A Cambridge lesson at Ellipse International School
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Cambridge IGCSE & A-Level

Cambridge upper school

An international route to the world's universities

Our Cambridge pathway takes students from Kindergarten to Grade 11 and on into IGCSE and A-Level — internationally recognised qualifications, taught in English, that open direct routes to universities at home and abroad.

14–16Typical IGCSE age
16–18Typical A-Level age
3–4A-Level subjects chosen

The two stages

IGCSE, then A-Level

The Cambridge upper school runs in two stages — first IGCSE, then A-Level — each building on the last.

Stage one

What is IGCSE?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is Cambridge's secondary qualification. Students study a broad set of subjects in English, sit international exams, and build the academic foundation A-Level depends on.

  • Typical age14–16
  • Duration2 years
  • SubjectsBroad (6–9)
  • Leads toA-Level
Stage two

What is A-Level?

Cambridge International A-Level is the final two-year stage before university. Students specialise in a few subjects in real depth — the qualification universities worldwide use to make offers.

  • Typical age16–18
  • Duration2 years
  • SubjectsFocused (3–4)
  • Leads toUniversity

Why it matters

The benefits of a Cambridge pathway

IGCSE and A-Level give students more than a certificate — they build the skills, fluency and recognition that the next step rewards.

🌍

Recognised worldwide

Accepted by thousands of universities across the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Gulf — and respected at home.

🗣️

English fluency

Subjects are taught and examined in academic English, so students graduate genuinely ready to study abroad.

🎯

Depth & specialisation

A-Level lets students go deep in the subjects that match their intended degree, instead of spreading thin.

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Flexible subject choice

Students shape their own combination of subjects around their strengths and university goals.

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University-ready skills

Independent research, structured writing and exam technique — the habits universities expect from day one.

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Scholarship potential

Strong A-Level grades open the door to competitive courses and merit-based scholarships abroad.

After graduation

Where our graduates go

With IGCSE and A-Level, students apply directly to universities around the world, as well as leading universities in Uzbekistan and the region. The exact destination depends on each student's grades and goals — our role is to give them the strongest possible options.

United Kingdom USA Canada Europe Turkey Asia Gulf states Uzbekistan

How we support applications

  • One-to-one guidance on choosing the right A-Level subjects for each degree.
  • A shortlist of universities matched to each student's grades, budget and goals.
  • Help with applications, personal statements, references and every deadline.
  • SAT and IELTS preparation — including our free SAT 1600 app — built into school life.
Exam Prep

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

It follows the Cambridge curriculum in English, with internationally recognised IGCSE and A-Level qualifications and globally benchmarked assessment — opening direct routes to universities abroad, alongside the rigour and care families expect.
IGCSE is Cambridge's secondary qualification, typically for students around ages 14–16 (roughly Grades 9–10). It covers a broad set of subjects in English and builds the foundation for A-Level.
A-Level is the final two-year Cambridge stage, typically for students aged 16–18. Students specialise in 3–4 subjects chosen to match the degree they intend to study.
Yes. Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level are accepted by thousands of universities worldwide — including in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and across Asia — as well as leading universities in Uzbekistan and the region.
Yes. Students can join from another school or education system. We review previous reports and run a friendly placement check to place each student in the right year and support any gaps.
To a large extent, yes. The Cambridge pathway and national requirements — including the Milliy Sertifikat — are coordinated so students keep national options open while gaining an international qualification. We advise each family on the best balance.
A-Level graduates apply to universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Turkey, Asia and the Gulf, as well as top universities in Uzbekistan and the region. Specific destinations depend on each student's grades and goals.
Through subject teaching to exam standard, structured SAT and IELTS preparation (including our free SAT 1600 app), and one-to-one university guidance on subject choices, personal statements and deadlines.
Yes. Our guidance team helps students shortlist universities, choose the right A-Level subjects, prepare applications and references, and meet every deadline.
Teaching follows the Cambridge International curriculum in English, alongside our Uzbek and Russian national tracks — families choose the pathway that fits their child.
Where there is space and it suits the student, mid-year entry is possible. We assess each case individually and arrange support to help students settle in quickly.

Talk through the Cambridge pathway

Book a tour and we'll map out IGCSE, A-Level and university options for your child.

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