NTES Curriculum & Examination Framework Library
Explore Pearson's international iProgress pathway from Early Years and iPrimary through iLowerSecondary, International GCSE and International AS/A Level.
This NTES reference page separates curriculum stages, formal qualifications and assessment models so schools can understand how Pearson Edexcel's international pathway fits together.
iProgress
Ages 3–19
Primary Pathway
iPrimary
Upper Secondary
International GCSE
Advanced
International AS/A Level
Important curriculum distinction
Pearson's international pathway includes both curriculum programmes and externally assessed qualifications. Schools should distinguish curriculum progression, internal progress assessment and formal qualification assessment rather than treating every stage as the same type of provision.
Pearson iProgress
Pearson describes iProgress as its complete international learning pathway for learners from approximately age three to nineteen.
The pathway connects curriculum stages such as iPrimary and iLowerSecondary with formal Pearson Edexcel qualifications including International GCSE and International AS/A Level.
Schools can therefore use Pearson across several stages while maintaining a progression model connected to assessment, professional development and qualification support.
International learning journey
Early Years / iPrimary Reception
Approximately ages 3–5
iPrimary
Approximately ages 5–11
iLowerSecondary
Approximately ages 11–14
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE
Typically ages 14–16
Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Level
Typically ages 16–19
iProgress pathway
Approximately ages 3–5
Early Years Curriculum Support
Pearson's international primary pathway includes Early Years and Reception support designed to prepare learners for progression into iPrimary.
Official Pearson information →Early Years / Reception support
Formative progress assessment
Observation-based assessment
Curriculum-aligned activities
Teacher guidance
Progress tracking
Approximately ages 5–11
International Primary Curriculum
Pearson iPrimary provides an international primary curriculum designed to establish strong foundations and prepare learners for iLowerSecondary.
Official Pearson information →English
Mathematics
Science
Computing
Global Citizenship
Progression to iLowerSecondary
Approximately ages 11–14
International Lower Secondary Curriculum
Pearson iLowerSecondary builds on iPrimary and is specifically designed to support progression toward International GCSE study.
Official Pearson information →English
Mathematics
Science
Computing
Global Citizenship
Preparation for International GCSE
Typically ages 14–16
International Qualification
Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs provide internationally recognised subject qualifications with a growing choice of linear, modular, paper-based and onscreen assessment routes.
Official Pearson information →Broad subject choice
Linear assessment
Modular routes in selected subjects
Paper-based assessment
Onscreen assessment in selected subjects
Progression to advanced study
Typically ages 16–19
International Advanced Qualification
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels provide a flexible modular pre-university pathway designed for international learners progressing toward higher education.
Official Pearson information →International AS Level
International A Level
Modular assessment
Multiple examination series
Unit resits
University progression
iPrimary
iPrimary is designed to provide curriculum structure, teaching support and progression toward iLowerSecondary.
iPrimary is designed specifically for international schools and forms the primary stage of Pearson's iProgress pathway.
The programme is designed to prepare learners for iLowerSecondary and later International GCSE study.
Pearson provides curriculum guidance, planning support, lesson resources and published materials for schools using the programme.
Progress tests, markbooks and formative assessment tools can help schools monitor learner development.
iLowerSecondary
Pearson explicitly positions iLowerSecondary as the stage that builds on iPrimary and prepares learners for International GCSE.
iLowerSecondary builds on iPrimary and supports progression toward Pearson Edexcel International GCSE.
Resources are designed with international learners and English as an additional language contexts in mind.
Schools can use curriculum support, schemes of work and progress resources according to their own context and timetable.
Pearson provides assessment and progress-tracking resources to help schools monitor learning before formal qualification study.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE
Pearson now offers several different International GCSE assessment routes, making it important for schools to understand exactly which option applies to each subject.
Students can follow the traditional two-year linear route with examinations taken at the end of the course.
Selected International GCSE subjects offer unit-based modular assessment for schools outside the UK.
Traditional paper-based examinations remain available across the International GCSE portfolio.
Pearson offers onscreen assessment in selected International GCSE subjects, giving schools additional delivery options.
International GCSE subjects are offered across defined examination series, depending on subject availability.
Each qualification is governed by a subject specification describing content, assessment objectives and examination requirements.
Modular International GCSE
Pearson states that the modular International GCSE route is available to schools outside the UK for selected subjects.
Onscreen assessment
Pearson is expanding onscreen International GCSE assessment alongside traditional paper examinations.
