Cambridge vs Edexcel IGCSE Schools in Kenya

When we talk about IGCSEs, most people think of Cambridge. But did you know there are other curriculums for studying your IGCSE subjects in Kenya? 

There are two main options for taking your IGCSE exams: Cambridge and Edexcel. Both are great options, with each having advantages in distinct areas. 

Here’s an overview of the differences between Cambridge IGCSEs and Edexcel IGCSEs, so you can make the right decision for yourself! 

IGCSE Curriculums: Cambridge vs Edexcel

First of all, let’s start with the main difference. Cambridge and Edexcel both provide IGCSEs, but they follow a different path to get there. The curriculum and the exam style varies, but both end up with the student getting IGCSE qualifications of equal value. 

Cambridge and Edexcel refer to the administrators of the curriculum and exams. Cambridge IGCSEs are overseen by Cambridge International Education, a trust that is set up by Cambridge University in the UK. Edexcel is managed by Pearson Education, an independent body that is part of Pearson PLC, a large international educational and publishing company based in the UK. 

Availability

Both Cambridge and Edexcel schools are widely available around Kenya. You don’t have to study in Nairobi or another large metropolitan centre to find Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE schools. 

Look up schools in your area to see which options you have near you. You’re likely to find at least one Cambridge and Edexcel school nearby. Some schools may offer both curriculums at the same location. 

As far as supplemental resources are concerned, there are far more study resources available for Cambridge students than for Edexcel. There are vast amounts of past papers, study materials, and study assistance programs for Cambridge students, but far fewer for Edexcel students. 

Academics 

Each curriculum features similar core subjects, but Cambridge has a much wider range of international subjects like languages and non-traditional subjects like economics. Edexcel has a narrower range of subjects with a focus on skills that make you job-ready. 

Even with the difference in focus, both curriculums can prepare you well for further education locally in Kenya and abroad. 

Exams

Both providers do exams at similar times throughout the year, with the main exam times in May/June and October/November. Some Edexcel exams may be provided in January, depending on the specific school you’re attending. 

Exams for Edexcel are modular while Cambridge does their subjects linearly. What this means is that each subject is divided into multiple sessions in Edexcel, allowing you to retake a single paper instead of resitting exams for the whole qualification. With Edexcel, you can also choose whether to cash-in a qualification after you’ve seen your results, whereas Cambridge cashes them in automatically. 

Practical Skills 

Edexcel focuses more on the practical skills than Cambridge. There are more real-world scenarios in Edexcel, as well as practical assessments built into the final grade. Cambridge does not include regular practicals in their graded assessments, choosing instead to have a heavier academic curriculum.  

Grading Systems 

Edexcel IGCSEs are graded using a combination of multiple tests, practicals, and coursework throughout the study time. 

Cambridge grades primarily on the final exams taken at the end of the study period. 

While Cambridge IGCSEs have stuck with the original grading scale that goes from A*-G, Edexcel follows the UK’s 9-1 grading scale. In practice, these grading scales should not impact your education, but it’s good to understand the system you’re operating under. 

International Reputation

There is no real difference between the reputation of Cambridge and Edexcel around the world. Both provide IGCSEs that are accepted in the same places. 

Taking Cambridge vs Edexcel should not impact your future options. With IGCSE, the biggest factor will always be how well you do in each subject, not which curriculum you take. 

Course Load & Difficulty 

Both courses are challenging, but they tend to be challenging in different ways. Generally speaking, Cambridge IGCSEs have more difficult mathematics and physics while Edexcel tends to have more difficult sciences. 

Most people consider Cambridge to have more rigorous academics while Edexcel mixes a lot more job skills and practicals into their coursework. While the mixed curriculum makes Edexcel more accessible for some students, it’s still highly challenging. 

Which IGCSE Administrator Should You Choose?

Choose Cambridge if:

• You do well with exam-focused studies rather than cumulative grading
• You excel at analytical thinking and conceptual academics 
• You want to study a broader range of subjects, especially languages 
• You intend to apply to university in a country that doesn’t accept Edexcel IGCSEs, or to a university that is known for rigorous academics 

Choose Edexcel if:

• You want a curriculum with more flexibility and cumulative grading 
• You are doing a subject that benefits from more real-world focus, such as business 
• You prefer a modular learning style with clear objectives

The good news is that in Kenya, both Cambridge and Edexcel are great options! You can succeed either way, no matter which curriculum you choose. Make an informed decision, then do your best in whichever option you choose.