GLOBAL — The June 2025 IGCSE results from both Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel have been released, revealing interesting patterns in student performance across different examination boards. Our analysis of the data shows varied performance outcomes depending on the subject area.
Key Findings
- Mathematics: Pearson candidates achieved higher percentages across all top grade bands.
- English Literature: Cambridge significantly outperformed Pearson in all grade categories.
- Sciences: Mixed results with competitive performance between both boards.
Detailed Subject-by-Subject Analysis
Our comprehensive analysis reveals that neither examination board consistently outperforms the other across all subjects, suggesting that subject-specific factors may influence grade distributions.
Mathematics: Pearson Takes the Lead
In Mathematics, Pearson candidates achieved notably higher percentages in top grades — Grade 9: Pearson 17.5% vs Cambridge 16.9%; Grade 8+: Pearson 35.1% vs Cambridge 30.5%; Grade 7+: Pearson 51.3% vs Cambridge 41.1%.
English Literature: Cambridge Dominates
Cambridge showed significantly stronger performance in English Literature — Grade 9: Cambridge 29.6% vs Pearson 15.9%; Grade 8+: Cambridge 50.0% vs Pearson 30.4%; Grade 7+: Cambridge 69.7% vs Pearson 46.9%.
Sciences: Competitive Performance
The science subjects showed more balanced competition. In Physics, Cambridge achieved higher percentages in grades 9 and 8+, while in Chemistry, the results were mixed with Pearson slightly ahead in grades 8+ and 7+. Biology showed Cambridge with a slight edge across all grade bands.
Comparative Performance Table
C = Cambridge International, P = Pearson Edexcel. Highest rate in each column is highlighted in maroon.
| Subject | Grade 9 % | Grade 8+ % | Grade 7+ % | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | C: 16.9% P: 17.5% | C: 30.5% P: 35.1% | C: 41.1% P: 51.3% | Pearson |
| English Literature | C: 29.6% P: 15.9% | C: 50.0% P: 30.4% | C: 69.7% P: 46.9% | Cambridge |
| Chemistry | C: 24.6% P: 22.5% | C: 41.1% P: 42.5% | C: 54.0% P: 57.6% | Mixed |
| Biology | C: 21.3% P: 21.0% | C: 38.8% P: 37.9% | C: 53.5% P: 52.4% | Cambridge |
| Physics | C: 28.7% P: 21.3% | C: 42.2% P: 40.5% | C: 55.1% P: 57.1% | Mixed |
What This Means for Students and Schools
Subject Selection Strategy: Students and schools should consider these performance patterns when selecting examination boards, particularly for subjects where significant differences exist.
University Applications: For students targeting competitive university programs, understanding these grade distributions can inform strategic decisions about subject combinations and board selection.
Teaching Approach: Schools may need to adapt their teaching strategies and resources based on the specific requirements and grade patterns of each examination board.