International AS/A Level
Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Levels are designed for international learners progressing toward universities worldwide.
Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Levels use unit-based modular assessment for almost all subjects.
Students can take units when ready rather than waiting until the end of the entire qualification.
For most subjects, examinations are available in January, June and October.
International AS can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as a stage toward a full International A Level.
The modular structure gives learners opportunities to retake individual units and improve overall outcomes.
International A Levels are designed to support progression to universities and higher-education institutions internationally.
Assessment progression
| Stage | Assessment Approach | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years / Reception | Formative assessment | Progress tests and teacher observation support early identification of learner development and next steps. |
| iPrimary | Internal progress assessment | Schools can use progress tests, curriculum-aligned resources and markbooks to monitor learning. |
| iLowerSecondary | Internal progress assessment | Assessment resources support progression tracking before learners move into International GCSE. |
| International GCSE | Formal qualification assessment | Depending on subject, learners may follow linear or modular assessment and may sit paper-based or selected onscreen examinations. |
| International AS/A Level | Modular formal assessment | Learners usually complete unit examinations across the programme with multiple examination-series opportunities. |
Teaching & qualification resources
Pearson provides a wider support ecosystem around its international qualifications rather than only an examination specification.
Defines qualification content, assessment objectives, examination structure and rules for a particular qualification.
Provides suggested sequencing and planning support for delivering qualification or curriculum content.
Shows how examination questions and assessment tasks are structured before live assessment.
Support teachers and curriculum leaders when introducing a Pearson Edexcel qualification.
Provide examples of learner responses and standards that can support teacher understanding of assessment expectations.
Pearson subject advisers provide specialist guidance to schools and teachers delivering qualifications.
School implementation
Schools should connect curriculum, assessment, examinations, staffing, progression and quality assurance into one coherent model.
Schools should map iPrimary, iLowerSecondary and qualification specifications against local curriculum requirements and internal progression expectations.
Leaders should decide carefully where linear, modular, paper-based or onscreen assessment is appropriate for learners and operationally feasible.
Programme design should reflect student pathways, staffing expertise, university expectations and timetable capacity.
Teachers need clear understanding of Pearson specifications, assessment objectives, command words and grade standards.
Centres need secure processes for entries, timetabling, access arrangements, examination conduct, results and post-results services.
Schools should connect primary and lower-secondary learning to International GCSE and advanced qualification expectations.
Pathway comparison
| Stage | Pearson Provision | Nature | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years | Early Years / iPrimary Reception | Early curriculum and formative support | Observation and progress assessment |
| Primary | iPrimary | International primary curriculum | Internal progress assessment |
| Lower Secondary | iLowerSecondary | International lower-secondary curriculum | Internal progress assessment |
| Upper Secondary | Pearson Edexcel International GCSE | Formal international qualification | Linear or selected modular assessment; paper-based and selected onscreen routes |
| Advanced | Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Level | Advanced international qualification | Primarily modular unit assessment |
Official Pearson resources
Curriculum resources, qualification specifications, modular availability, onscreen assessment and examination arrangements can change. Schools should use current Pearson documentation when making formal decisions.
Official overview of Pearson Edexcel international qualifications and the iProgress learning pathway.
Explore Pearson Edexcel InternationalOfficial Pearson information about the international primary curriculum and progression within iProgress.
Explore iPrimaryOfficial information about the Pearson international lower-secondary curriculum and progression to International GCSE.
Explore iLowerSecondaryOfficial Pearson Edexcel International GCSE qualification hub with subject information and assessment options.
Explore International GCSEOfficial explanation of current linear, modular, paper-based and onscreen assessment options.
View Assessment OptionsOfficial Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level information, including modular assessment.
Explore International A LevelsOfficial Pearson support hub containing qualification information, specifications, schemes of work and teaching resources.
Explore International SupportCurrent Pearson updates covering curriculum resources, assessment tools and professional-development support.
View Curriculum UpdatesPearson Edexcel qualification specifications, examination-series availability, modular routes, onscreen assessment and support materials can be updated. Schools should verify the current qualification-year documentation before formal delivery or examination entry.
NT Education Solutions is an independent education provider. Inclusion of Pearson, Pearson Edexcel or related programme information does not imply endorsement, approval, partnership or affiliation.
From qualification choice to coherent implementation
Effective implementation depends on curriculum progression, assessment design, specification knowledge, teacher development, examination administration and continuous quality assurance rather than simply selecting an examination board.