What should I take, Edexcel or Cambridge? (2024)

When you prepare for your IGCSE or A-Level examinations, you tend to be in the dilemma of choosing between the Edexcel or the Cambridge Board. Both examinations have a similar level of difficulty, although individual students sometimes state that one exam is more difficult than the other.

However, this differs from student to student. Both these boards conduct examinations for students with an age range from 14 to 16. Pearson Edexcel is a form of qualification for academic and general qualifications from Pearson. It is designed in a way for students to enhance their skills while developing their knowledge side by side. These qualifications help students to progress to higher education or go straight into employment. Rooted from the traditions of the British education system, the students get world-renowned and highly respected qualifications.

This gives them an opportunity to learn and succeed in life. An Edexcel qualification could lead you straight to top universities since it’s a combination of a forward-thinking approach with world class education standards. 2 key ingredients to access tomorrow’s global opportunities.

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is a part of a world-renowned university, University of Cambridge. This is accepted by universities all over the world. The Cambridge board provides a global learning community and are generally more intellectual in nature.

This board has an international curriculum that is more suitable for students who look to pursue their higher studies abroad. Additionally, the Cambridge Board also adapts to learning practically because they believe it exercises the students brain to think creatively and work on their problem-solving skills. Cambridge also allows the students to design and decide their own curriculum by allowing the students to pick their desired classes from their broad range of subjects.

Comparing both Edexcel and Cambridge, their key difference is the way their examinations are structured. Cambridge has a tiered examination which offers the opportunity of entering either at the foundation or at a higher level. In this case, the more difficult questions will be presented only in the higher levels. On the contrary, the examinations that Edexcel holds, there are no tiered examinations for any subjects except Mathematics

This means that the easy and hard questions are both on the same paper thus not differentiating the level at which the students are learning their subjects since there is none. There is only one set of question papers that all the students attempt.

Both Cambridge and Edexcel provide high quality academic qualifications that open the door of opportunities to many top tier universities as well as employment opportunities. While both boards are more or less similar, it is vital to understand that the small difference in their structure of examination is an important factor that needs to be considered.

You would need to pick the examination that suits your aptitude the best for you to do well. In order for you to lead yourself in the right path of making the right decision for your future, you may need to reach out to contact experts & people that help students prepare for both these examinations. Their thorough knowledge & experience will help you decide what’s best for you.

Also Read: How To Excel In Cambridge A Levels

Edexcel and Cambridge in terms of Difficulty

While both exams are considered to be at the same level of difficulty, opinions differ from each student regarding the difficulty of the examination. For instance, Cambridge has a reputation of its English exam being easier than the Edexcel exam.

While, on the other hand, Cambridge’s mathematics exam is tougher than Edexcel’s examination. Generally, students consider that Cambridge is tougher than Edexcel since they have an international standard to maintain while Edexcel is more concentrated and focused on the UK meaning they structure their exams and set the difficulty in a way which is compliant to the UK system. Consequently, Cambridge is an individual entity who has the liberty to set their own examination paper as long as it is approved by the QCA.

Edexcel and Cambridge in terms of Curriculum:

There are no key differences between both curricula, however, major differences are in terms of the topics. For instance, there is more material study when it comes to Cambridge Physics, whereas in Edexcel, students are given the choice to pursue it as they see fit.

As for Mathematics, CIE is more difficult when compared to Edexcel and this can be seen through the grading process. In Physics and Chemistry, CIE students don’t have options therefore, their notes and their syllabus content will differ from one another.

In the end, we can come to a conclusion that Cambridge and Edexcel are equally reputed and have a similar level of difficulty. However, from the general student opinion, Cambridge could be harder in the core subjects such as Mathematics.

Nevertheless, it finally boils down to choosing the board that you think you can perform best in.

All the best for your examination!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are Edexcel and Cambridge?

A: Edexcel and Cambridge are two of the largest examination boards in the UK. They offer a range of qualifications, including GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational qualifications, which are recognized by universities and employers in the UK and around the world.

Q2: What is the difference between Edexcel and Cambridge?

A: The main difference between Edexcel and Cambridge is that Edexcel is a subsidiary of Pearson, a multinational education company, while Cambridge Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge. In terms of qualifications offered, both Edexcel and Cambridge offer similar qualifications, but the specific content and assessment methods can vary.

Q3: Which is better, Edexcel or Cambridge?

A: There is no clear answer to this question as it depends on individual preferences and needs. Both Edexcel and Cambridge offer high-quality qualifications that are recognized by universities and employers worldwide. It’s important to research the specific qualifications and subjects offered by each board and choose the one that best suits your goals and interests.

Q4: Can I switch from one board to another?

A: It is possible to switch from one board to another, but it can be challenging as the content and assessment methods can be different. It’s important to discuss any potential changes with your teachers or academic advisors to ensure that you are making a well-informed decision.

Q5: Do universities have a preference for Edexcel or Cambridge qualifications?

A: Universities do not generally have a preference for Edexcel or Cambridge qualifications. They recognise both qualifications as equivalent in terms of academic rigour and content.

Further Reading:

Cambridge international