ISLAMABAD: Four designated government owned model schools-cum-colleges will introduce Cambridge Education System from upcoming academic session starting from April.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide world-class education to our students. We are grateful to Cambridge for their support and expertise,” Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqi said.

“Cambridge education system will be available in four boys and girls colleges of Islamabad from April. Grade 6 students will be eligible to enroll in this prestigious programme,” says secretary education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.

Speaking to Dawn, he said that teachers training would be started in next 10 days and from 2026-27 this programme will be extended to some other colleges as well. He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between education ministry and Cambridge has been signed in this regard. “There will be no fee till O-level exams and students would also be provided books free of cost.”

He that local education system would continue in the colleges with Cambridge education system. “This initiative will help students get top education in government owned schools without paying any fee,” he said and added that it is also expected that numbers of students of upscale and high fee getting private schools after passing their fifth grade will apply for admission in Cambridge system.

A delegation led by Rod Smith, Group Managing Director, International Education for Cambridge University Press and Assessment met Federal Minister Dr Siddiqui to sign the MoU.

Speaking on the occasion, education minister said that Cambridge is playing a positive role in imparting quality education to the youth of Pakistan. He stressed that Cambridge needs to expand the horizon of their role in Pakistan. He especially emphasised its role in enhancing assessment capabilities of the local education boards. He said that transparency in assessment and enhanced engagement is the need of the hour.

Federal Minister was briefed by secretary education that the MoU sets forth the understanding and cooperative framework between Cambridge and The ministry to offer Cambridge qualifications in four selected federal government schools in Islamabad.

He said the initiative aims to enhance educational standards and provide international qualification pathways for students in these schools.

The selected schools are: Islamabad Model College for Girls, F-6/2, Islamabad Model College for Boys, G-6/3, Islamabad Model College for Boys, F-8/3, Islamabad Model College for Girls, F-8/1, Islamabad.

The secretary said the MoU would pave the way for introducing Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE and A-Level qualifications in four designated federal government schools in Islamabad in order to improve the quality of education. Furthermore, he said that it would build capacity among teaching staff to effectively deliver the Cambridge curriculum and support students in accessing diverse global opportunities for higher education and career development.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2024