CAMBRIDGE, England, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The number of schools offering Cambridge qualifications in New Zealand has risen over the past year. Schools in New Zealand made over 28 000 exam entries for Cambridge international qualifications, a rise of 6 per cent since 2012.

There are now over 60 Cambridge schools in New Zealand, and more than 9000 schools in 160 countries make up the Cambridge learning community worldwide.

The core subjects most popular among learners in New Zealand at Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS and A Level are maths, physics and chemistry.

Kathy Parker, Principal, ACG Senior College, Academic Colleges Group, said: "Cambridge IGCSE is excellent preparation for success in studying Cambridge international examinations at a higher level in that it provides critical thinking skills, content knowledge and academic rigour that contributes greatly to the overall personal growth of the individual through challenging them on multiple levels. Being an internationally recognised qualification backed by the prestige of centuries of credibility that the University of Cambridge has demonstrated inspires confidence in parents and students alike."

Roger Franklin-Smith, Senior Schools Development Manager for New Zealand, Cambridge International Examinations, said: "Cambridge qualifications have a proven reputation for being an excellent preparation for university, employment and life beyond. We support our schools in New Zealand and around the world to develop learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. We are delighted that our community of schools in New Zealand continues to grow. Schools value our educational approach, which fosters an active learner who has a love of learning, is engaged at all levels with their education and has the skills and knowledge to compete successfully on a global stage."

Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS and A Level are recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide as evidence of academic ability. Cambridge IGCSE, the world's most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds, is taught by over 3700 schools in 140 countries worldwide. Cambridge International AS and A Level, typically for learners aged 16 to 19 years, is taken by over 1600 schools in over 125 countries.

Notes to editors

Cambridge International Examinations is the world's largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications for 5 to 19 year olds. We are a not-for-profit organisation and part of the University of Cambridge, one of the world's top universities and trusted for excellence in education. Our qualifications are recognised by the world's universities and employers.

Learn more! Visit http://www.cie.org.uk

SOURCE Cambridge International Examinations