Nee, een school die Cambridge Engels aanbiedt, geeft versterkt talenonderwijs. Er worden dan geen andere vakken (dan Engels) in het Engels aangeboden dus er wordt door de leerlingen veel minder Engels gesproken dan op een tto-school. Een school die Cambridge Engels aanbiedt staat niet onder controle van het Nuffic en hoeft dus ook niet aan alle eisen die landelijk gesteld worden te voldoen. Hieronder staat een uitgebreid overzicht van de verschillen:
| Cambridge Advanced/Proficiency Exam (CAE/CPE) | Dutch State Exam (VWO English) | International Baccalaureate (IB English A) |
| Targets non-native speakers | Targets non-native speakers | Targets academic native and near native speakers |
| English as a second language course | English as a second language course | Pre-university language and literature course |
| Students selected on their level of English | Students selected by Cito Test and school advice | Students selected on basis of academic performance. (In The Netherlands Cito Test and school advice.) |
| Focuses on reading, writing, speaking, listening and use of grammar. | Focuses on reading, writing, speaking, listening and literature. | Focuses on university style essay writing, analytical reading, stylised writing, group/individual presentations and the nuts and bolts of language. |
| Available at recognised language schools/businesses worldwide. | Available at recognised secondary schools in The Netherlands. | Available at recognised international/bilingual schools worldwide. |
| Both self-study and teacher led options available. | Teacher led programme as part of six year secondary school education. | Two year teacher led course. Part of a six year bilingual programme. |
| Focuses on accuracy of language | Focuses on accuracy of language | Focuses on accuracy of language
History of language Literature Media and language Cultural awareness |
| Targets all age levels – teenagers to pensioners | Targets 17-19 year olds | Targets 17-19 year olds |
