Cambridge Expands Checkpoint Test Series Due to Increased Demand
The International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge), today announced an expansion of its series of Cambridge Checkpoint tests, valued for their role in helping schools identify the learning needs of primary and lower secondary students. Over 1600 schools in 101 countries used Cambridge Checkpoint tests last year to obtain an international benchmark of their learners’ performance and Cambridge is introducing a third test series in March, as a further option to those in May and October, from 2026 to meet rising global demand. It is also introducing a one-week timetable for each series and moving the May series to a later date to better suit the needs of schools.
Cambridge Checkpoint tests assess progress in Mathematics, English and Science and are typically taken by learners at the end of Cambridge Primary (age 10 to 11) or Lower Secondary education (age 13 to 14). The tests are marked by Cambridge examiners and each school receives a diagnostic feedback report to help monitor individual and group performance. The reports enable schools to make informed decisions about their learners’ needs and understand how their learners have performed compared with Cambridge International Schools around the world.
Demand for Cambridge Checkpoint tests has been increasing in line with the growth in international education. Cambridge received over 300,000 entries for Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Checkpoint in 2024, with entries for the primary tests up 13% and entries for lower secondary tests up 9% on 2023. Entries for Cambridge Primary Checkpoint tests overtook entries for Lower Secondary Checkpoint last year, with schools in Indonesia, Egypt, India, Oman and Malaysia driving the growth.
The timetable changes are a direct response to feedback from schools, particularly in Southeast Asia & Pacific, South Asia and MENA, who wanted the Cambridge Checkpoint test series to align better with the end of their school year.
Dr Nadia Kharbat, General Director, Mayar International School, Jordan said: “At Mayar International Schools, we believe that Cambridge Checkpoint tests are not just assessments, but transformative tools that empower students to recognise their strengths and identify areas for growth. These tests provide invaluable insights for educators, enabling us to tailor our teaching to meet individual learning needs. Through this process, we nurture well-rounded learners who are prepared to excel academically and thrive in a globalised world.”
Rod Smith, Group Managing Director for International Education at Cambridge said: “Cambridge Checkpoint tests play a crucial role in helping schools track young learner progress and tailor support effectively. Responding to an increased demand from our community, the introduction of a third test series gives more schools the flexibility to test students at a time that best fits their academic schedule, ensuring they get the most from this valuable assessment tool. I am grateful to all the schools who helped us shape these changes with their valuable feedback.”
A Cambridge research study found that schools adopting Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint had a small but significant improvement in their average Cambridge IGCSE grade, compared to schools not adopting Cambridge Checkpoint. The study also showed that Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint scores were a good predictor of performance in Cambridge IGCSEs, particularly in the same or a related subject.
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