Cambridge vs Edexcel in Bangladesh: Which Curriculum is Right for Your Child?

Choosing the right curriculum is a huge decision for Bangladeshi parents — especially when you're investing in English medium schools or hiring a private tutor. In most cases, two names always pop up: Cambridge (CAIE) and Edexcel (Pearson). But which one is actually better for your child?

Let’s break it down, parent to parent.

What Are Cambridge and Edexcel?

Both Cambridge and Edexcel are UK-based education boards that offer IGCSE and A-Level programs. They are globally accepted, including by universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and even top private universities in Bangladesh like NSU, BRAC, and IUB.

• Cambridge (CAIE) is known for its strong academic foundation and deep analytical approach.
• Edexcel (Pearson) is more flexible, and its question style is usually more direct.

Which One Is More Popular in Bangladesh?

Cambridge has traditionally been more popular in elite areas like Gulshan, Banani, Dhanmondi, with schools like Scholastica, Sunnydale, and Aga Khan following this curriculum.

Edexcel has seen a steady rise in places like Uttara, Mirpur, and Malibagh, where many mid-tier schools now offer it because it's more flexible and sometimes more affordable.

Key Differences Explained

1. Exam Difficulty: Cambridge tends to be more analytical and writing-heavy, while Edexcel questions are often more direct and easier to understand.
2. Grading Style: Cambridge has a reputation for tougher grading. Edexcel, on the other hand, is often seen as slightly more lenient.
3. Assessment Format: Cambridge leans toward essay-style answers and long-form writing. Edexcel focuses more on objective and short-answer questions.
4. Resources: There are more guidebooks, past papers, and support materials available for Cambridge. Edexcel's resources are improving but still catching up.
5. Subject Options: Cambridge offers more subject choices in most schools. Edexcel might have fewer subjects depending on the school.
6. Tutor Availability: Cambridge tutors are more available in areas like Dhanmondi, Banani, and Mohammadpur. Edexcel tutors are growing fast in Uttara, Mirpur, and online — often at a slightly lower cost.

Which One Helps More with University Admission?

Both Cambridge and Edexcel are accepted by top universities around the world.

However, if your child is aiming for highly competitive universities like Oxford, Ivy League, BUET, or IBA, Cambridge A Levels may be better due to their rigorous and analytical nature.

If your child prefers balance — maybe they have extracurriculars or struggle with essay-style questions — Edexcel could be the better fit.

What Are Bangladeshi Parents Choosing?

It depends on the area and budget:

• Parents in Dhanmondi, Banani, and Gulshan prefer Cambridge for its reputation.
• Parents in Uttara, Mirpur, and Malibagh lean toward Edexcel for flexibility and easier access to tutors.

How Should You Decide?

Here are a few things to think about:

• If your child is strong in writing and analysis, go for Cambridge.
• If your child does better with structured, short-form questions, Edexcel might be the smarter choice.
• If budget is a concern, Edexcel tuition might be a bit more affordable in many parts of Dhaka.

Final Thoughts from a Fellow Parent

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is what suits your child’s learning style, your budget, and long-term goals.

If you’re still confused, talk to a few teachers or book a trial class with both Cambridge and Edexcel tutors. Just one class can often make things clearer.

Need Help Finding the Right Tutor?

Whether you live in Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Dhanmondi, or Uttara, we at Eudika can help you find verified, affordable home tutors for both Cambridge and Edexcel — or even online options!

📞 Call us at +8801332511450