China Sees Steep Rise in Students Taking Cambridge Qualifications

CAMBRIDGE, England, June 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The number of students entered for Cambridge qualifications in schools across China has risen significantly over the past year. Schools in China made over 40,000 examination entries for Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level, seeing a rise of 29% since 2011.

There are now 119 Cambridge schools in China. More than 9000 schools in 160 countries make up the Cambridge learning community worldwide. Cambridge programmes and qualifications are recognised by universities and employers worldwide, enabling thousands of learners with Cambridge to enter the world's top universities.

Cambridge IGCSE subjects which are the most popular among Chinese students are English, Mathematics and Chinese. Cambridge International A Level subjects which are most popular are Physics, Mathematics and Economics.

Ben Schmidt, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, University of Cambridge International Examinations said, "Our programmes and qualifications have a proven reputation for providing students in China and around the world with an excellent preparation for university, employment and life. We support schools to develop students who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged.  This approach fosters an active learner who has a love of learning, is self-directing and engaged at all levels with their education. The increasing numbers of students taking our qualifications in China show that schools are aware of the value of this approach and the importance of an international education in today's global economy."

Mr. Liang, Principal of Shanghai Normal University Cambridge International Centre said: "In my view Cambridge International A level is the most proper international program for Chinese students. The high quality of this program and its wide recognition help our students successfully enter into the top universities all over the world."

Cambridge IGCSE is the world's most popular international qualification for 14-16 year olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability and is taught by over 2600 schools worldwide."

Cambridge International A Level, typically for learners aged 16 to 19, is regarded as a passport to success in education, university and employment and is taken in over 125 countries. It is taken by thousands of learners every year who gain places at leading universities worldwide. It develops a deep understanding of subjects, as well as independent learning and constructive thinking skills - abilities which universities value highly.

Notes to editors

• University of Cambridge International Examinations is the world's largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5−19 year olds. Our qualifications are taken in over 160 countries and recognised by universities, education providers and employers across the world.

We are part of the Cambridge Assessment Group, a not-for-profit organisation and a department of the University of Cambridge. We share in their mission of providing excellence in education.

Our programmes and qualifications develop successful learners and support the economic performance of countries where we work at national level.

• For more information about University of Cambridge International Examinations visit http://www.cie.org.uk

• Fastest growing Cambridge IGCSE subjects in China in 2012:

Chinese, English and Additional Mathematics

• Fastest growing Cambridge International A Level subjects in China in 2012:

     English, Business Studies and Economics

     Physics, Mathematics and Economics