Cambridge Checkpoint
Cambridge Checkpoint Explained for Parents
Cambridge Checkpoint has two versions, one at the end of primary and one at the end of lower secondary. This guide explains what each is for and how individual tutoring can support the subjects. Infinity Learning does not run or administer Checkpoint assessments.
Two assessments
Primary Checkpoint and Lower Secondary Checkpoint
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint is taken at the end of Cambridge's primary programme, Stage 6. Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint is taken at the end of the lower secondary programme, Stage 9. They are separate assessments for different stages, and a student may meet both during their school career.
Purpose
What Checkpoint Is For
Cambridge describes Checkpoint as an international benchmark of learner performance that helps schools identify and address learning needs. The emphasis is on feedback for learners, teachers and schools.
Cambridge does not present Checkpoint as a qualification in the way O Level is. It is a different kind of assessment from O Level or IGCSE, which are qualifications taken at the end of upper secondary study.
Subjects
What Is Assessed
Check with your child's school which Checkpoint subjects it enters learners for.
- English (as a first or second language), assessed by test.
- Mathematics, assessed by test.
- Science, assessed by test.
- Global Perspectives, which is different: Cambridge says learners produce a research report that teachers assess and Cambridge externally moderates.
Results and feedback
What the Results Show
Cambridge says scores are reported on a 0 to 50 scale within performance bands. Reports are produced at learner, teaching group and school level, and include a Statement of Achievement for each learner. Cambridge also publishes an end-of-series Principal Examiner report that comments on common errors.
Cambridge marks the English, mathematics and science tests. Teachers assess Global Perspectives, and Cambridge moderates that assessment.
The learner report is useful. Ask your child's school for it, because it shows strengths and gaps by topic area.
What it is not
Common Misunderstandings
- It is not the same as O Level, and Checkpoint results are not O Level results.
- Checkpoint is used by schools, and your child's school decides whether and when to use it. Cambridge publishes timetables for the Checkpoint test series.
- Infinity Learning does not administer official Checkpoint assessments or issue results.
How tutoring helps
Supporting the Subjects, Not the Test Alone
A tutor can strengthen the subject knowledge that Checkpoint assesses in mathematics, English and science. If your child's school shares the learner report, a tutor can use it to focus on the strands where your child lost marks.
We arrange tutors for Mathematics, English and Science, subject to tutor availability, and we build lessons around what your child is studying at school. We cannot promise a score, and we do not describe Checkpoint as a predictor of later results.
Free trial
How the Free Trial Works
Every new student is offered one free introductory trial class, online or, in Faisalabad and Lahore, at home. We confirm tutor availability with you before anything is arranged. For online tuition, fees are confirmed after the trial and paid monthly in advance to Infinity Learning's official company account. For home tuition, parent and tutor arrange continuing lessons directly after placement.
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Official resources
Official Cambridge and British Council Resources
These links go to the organisations that set, run and register the exams. We summarise them in our own words and do not own or issue them.
Infinity Learning is an independent tutoring service. It is not accredited by, affiliated with or an agent of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Cambridge International Education or the British Council, and it does not register candidates for exams.
Overview
Cambridge Primary Checkpoint (opens the official site in a new tab)
Cambridge International Education
Cambridge's description of the end-of-primary Checkpoint tests and what the results are used for.
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Overview
Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint (opens the official site in a new tab)
Cambridge International Education
Cambridge's description of the end-of-lower-secondary Checkpoint tests and the feedback schools receive.
Page checked by Infinity Learning on . Details change, so check the current page.
Exam timetables
Cambridge exam timetables (opens the official site in a new tab)
Cambridge International Education
The current timetables by exam series and administrative zone. Always use the version for your zone; timetables can be revised after publication.
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Parents
Cambridge Checkpoint: Common Questions
What is the difference between Primary and Lower Secondary Checkpoint?
Primary Checkpoint is at the end of Stage 6, the end of Cambridge's primary programme. Lower Secondary Checkpoint is at the end of Stage 9, the end of the lower secondary programme.
Is Checkpoint the same as O Level?
No. Cambridge presents Checkpoint as an assessment that gives feedback to learners and schools, and it is separate from O Level and IGCSE.
Which subjects does Checkpoint cover?
English (as a first or second language), mathematics and science are assessed by test. Global Perspectives is assessed through a research report that teachers assess and Cambridge moderates.
Does Infinity Learning run Checkpoint tests?
No. Schools use Checkpoint tests. We are an independent tutoring service and do not administer any official assessment.
How can tutoring help?
A tutor can strengthen the subject knowledge being assessed and use your child's learner report, if the school shares it, to focus on gaps. We cannot promise any score.
Start With a Free Introductory Trial Class.
Tell us the subject, level and syllabus your child follows and we will say honestly what we can arrange.
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