Cambridge hosts South Asia Schools Conference to navigate future of learning

Cambridge University Press and Assessment Group Managing Director – International Education Rod Smith

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press and Assessment hosted its second annual South Asia Cambridge Schools Conference, bringing together 400 educators, school and thought leaders from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. 

As demand for Cambridge qualifications grows across the region, the conference reinforced Cambridge’s commitment to supporting schools, teachers and learners in navigating the rapidly evolving education landscape. 

The conference is set against the backdrop of a global demand for 44 million new teachers by 2030. In recognition of this need, Cambridge highlighted its commitment to empowering the region’s educators through new professional development programs and qualifications, upskilling courses, pre-service teacher training, and short-term e-learning modules to grow the region’s teaching capacity. 

Cambridge University Press and Assessment Group Managing Director – International Education Rod Smith praised school leaders across the region for working with Cambridge to shape curricula and resources, and introduce new innovative programs that prepare learners to be ready for the world. He said: “At Cambridge, we are committed to preparing learners for a fast-changing world. To achieve this, we support teachers with professional development, we’re introducing digital exams to advance assessment, and we’re integrating AI to enhance learning. South Asia is becoming a hub of educational excellence, and we’re proud to collaborate with schools to build new programs such as Cambridge Early Years and Climate Quest that will shape the future of education in this region and beyond.” 

Senior Vice President – International Education, South Asia Vinay Sharma said: “Our commitment to making international education accessible while maintaining the highest standards of quality is unwavering. We empower our schools to build a strong foundation around learning, teaching and assessment. Through this conference, our aim is to explore new ways in which we can work together to equip learners—not just to adapt but to excel in an era marked by rapid technological, societal, and economic shifts.”

Cambridge’s other key initiatives for learners in India include Climate Quest for shaping climate resilience, Cambridge Connect, a program to meet the needs of national high-stakes examinations, the March exam series to align with local admission needs, Integrated Learning and Assessment for developing English as a skill, and Young Pioneers to foster an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Panel discussions featured eminent speakers including University of Cambridge Professor of Education Mark Winterbottom, Cambridge International Education Head of Research Sarah Hughes, Head of Google for Education, India Sanjay Jain, International Education Director of Digital Products and Services Lindsay Nadin, University of Cambridge Faculty of Education Dr. Sue Brindley, Cambridge 3-19 Curriculum Director Abigail Barnett, CUPA Senior Impact Evaluator Aynur Ismayilli Karakoc, University Pathways and Progression, International Education Director Kevin Ebenezer to name a few. Other key initiatives including Climate Quest, Cambridge Connect for national high-stake examinations, March exam series, Integrated Learning and Assessment for developing English as skill, Young Pioneers for entrepreneurial mindset from the region were highlighted.

Sessions centred on the use of AI in the classroom, digital high-stakes examinations and career pathways of the future. Key topics discussed also included shaping mindfulness in the classroom, rethinking college-readiness for evolving career pathways, and equity in access to quality education. Several schools were recognised for their academic excellence through the Cambridge School Recognition Awards given out during the conference.