Cambridge Brings School Leaders Together to Discuss the Future of Education

Pune: As Indian schools and families seek educational opportunities that are globally relevant while remaining rooted in India, Cambridge International Education brought together school leaders in Pune to discuss how education must evolve to prepare the next generation for a rapidly changing world.

The discussion comes at a time when the boundaries between national and international education are becoming increasingly blurred. For Indian schools, the question is no longer whether to choose a national or international curriculum, but which form of education will best prepare students for opportunities in India and across the globe.

Key topics discussed included:

• Growing interest in international education in India
• Changing aspirations of Indian students and families
• Balancing global standards with relevance to the Indian education landscape
• Preparing students for higher education pathways in India and abroad
• Developing critical thinking, independent decision-making and problem-solving skills
• The impact of AI on education, assessment and future careers
• Enabling students to pursue diverse academic and career pathways with flexibility
• Evolving expectations of schools from curriculum and assessment partners

The discussion took place at a time when educational expectations are changing in an AI-enabled world. While technology can provide information and answers instantly, employers increasingly value skills that technology cannot easily replace, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, adaptability and sound judgement. Educators discussed how schools can combine a strong academic foundation with these future-ready skills to prepare students for the challenges ahead.

Vinay Sharma, Senior Vice President, International Education, South Asia, Cambridge, said:

“Today, parents expect an education that not only helps their children achieve academic success but also prepares them for university, employment and lifelong success. The jobs our students will enter are changing rapidly due to technology, AI and global connectivity. Schools therefore have a responsibility to develop confident learners who can think independently, communicate effectively, solve real-world problems and adapt to changing circumstances. These are precisely the skills that leading universities and employers are increasingly looking for.”

Mrs Poonam Singh, Principal, The RAIKA School, Pune, Maharashtra, said:

“This discussion gave me an opportunity to reflect on how our school’s vision can be translated into educational experiences that prepare students for a changing world. Understanding diverse perspectives on curriculum, skills and students’ holistic development, as well as learning about Cambridge’s approach to these areas, was extremely valuable for us. The discussion provided several important ideas that we can consider in the context of our school and incorporate into our future plans.”

This engagement is part of Cambridge International’s ongoing collaboration with schools across India, as more educators explore how international curricula can support Indian aspirations while opening doors to global opportunities.

Cambridge has observed growing demand for its international curriculum in India. In the March 2026 examination series, more than 91,000 entries were recorded from over 23,000 students across 447 schools. Entries increased by 7% year-on-year, while Cambridge International AS and A Level entries grew by 12%.

As the only international organisation offering a March examination series, Cambridge International Education aligns with the Indian academic calendar. This enables students to receive their results in May and meet local university admission timelines while retaining access to international progression opportunities.

This alignment is particularly important as Indian students increasingly pursue higher education within the country. Cambridge qualifications are recognised as equivalent to Indian Class 10 and Class 12 qualifications, enabling students to seek admission to universities and institutions across India while also progressing through international higher education pathways.