International Schools Association of Uganda

Curriculums

Curriculums recognised by ISAU

These are the learning programmes recognised by ISAU, connected by a commitment to quality, safeguarding and internationally minded education.

The curriculums we recognise

Cambridge International

International education from Early Years to A Level

Established1858

Based inCambridge, United Kingdom

Global reachMore than 10,000 schools in over 160 countries

Age range3–19 years

About Cambridge InternationalCambridge International official website

Cambridge International is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge. Its history dates back to 1858, and it began examining internationally in 1864. Today it is the world's largest provider of international education programmes and qualifications, with nearly two million students studying Cambridge programmes each year.

The pathway

  • Cambridge Early YearsAges 3–6

    A play-based programme supporting children's development and providing a foundation for future learning.

  • Cambridge PrimaryAges 5–11

    A broad and flexible primary curriculum covering English, mathematics, science, computing and Global Perspectives.

  • Cambridge Lower SecondaryAges 11–14

    Builds knowledge and skills across a wide range of subjects and prepares learners for upper-secondary education.

  • Cambridge IGCSEAges 14–16

    An internationally recognised secondary qualification with a broad choice of subjects, designed for students from different backgrounds.

  • Cambridge International AS & A LevelAges 16–19

    Advanced subject-based qualifications that prepare students for university and higher education.

What distinguishes it

Cambridge provides a continuous pathway from early years to pre-university education while giving schools flexibility to adapt the curriculum to their students and local context. Its qualifications — particularly IGCSE and AS & A Level — are widely recognised by universities internationally, and its approach brings together curriculum, assessment, resources and professional development.

Pearson Edexcel International

A British international pathway from Early Years to A Level

OrganisationPearson, United Kingdom

Age range3–19 years

PathwayPearson Edexcel iProgress

About the iProgress pathwayPearson Edexcel International official website

Pearson Edexcel is a major British awarding organisation providing international curricula, qualifications, assessments and resources. Through its iProgress pathway, international schools can offer a connected educational journey from primary education through to International GCSE and International A Level.

The pathway

  • Pearson Edexcel iPrimaryAges 3–11

    An international primary curriculum covering English, mathematics, science, computing and Global Citizenship, with support for learners of English as an additional language.

  • Pearson Edexcel iLowerSecondaryAges 11–14

    Provides continuity from iPrimary and prepares students for International GCSE.

  • Pearson Edexcel International GCSEAges 14–16

    Internationally recognised subject qualifications designed specifically for international learners and schools.

  • Pearson Edexcel International AS/A LevelAges 16–19

    Advanced qualifications preparing students for progression to universities worldwide.

What distinguishes it

iProgress creates a coherent learning journey from primary through to pre-university education, with curriculum frameworks, resources, assessment and qualifications in one system. The programmes are closely aligned with the British educational system while being designed for an international context, and Pearson places strong emphasis on support for teachers.

International Baccalaureate

International education built around inquiry and global understanding

Established1968

Founded inGeneva, Switzerland

Global reachMore than 6,200 schools in over 160 countries

StudentsMore than 1.95 million

Age range3–19 years

About the International BaccalaureateInternational Baccalaureate official website

The International Baccalaureate (IB) was founded in Geneva in 1968 to create an internationally recognised education for students moving between countries. It has since developed into a complete educational framework: as of August 2026, more than 9,100 IB programmes are offered in over 6,200 schools across more than 160 countries.

The pathway

  • Primary Years Programme (PYP)Ages 3–12

    An inquiry-based programme that encourages children to become active participants in their learning and develops international-mindedness.

  • Middle Years Programme (MYP)Ages 11–16

    A broad academic programme connecting subjects with each other and with the real world.

  • Diploma Programme (DP)Ages 16–19

    A rigorous pre-university programme: six subject areas plus the DP core — Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

  • Career-related Programme (CP)Ages 16–19

    Combines IB academic study with career-related education for a more professionally focused pathway.

What distinguishes it

The IB is known for its educational philosophy as much as its qualifications: programmes emphasise inquiry, critical thinking, research, intercultural understanding and connections across disciplines, with the IB Learner Profile at the centre. Schools must undergo an authorisation process to become an IB World School.

French national curriculum

The French education system delivered internationally

International networkCoordinated by AEFE

AEFE established1990

Global reach640 schools in 140 countries

StudentsMore than 400,000

LanguagePredominantly French

About the AEFE networkAEFE official website

The French international education system differs from Cambridge, Pearson and the IB because it is an international extension of France's national education system rather than a separate international curriculum. The AEFE coordinates the worldwide network of recognised French schools abroad — 640 schools in 140 countries educating more than 400,000 students, approximately two-thirds of whom are not French nationals.

The pathway

  • École maternelleAges 3–6

    Early childhood education focusing on language, socialisation and the foundations of learning.

  • École élémentaireAges 6–11

    Primary education covering French, mathematics, science, humanities, languages, arts and physical education.

