13 Aug 2024
Congratulations to every one of the 631,248 students around the world receiving results from their Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and International AS & A Level exams today. These students made over 1.6 million exam entries in the June 2024 series – an 9% increase on last year, showing a growing demand for international education.
The sciences, Mathematics and English continue to be the most popular subjects globally across Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and International AS & A Level. However, some of the fastest growing subjects suggest that our schools are broadening their curriculum to offer students more scope to learn about a changing world:
- Environmental Management: entries up 36% at Cambridge IGCSE & O Level and 30% at International AS Level.
- Global Perspectives: up 15% at Cambridge IGCSE & O Level and 17% at International AS & A Level.
- Marine Science: up by 26% at Cambridge International AS & A Level.
- Computer Science: entries up 14% at Cambridge IGCSE & O Level and 19% at International AS & A Level.
Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge, said: 'I want to congratulate everyone receiving exam results today and all the dedicated teachers who work so hard to support students in their education journey. In the face of today’s global challenges, it’s heartening to see more and more young people choosing an international education to help them thrive in an ever-changing world.'
Cambridge Regional Director, MENA region, Waseem Salah Al Hanbali, said: 'We are pleased that Cambridge Global Perspectives, Environmental Management, and Computer Science are growing subjects in the MENA region. This trend not only showcases the diversity of our offerings but also reflects our learners' commitment to developing a broad outlook and acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to address climate change in a rapidly evolving world. I am optimistic that these choices will empower learners to engage socially and intellectually, making a positive impact.'
Herve Marc, Cambridge Regional Director, Europe, shared his thoughts on the trends for uptake of some of the newer subjects: 'Computer Science is seen as a pathway to a successful, well-paid career. For example, in Italy, the tech sector has the greatest employment demand linked to the country’s digitisation, innovation, competitiveness, and culture. And schools confirm to us that IGCSE Global Perspectives develops critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and communication skills, which are valuable across various subjects and in higher education, as well as being highly sought after by employers in a wide range of industries. In both cases, it is interesting to think of future employment; students are eager to develop both 'hard skills' and 'soft skills' to enhance their chances of securing a good job and an attractive professional future.'
Highlights for Cambridge IGCSE and O Level
- Nearly 1 million entries (956,100) – up 7% on June 2023.
- Taken by 295,972 students in 4,581 schools in 140 countries.
- Most popular subjects: 1. Mathematics; 2. Physics; 3. First Language English; 4. Chemistry; 5. Biology.
Highlights for Cambridge International AS & A Level
- More than 631,000 entries (631,405) – up 13% on June 2023.
- Taken by 316,008 students in 3,143 schools in 128 countries.
- Most popular subjects: 1. English General Paper; 2. Mathematics; 3. Physics; 4. Chemistry; 5. English Language.
Cambridge has over 160 years’ experience in delivering international exams and provides qualifications to nearly one million students in 160 countries every year. As an international exam board, we collaborate closely with universities worldwide to ensure that our qualifications develop the skills students need to thrive at university and beyond.
In addition to academic knowledge, our programmes emphasise the development of skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, independent research, collaboration and presenting arguments which help prepare students for their future.