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Cambridge IGCSE vs IB MYP: Which Lower Secondary Pathway Fits Your Child?

Picture of Tom Shacks By  Tom Shacks  ·  2 minute read

If you have a child in lower secondary at an international school, you’ll typically meet one of two pathways before age 16: Cambridge IGCSE or the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). They are different by design, and both can lead smoothly into post-16 qualifications like A Levels, the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), or AP + High School Diploma.

Below is a clear, side-by-side view to help you decide which approach fits your child.

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IGCSE vs IB MYP at a glance (ages ~11/14–16)

Feature Cambridge IGCSE (usually 14–16) IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) (11–16)
Core idea Subject-based course culminating in external exams Framework across 8 subject groups with interdisciplinary learning
Assessment Primarily external written exams at end of course School-based assessments using IB criteria; some schools add optional eAssessment (on-screen exams) for an IB MYP Certificate
Breadth vs depth Lets students choose subjects and go deeper in areas of strength Keeps breadth across subjects, with focus on skills, concepts, and real-world inquiry
Recognition A widely recognised qualification in its own right A recognised programme (the optional eAssessment yields a certificate); primarily prepares for IBDP
Typical next step (16+) A Levels, IB Diploma, or AP + HS Diploma IB Diploma (some students transition to A Levels or AP with bridging support)

Parent tip: If your child thrives with clear syllabuses and exam goals, IGCSE will feel familiar. If your child prefers project work, reflection, and cross-disciplinary tasks, MYP may be a better fit.

What this means for post-16 (ages 16–18/19)

Whichever pre-16 route you choose, these are the common destinations:

Post-16 pathway Suits students who… University recognition
A Levels Want to specialise in 3–4 subjects with deep content Excellent for UK/Commonwealth; widely accepted globally
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Prefer balanced breadth (6 subjects), CAS, TOK, Extended Essay Highly portable worldwide; strong for global applications
AP + High School Diploma Want course-by-course acceleration within a flexible US-style system Global acceptance; especially familiar for US admissions

Examples of schools offering each route (with profiles where available)

Singapore

Malaysia

Thailand

👉 Explore programmes and compare options:

How to choose for your child (practical checks)

  • Learning style: Exams and structured syllabuses (IGCSE) vs continuous assessment and inquiry (MYP).

  • University direction: If aiming UK-specialist subjects later, IGCSE → A Levels is very direct. If you want broad global portability, MYP → IBDP works well.

  • School continuity: Prioritise the whole pathway available at the school (pre-16 and post-16) to minimise disruption after age 16.

  • Subject fit: Check IGCSE subject lists or MYP subject group offerings match your child’s interests.

FAQs

Is IB MYP a qualification like IGCSE?
No. MYP is a programme; some schools add optional eAssessment leading to an MYP Certificate, but it’s primarily preparation for post-16 study.

Can a student move from MYP into A Levels, or from IGCSE into the IB Diploma?
Yes. Schools do this often. Expect some bridging in assessment style and subject depth.

Which is “harder,” IGCSE or MYP?
They’re different: IGCSE concentrates difficulty into external exams; MYP spreads challenge across ongoing assessed tasks (and, optionally, eAssessments).

What if my child changes country mid-programme?
Both paths are present across international schools worldwide. Use doris to filter by curriculum and entry year to find a smooth handover.

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