  • CollègeAges 11–15

    Lower-secondary education leading towards the Diplôme National du Brevet.

  • LycéeAges 15–18

    Upper-secondary education culminating in the French Baccalauréat, which provides access to higher education in France and internationally.

What distinguishes it

Schools officially homologués by the French Ministry of National Education follow the same programmes and prepare for the same examinations and diplomas as recognised schools in France, and schooling completed there is treated as equivalent to schooling in a French public school. The network also has a strong multilingual dimension, combining French education with the languages and cultures of the host country.

International Curriculum Association

IEYC, IPC and IMYC: one international curriculum pathway

Origins1984

OrganisationInternational Curriculum Association, part of Fieldwork Education Ltd

Based inUnited Kingdom

Age range2–14 years

About the International CurriculumInternational Curriculum Association official website

The International Curriculum Association (ICA) grew from an association of teachers and educational leaders that began working together in 1984. It has since developed a suite of international curricula forming a connected pathway through early childhood, primary and middle-years education, today used by more than 1,000 schools in over 90 countries.

The pathway

  • International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC)Ages 2–5

    A research-informed, play-based curriculum designed around how young children learn, supporting curiosity, independence, wellbeing and engagement.

  • International Primary Curriculum (IPC)Ages 5–11

    A thematic, enquiry-led curriculum combining academic, personal and international learning, with subjects connected through learning units.

  • International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC)Ages 11–14

    Designed for the developmental needs of adolescents, with learning organised around conceptual "Big Ideas" that connect subjects.

What distinguishes it

ICA curricula emphasise how children learn as well as what they learn, combining academic learning with personal and international learning. A key feature is flexibility: the International Curriculum can be used alongside national requirements, so a school can follow the IPC or IMYC and later progress to Cambridge IGCSE or Pearson Edexcel International GCSE. ICA also supports schools through professional development and an international accreditation process.

British international curriculum

An international adaptation of the English education system

Based onThe National Curriculum and education system of England

Modern National CurriculumIntroduced in 1988

Typical age range3–18/19 years

About the English National CurriculumUK Department for Education

The British International Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and the wider English education system, with the modern National Curriculum introduced in 1988. International schools adapt this framework to their local and international context, providing a structured pathway from Early Years through Primary and Secondary education, typically leading to internationally recognised GCSE/International GCSE and A Level qualifications.

The pathway

  • Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)Ages 3–5

    A play-based approach supporting communication, physical, personal and social development alongside early literacy, mathematics and understanding of the world.

  • Key Stages 1–2Ages 5–11 · Years 1–6

    Primary education establishing foundations in English, mathematics and science, alongside a broad curriculum.

  • Key Stage 3Ages 11–14 · Years 7–9

    A broad secondary curriculum including English, mathematics, science, humanities, languages, computing, arts and physical education.

  • Key Stage 4Ages 14–16 · Years 10–11

    Students generally work towards GCSE or International GCSE qualifications.

  • Sixth Form / Key Stage 5Ages 16–18/19

    Students specialise in fewer subjects, commonly working towards AS and A Level or International A Level qualifications.

What distinguishes it

The British approach offers clear progression through well-defined stages, combining a broad and balanced education with increasing specialisation towards university. Its qualifications — GCSE/International GCSE and A Levels — are recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Schools may work with different examination boards, such as Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel, giving families a rich choice of routes within one coherent educational tradition.

American curriculum

A flexible, standards-based pathway from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12

Based onU.S. educational standards and frameworks

Typical pathwayPre-Kindergarten to Grade 12

Key frameworksAERO, Common Core, NGSS and Advanced Placement (AP)

About Advanced PlacementProject AERO official website

The American Curriculum provides a flexible, standards-based pathway from early childhood through Grade 12, based on educational standards and practices used in the United States. International schools commonly use frameworks such as AERO (American Education Reaches Out) and the Common Core State Standards, adapting them to their international and local context.

The pathway

  • Early Childhood / Elementary SchoolPre-K–Grade 5

    Builds strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science and social studies, alongside arts, physical education and technology.

  • Middle SchoolGrades 6–8

    Develops subject knowledge and increasingly independent learning across a broad range of academic subjects.

  • High SchoolGrades 9–12

    Students earn credits over four years towards an American High School Diploma, with required and elective subjects.

  • Advanced Placement (AP)High school

    The College Board's AP programme, established in 1955, offers college-level courses and examinations that may lead to university credit or advanced placement.

What distinguishes it

The American approach is characterised by flexibility, continuous assessment and a broad education, allowing students to build an individual programme through required subjects and electives rather than specialising early.

For international schools, AERO provides standards and curriculum guidance for American-style education overseas, connecting with widely recognised U.S. standards including Common Core for English Language Arts and Mathematics and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). At high school level, AP adds academic challenge alongside the American High School Diploma.

Figures and launch dates are drawn from each provider's published information and were current at the time of writing.

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