Cambridge Expands AI-Assisted Marking for IGCSE Digital Mocks

Cambridge International is expanding the use of AI-assisted marking in its Digital Mocks Service, including written English assessments.

For the July 2026 series, Cambridge IGCSE First Language English Papers 1 and 2 and English as a Second Language Paper 1 are being marked using an AI-assisted process. Multiple-choice and listening components continue to use automated marking.

As digital assessment expands, international schools are beginning to see AI used not only by students but within assessment systems themselves. Image: Bright Kwame Ayisi / Wikimedia Commons (CC0).

Cambridge says the AI uses the same marking criteria as its examiners. Every AI-awarded mark is verified, with a human examiner making the final judgement where there is uncertainty. The organisation says it compared more than 200,000 AI-awarded marks with examiner-awarded marks while testing the system.

Why this matters

For international schools, this is another indication of how quickly assessment itself is beginning to change.

The most interesting development may be the move beyond automatically marking multiple-choice questions. AI is now being tested on responses that require interpretation and judgement, while Cambridge is deliberately retaining human oversight.

It is also important not to overstate the change. Cambridge says AI-assisted marking is currently being developed for digital mocks only, not for live Cambridge IGCSE or International AS & A Level examinations.

The development comes as Cambridge expands digital examinations more broadly. Its first live digital exams were delivered through an Early Adopter Programme in 2026, with worldwide availability beginning in 2027.

Read Cambridge International’s explanation of its AI-assisted marking:

AI-assisted marking for digital mock exams