21 Sep 2026
The power of Cambridge International AS & A Levels to open doors and develop readiness for university was evident when more than 90 of the world's top universities joined school counsellors, students and parents in China this month.
The East Asia Counsellors Conference and College Fair at Hangzhou Dipont School of Arts and Science on 11 and 12 September gave more than 280 school counsellors the opportunity to exchange perspectives on students' progression pathways, university application preparation and support for students’ future development. On the second afternoon, Cambridge learners and parents were invited to explore higher education options with the university representatives.
Speaking to the counsellors Rod Smith, Group Managing Director, International Education, Cambridge University Press & Assessment said: "More students than ever before took Cambridge International AS & A Levels in our June series across East Asia. That growth comes down to one simple thing: our AS & A Levels deliver not only deep subject knowledge, but also the skills that universities and employers are asking for. They make students ready for university and beyond."
He also outlined Cambridge’s latest work on curriculum and skills development. This includes a new skills framework that will help students, teachers and universities understand more clearly the capabilities developed through different subjects and subject combinations, as well as academic enrichment opportunities, such as the relaunched Cambridge International Project Qualification (IPQ). A new diploma to strengthen entrepreneurship-related skills is also being piloted in China.
Among the more than 100 university representatives from 15 different destinations was Dr Samina Khan MBE, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach, University of Oxford who highlighted the importance of academic ability and potential, intellectual curiosity and transferable skills in the admissions process. Sunny Yang, Vice President (Growth and International), Monash University, explored developments in Australian higher education and how universities can support students through educational innovation, global learning experiences, research and investment in infrastructure.
Touching on Rod Smith’s focus on enhancing A Level learning and preparing students for life beyond university, others, including James Ackroyd, Executive Director, Student Recruitment and Admissions, University College London spoke of universities’ interest in students’ broader capabilities and interests and Jessica Griffiths, Deputy Director of Recruitment, Rice University, offered a US higher education perspective, explaining how universities look beyond grades and activities to understand a student’s curiosity, process of exploration and initiative in learning, enabling students to present their interests and growth more authentically. The Cambridge Pathways and Progression team also ran a session on the latest developments in recognition of Cambridge International qualifications and how Cambridge initiatives support schools and students.
New support for school counsellors
Find out more about Cambridge’s work with schools counsellors in 'College counselling in a changing world' by Roshan Walkerley, Head of University Pathways and Progression at Cambridge, including how to sign up for our new newsletter for school counsellors. Roshan also discusses what universities are looking for in today's applicants with some leading experts in our latest Outlook podcast.