IGCSE results have been released to more than 240,000 students in 139 countries worldwide.

The results, released a week after Cambridge International’s A-level results, mark a 5 per cent increase in entries from last year, with 4,231 schools submitting candidates to at least one exam.

The provider said it saw notable increases in several subjects, including business (up by 7 per cent), economics (up 6 per cent) and computer science (up 6 per cent).

The biggest rise, though, was a 22 per cent increase for its enterprise course, which it describes as bringing “the world of business into the classroom and giv[ing] learners a clear insight into what it means to think like an entrepreneur”.

However, the most popular subjects were more standard: mathematics, physics, first language English, chemistry and biology. 

O levels on the rise

Furthermore, while O levels are a thing of the past in England, they remain in use by many nations overseas, with Cambridge revealing that there were nearly 227,000 entries from 65,000 students at 1,160 schools in 48 countries, up 4 per cent from last year.

Entries rose notably for several subjects, with global perspectives up 23 per cent, computer science up 16 per cent, business up 8 per cent and commerce up 9 per cent. 

Meanwhile, the most popular Cambridge O-level subjects were English language, mathematics, Islamiyat, Pakistan studies and second language Urdu. 

Cambridge group managing director Rod Smith said it was clear from the rise in certain areas around business and technology that students see these as key to navigating an ever-changing world.  

“It is encouraging to see so many young people around the world developing the skills and confidence to shape their futures,” he said.

“Subjects like global perspectives, business, economics and enterprise encourage students to think creatively, solve problems and understand how the world works. That entrepreneurial mindset will serve them well in any career path they choose.”

The results come two days before GCSE students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland receive their grades, and well after a month after International Baccalaureate students received their outcomes.

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