Choosing the right academic path for your child can feel like navigating two very different maps. In South Africa, parents commonly weigh IEB CAPS — the local, CAPS-aligned route overseen by the Independent Examinations Board — against Cambridge International, the globally recognised British curriculum offered by many private and international schools. Both tracks are respected and rigorous, but they differ in structure, assessment, cost and university pathways. Colin Northmore, Executive Head at ADvTECH’s Evolve Online School, which teaches both curricula, offers practical criteria parents should use to match curriculum to child.
“Each track has unique characteristics which need to be matched to a child’s strengths, learning style, and long-term goals,” Northmore says. Below is a concise breakdown of what matters most when deciding between IEB CAPS and Cambridge International.
Local focus or global passport?
IEB CAPS is a South African curriculum built around the national CAPS framework. It’s designed for local learners and contexts and culminates in matric results that South African universities use for selection. Cambridge International is an internationally oriented programme with a longer pathway that may include IGCSEs, AS Levels and A Levels, and is widely recognised by universities abroad as well as at home. If your family expects tertiary study overseas, Cambridge’s international format can simplify overseas admissions; if you plan to study primarily in South Africa, IEB CAPS aligns directly with local university entry processes.
How the teaching and content differ
IEB CAPS tends to be teacher-led and structured, following a nationally standardised pace and content coverage. Cambridge often offers greater subject choice and flexibility, especially from the IGCSE stage, and leans more heavily on research, critical thinking and student autonomy. In short: IEB CAPS provides a consistent national roadmap; Cambridge encourages subject depth and independent study.
Assessment — continuous vs exam-centred
A major difference is assessment philosophy. IEB CAPS places strong emphasis on continuous assessment — classwork, projects, practicals and orals contribute to the final result, giving a year-round picture of progress. Cambridge places greater weight on externally set and marked examinations, particularly at IGCSE and A Level stages, where exam performance is decisive. Parents should ask whether their child performs best under continuous evaluation or peaks in final examinations.
Which learners thrive where?
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IEB CAPS often suits learners who do well with structure, guided learning and steady assessment throughout the year. It is a sound choice for students whose tertiary plans are local and who benefit from clear, teacher-led progression.
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Cambridge fits independent, inquisitive learners who enjoy deep dives into subjects and take well to exam-focused study. It’s a strong option for children aiming for international study or seeking broader subject choice.
Cost, availability and practicalities
IEB CAPS is generally more affordable in the South African private school context, with locally produced textbooks and materials readily available. Cambridge programmes can be more expensive, reflecting international accreditation, external exam fees and, in some cases, an additional post-matric year (A Levels). Cambridge is offered in fewer schools nationally, though the number of registered Cambridge schools and online providers is expanding — parents should confirm a school’s experience and capacity to deliver the curriculum effectively.
Resources and support materials
IEB CAPS materials are widely available and tailored to South African contexts. Cambridge materials — while high quality and globally relevant — may be costlier and sometimes harder to source in print locally, though digital resources are increasingly accessible. Ask any prospective school how it sources textbooks, digital resources and past papers.
Special educational needs (SEN) support
Both curricula provide mechanisms to support learners with special education needs, including access arrangements and accommodations. However, the extent of support depends heavily on the school: its policies, staff expertise and the availability of educational psychologists and SEN specialists. Parents should verify how each candidate school implements SEN support in practice.
University implications
Both systems open doors — but in different ways. IEB matric results feed directly into South African admission systems and APS calculations. Cambridge AS/A Levels and A Levels are widely accepted by universities around the world and are familiar to international admissions offices. For families targeting specific overseas universities, Cambridge credentials may feel more familiar to admissions teams; for local university entry, IEB CAPS remains fully recognised and reliable.
Final decision checklist (Northmore’s practical guidance)
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Match to learning style: Does your child respond better to structured, teacher-led learning or to independent, research-driven study?
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Consider tertiary plans: Local university or international study? Which system aligns better with your target institutions?
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School capability: Is the school experienced in delivering the chosen curriculum and able to provide the required support and resources?
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Cost and logistics: Can your family comfortably cover tuition, exam and resource costs for the chosen path?
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Support needs: If your child requires accommodations, how does the school implement SEN support for that curriculum?
“There is no right or wrong answer,” Northmore emphasises, “but it is important to consider learning style, future aspirations and the level of support a student might need.” Both IEB CAPS and Cambridge International prepare learners academically; the best choice is the one that empowers a child to thrive — academically, emotionally and socially.
