O and A levels Cambridge exams: Pakistani students get half of 52 top positions

By Tanveer Sher

KARACHI: Pakistani students especially those from Karachi secured outstanding results in the last GCE O and A levels’ Cambridge examinations, as half of 52 top positions in 150 countries across the globe were bagged by Karachi students.

This was stated by Simon Lebus, Group Chief Executive, Cambridge Assessment, University of Cambridge, while addressing a press conference Tuesday at the British Deputy High Commission, Karachi. Prominent among those present on the occasion were Hamish Daniel, British deputy high commissioner, Karachi; Ann Puntis, Chief Executive, University of Cambridge International Examinations; Marcus Gilbert, Director British Council, Karachi; and Tom Creig, Director British Council, Pakistan.

Simon Lebus along with Ann Puntis is currently visiting Pakistan to mark the 90th years of Cambridge examinations in South Asia, during which he will also travel to Lahore and Islamabad from November 10 to 16 and meet with high officials of the education department.

Simon Lebus said that the Cambridge system of education has been operating in Pakistan since 1915 when it was introduced at Karachi Grammar School and Convent Jesus and Merry School Lahore. This system of education has fast gained popularity among students seeking quality education, he remarked.

Lebus said the British Council Examinations services have been conducted for more than 50 years in Pakistan, which is the second largest country with regard to the number of examinations conducted every year.

He noted that apart from conducting examinations of GCE O and A levels, the British Council also conducts IELTS as well as examination for professional bodies like ACCA, GMC Engineering Council, CFA, British Computer Society and other educational institutions.

He said that due to its high standard, Cambridge Assessment was largest assessment agency in Europe and was running three separate examination systems – GCS O and A levels, the Cambridge examination system and the Cambridge English-speaking test.

Lebus expressed his sympathy with the October 8 earthquake survivors. Ann Puntis, Chief Executive, University of Cambridge International Examinations, who was recently appointed to the coveted post, said that after taking charge of her responsibilities, Pakistan was the first country she was visiting mainly due to the level of achievement by students from this part of the world.

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