What Is Cambridge Pre-U?
Cambridge Pre-U is a qualification that serves as an alternative to the current A-Level qualifications. It is provided by Cambridge Assessment International Education and aims to offer more depth in subjects than the standard A-Level syllabus. The qualification was first launched in 2008 and has been slowly gathering momentum as more schools begin offering Cambridge Pre-Us alongside or instead of A-Levels.
Which Schools Offer Cambridge Pre-U?
Several independent schools now offer Cambridge Pre-U instead of A-Levels in some subjects. Many state schools have also begun to offer Cambridge Pre-U and more have registered an interest.
The following independent schools currently offer Cambridge Pre-U:
- Kingston Grammar School
- The Perse School
- Downe House School
- Hampton School
- North London Collegiate School
- City of London School
- Charterhouse School
- Cranleigh School
- Westminster School
- Winchester College
- Oundle School
- Christ’s Hospital
- Dulwich School
- Shrewsbury School
- Rugby School
- Tonbridge School
- Lord Wandsworth College
- Eton College
Some schools offer Cambridge Pre-U across the board for all subjects, or alongside International A-Levels or the International Baccalaureate, doing away with A-Levels completely.
What Does Cambridge Pre-U Include?
Studying for the Cambridge Pre-U is linear, similar to A-Levels, and does not include compulsory core subjects.
Students studying the Cambridge Pre-U can choose 2 principal subjects from a list of 27. There is the option to study more subjects, but these are not included in the Diploma.
Cambridge Pre-U also offers one-year short courses lasting one year, in Modern Foreign Languages, Maths and Further Maths.
Students can complete an independent research project and a “Global Perspectives” portfolio in addition to the three principal subjects can gain the full Cambridge Pre-U Diploma.
What Is The Difference Between A-Levels And Cambridge Pre-U?
When studying A-Levels a student chooses individual subjects, studying them independently of each other to achieve three separate grades at the end of the course.
Cambridge Pre-U is a single qualification, where students choose three subjects but receive one overall grading.
Another difference that’s not often considered is that the Cambridge Pre-U is designed to develop the skills students need for university. Students are encouraged to develop independence and understanding that will be of use when they begin studying at degree level, whereas a large part of A-Level study is regurgitation of facts.
Is Cambridge Pre-U Accepted By UCAS?
UCAS does award points for Cambridge Pre-U qualifications. Cambridge Pre-U grading is different to A-Levels, in that there are three grades: Distinction, Merit and Pass. Each of these three is divided into three sub-grades, for example Distinction 1, 2 or 3. Distinction 1 is the top grade and is higher than an A* at A-Level. Distinction 2 is slightly above an A*, and Distinction 3 is aligned to an A.
UCAS points for Cambridge Pre-U are slightly higher than those for aligned A-Level grades, taking into account the fact that Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects involve more in-depth study and knowledge. UCAS points are also awarded for Global Perspectives and independent research projects and for the one-year short course subjects.
