Cambridge International A Levels: A parent's guide

Curriculum guide

Cambridge International A Levels

Cambridge International A Levels are the international version of UK A-Levels, run by Cambridge International. Two-year, subject-specialised qualifications leading to A*–E grades. Recognised by universities everywhere, including all Russell Group, Ivy League and top Asian universities. The most common British-system senior qualification at international schools.

Ages 16–18

Two-year A Level

Students pick three or four subjects and take them across two years to depth. Cambridge International A Level exams sit later than UK A-Levels — May/June or October/November depending on the syllabus.

Cambridge A Levels

Cambridge International vs UK A-Levels

Structurally the same. Cambridge International A Levels adapt for global cohorts — international-appropriate exam contexts, papers sat later in each timezone-safe window, and stronger presence in international schools. UK universities treat the two versions as identical.

Cambridge A Levels

Cambridge A Level vs Pearson Edexcel International A Level

Both are widely-offered international variants of UK A-Level. Cambridge International has broader reach across international schools; Pearson Edexcel is stronger where the school runs Edexcel IGCSE. Universities do not distinguish between them.

Is Cambridge A Levels right for your child?

It tends to suit families who…

•Want subject depth at 16+ over the IB's six-subject breadth
•Are targeting UK universities
•Enjoy exam-based, linear-syllabus assessment

It may be less ideal if…

•You want to keep six subjects open (IB Diploma is better)
•Your child prefers coursework and modular assessment (BTEC or IBCP fits better)
•You want a broader senior core (Extended Essay, ToK etc.)

The bigger picture

UK Read the full British curriculum guide Cambridge A Levels sits inside the wider British pathway. See how it slots in with the other stages, how universities recognise it, and where to find British-curriculum schools by country. →

Common questions

FAQs about the Cambridge A Levels curriculum

Are Cambridge A Levels accepted at US universities? +

Yes — increasingly so. Three A*/A grades are typically equivalent to a strong AP record, and A Levels often earn college credit at competitive US institutions.

How is Cambridge A Level graded? +

A*–E, with U (Ungraded) as the fail category. UCAS tariff points map onto these grades.

When are Cambridge A Level exams sat? +

Typically May/June, with November as an alternative session for some syllabuses — a bigger part of the international offer than UK domestic timetables.

Understanding international school curricula