New 2022 Cambridge Progression Tests are now live
Our new Cambridge Progression Tests are ready for you to download from the lower secondary support site.
Marked by teachers in your school, you can use the tests to check learners’ progress during Stages 7 through to 9 in English as a First or Second Language, Mathematics and Science.
From January 2022, we will update the tests annually instead of every three years. Download each test and associated mark schemes from the individual subject pages.
Although you can use the tests at any time, we recommend that you use them near the end of the school year to assess learning and understanding of our updated Cambridge Lower Secondary curricula.
You can also use our analysis tool to analyse results, highlight learners’ strengths and weaknesses and make targeted improvements to teaching and learning.
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New - Cambridge Lower Secondary Computing
Our exciting new computing curriculum helps learners understand how computers work. This course focuses on the fundamental principles of computing, giving students the opportunity to look inside a computer and understand the purpose of different components. They will also develop increasingly complex coding and logical thinking skills and begin to appreciate how computers are used.
We have built the lower secondary course around the computing skills needed to prepare learners for Cambridge IGCSE and O Level Computer Science and beyond. Schools can use our Digital Literacy curricula, which focuses on how to use computers and stay safe online, at the same time.
Visit the Cambridge Lower Secondary Computing page to learn more.
It’s time to start teaching the new Cambridge Lower Secondary curricula
In September 2020, we introduced some exciting changes to the Cambridge Lower Secondary programme including revised English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science curricula. We also announced improvements to our Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Tests and Checkpoint assessments.
We told you about the changes well in advance of first teaching to give you time to prepare.
We now recommend that you start to teach the new curricula. The exact date you start will depend on which stage (or year group) you teach and whether you use Cambridge Progression Tests or Checkpoint.
If you do not use Cambridge Progression Tests or Checkpoint, we recommend you start using the new curricula immediately.
However, if your learners are taking the new assessments, you need to start teaching the new curricula as follows:
| Which assessment are your learners taking? |
When will learners take the tests? |
Stages |
Start teaching the new curriculum… |
| Cambridge Lower Secondary Progression Tests |
From January 2022 onwards |
Stages 3 to 9 inclusive |
now |
| Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint |
In May 2023 |
Stages 6 and 9 |
from September 2022 |
| Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint |
In October 2023 |
Stages 6 and 9 |
from January 2023 |
Our interactive video and guide will help you understand the changes and decide when the best time is to start teaching the new curricula.