Cambridge reaches 1,000 schools in South Asia, driving innovation and excellence in education

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) today announced that it has surpassed 1,000 Cambridge International Schools across South Asia, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering world-class education in the region. For the past two years, 12% of the region's Cambridge have been located in Bangladesh. India has over 75% of the region’s Cambridge-affiliated schools.

The growing demand for Cambridge international education in Bangladesh highlights the evolving priorities of both school leaders and parents in private and semi-urban schools who are choosing Cambridge for several key reasons:

a globally recognised framework for schools and learners aged 3-19, with a curriculum that can be adapted to local contexts, fostering strong national and cultural identities while maintaining a global perspective. 

a curriculum that supports inquiry-based learning and attributes that enable students to become confident, responsible, respectful, responsive, reflective, and innovative.

strong teacher support and professional development opportunities.

The growth of Cambridge in South Asia reflects a global shift towards international education, with more students taking Cambridge exams in 2024 than in any previous year. Responding to requests from its community of schools in the region, Cambridge will introduce a third Cambridge Checkpoint test series in March 2026, providing schools with greater flexibility to schedule assessments in line with their academic calendars.

Vinay Sharma, Senior Vice President for International Education in South Asia, said, “Crossing the 1,000 schools mark in South Asia is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class education that empowers learners and educators alike. We are proud to be at the forefront of driving innovation, inclusion, and inclusion, and excellence across the region. Our programmes go beyond academic achievement — they equip learners with the skills, mindset, and confidence to navigate global challenges, from climate change to the rise of AI. Together with our schools, we are shaping the future of education.”

Sarwat Reza, Country Lead for Bangladesh, said, “Bangladesh presents an exciting opportunity for growth, with a dynamic and rapidly evolving education landscape. I am honoured to join Cambridge at a time when the demand for international education is growing. To support this momentum, we are building a dedicated team in Bangladesh to further strengthen our partnerships with schools and ensure more learners benefit from a high-quality, future-ready Cambridge education''