Choose your edition

South Asia

Change edition:

Cambridge O Level Cambridge Secondary 2

Overview

Cambridge O Level, part of the Cambridge Secondary 2 stage, is typically for 14-16 year olds. Cambridge O Level is an internationally recognised qualification equivalent to the UK General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). Cambridge O Level provides learners with excellent preparation for academic progression to Cambridge Advanced including Cambridge International AS and A Levels and Cambridge Pre-U.

Cambridge O Levels have been designed especially for an international market and are sensitive to the needs of different countries. These qualifications are designed for learners whose first language may not be English and this is acknowledged throughout the examination process. The curriculum also enables teaching to be placed in a localised context, making it relevant in various regions.

Important note for schools in administrative zones 1, 2 and 6

Cambridge O Levels are no longer on the timetable for administrative zones 1, 2 and 6. Schools in these zones wishing to take Cambridge O Level should contact us to work out alternative arrangements. Many of our schools have moved easily from Cambridge O Level to Cambridge IGCSE, drawing on our excellent resources, training and advice from subject experts. Learn more about Cambridge IGCSE and look at the different Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses to find the right alternative to Cambridge O Level subjects you offer. If you are unsure which administrative zone your school is in, you can find out using our online tool.

A balanced curriculum

The Cambridge O Level curriculum places emphasis on broad and balanced study across a wide range of subjects. The curriculum develops learners' skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving and is structured so that learners attain both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. In some parts of the world, schools use Cambridge O Level as an international alternative to the local government's examination. Universities in many countries, including Canada and the USA, will admit learners on the basis of their Cambridge O Level performances alone.

Assessment

Cambridge O Levels are normally taken after completing the course, and a variety of methods including written, practical and oral are used to assess learners. Candidates can now achieve an A* at O Level, which can be evidenced by looking at the O Level results statistics section of the website. Grade A is awarded for the highest level of achievement, and grade E indicates minimum satisfactory performance. We run two sessions for Cambridge O Level - May/June and October/November, although some subjects are only available in May/June or October/November.

Cambridge progression

Cambridge offers routes candidates can follow from post-kindergarten stage through to university entrance. Cambridge's provision also includes first-class support for teachers through publications, online resources, training, workshops and professional development.

Cambridge Primary
(5-11 years)		 Cambridge Primary
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge Secondary 1
(11-14 years)		 Cambridge Secondary 1
Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge ICT Starters
Cambridge Secondary 2
(14-16 years)		 Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge O Level
Cambridge ICE
Cambridge Advanced
(16-19 years)		 Cambridge International AS and A Levels
Cambridge AICE
Cambridge Pre-U