CAMBRIDGE, England, June 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The number of schools offering Cambridge qualifications in South Africa has risen significantly over the past year. Schools in South Africa made over 16,000 exam entries for Cambridge international qualifications this year. The fastest growing Cambridge qualification in South Africa is Cambridge IGCSE which grew by 13 per cent since 2012.

There are now over 100 Cambridge schools in South Africa, and more than 9000 schools in 160 countries make up the Cambridge learning community worldwide.

The core subjects most popular among learners in South Africa at Cambridge IGCSE are English, maths and biology.

Erith Budge, Principal, El Shaddai Christian School, said: "Cambridge IGCSE is a welcome beacon of stability within an ever-changing South African educational setting. Furthermore, Cambridge's commitment to quality education, efficient and supportive administration, as well as its international standing, has provided El Shaddai Christian School with an excellent platform for our students to transition to tertiary education."

Mark Barber, Senior Schools Development Manager Sub-Saharan Africa, 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 South Africa and around the world to develop learners who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged. We are delighted that our community of schools in South Africa 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