection to implementation
Effective Cambridge implementation depends on progression, curriculum mapping, assessment design, teacher expertise, subject resources and continuous quality assurance rather than simply adopting examination syllabuses.