The UK government’s decision earlier this year to fund Cambridge IGCSE in state maintained schools has led to a huge increase in the numbers of UK schools offering the qualification. In recent years, the growth of Cambridge IGCSE in the UK has mirrored worldwide growth trends. However, this year we have seen exceptional growth in the UK. Worldwide, the number of Cambridge schools offering Cambridge IGCSE rose by 10 per cent during the past 12 months – the UK figure in state and independent schools is 30 per cent, as schools turn to a qualification that gives learners a solid foundation for A Level study. Ed Elliott, Head teacher at The Perse School in the UK, said: ‘As one of Britain’s leading independent co-educational day schools, The Perse has offered Cambridge IGCSEs in a number of subjects for many years. We find that Cambridge IGCSE is a better preparation for the academic demands of A Level in a number of subjects, and it gives our pupils a head start in the sixth form. We also appreciate the linear nature of Cambridge IGCSE, which means that pupils can be freed from the modular treadmill of endless assessment. This creates valuable time for other educational opportunities.