Lyceum has taken a significant step forward in education by introducing the Lyceum Global Foundation, an initiative originally developed by Lyceum Campus and now integrated within the school. In an exclusive interview, the Director General of the Lyceum Education Sector, Mr. Nilanka Imbuldeniya, shared his insights on the programme and its impact on students. Here’s what he had to say.

What is the Lyceum Global Foundation, and what is significant about it? The Lyceum Global Foundation was something that was developed at Lyceum Campus and has been running for the last couple of years. As of now, we have recruited around 5 batches of students at the campus for this programme. We wanted to give an opportunity to students of the school to take the Lyceum Global Foundation Programme within the school - hence the inception of the Lyceum Global Foundation Programme within schools.

What’s the purpose of offering a Foundation programme within the school?

It’s quite simple. Over the last decade or so, there has been an increase in the demand for foundation programmes across Sri Lanka. Moreover, there are students who choose to exit right after the Ordinary Level and go to the Lyceum Campus or any other campus and follow a Foundation Programme. Even though there are certain benefits that the parents like to explore in a Foundation Programme, they were not all very happy with the fact that their child had to leave the secure surroundings of a school and move into a campus. So we thought, why not give that segment of students and parents the opportunity to move on and follow a foundation within the school without moving out?

One of the key concerns for parents is the recognition and accreditation of the Foundation programme. Can you elaborate on how the Lyceum Global Foundation ensures its credibility and acceptance by higher education institutions? There’s only one authority in Sri Lanka that has the power to accredit a foundation, and that is the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, also known as TVEC. So, our Foundation programme has already been approved by TVEC. Moreover, we also have more than fifteen foreign and local universities that have already approved our Foundation in writing, which means the students who take the Foundation programme can progress to any of these institutions. And I must say, the list keeps growing as more institutions are getting on board to recognise our Foundation and as we try to approach institutes that are popular among our students.

Interesting. So what are the main differences between the Advanced Level and the Foundation Programme?

The key difference lies in the duration. The Foundation Programme spans approximately one year, starting in late June and concluding in August 2026— essentially allowing students to complete their studies a year ahead of the traditional Advanced Level, whether National or International. That being said, there are significant distinctions between a Foundation Programme and Advanced Level beyond just the timeline. These differences extend to the curriculum, structure, and learning objectives. Foundation Programmes are specifically designed by universities as preparatory pathways, equipping students with the necessary skills for higher education. For example, assessments often include presentations and assignments as part of the final grade. In contrast, the Advanced Level follows a more structured, exam-focused approach. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on the student’s academic goals and preferred learning style.

What’s the benefit of taking the Foundation Programme?

The Foundation Programme offers several advantages for students. Firstly, there are no tuition classes required, as all academic support is provided within the programme. Students also receive a school leaving certificate, just like any other Lyceum student. A major benefit is access to the Learning Management System (LMS), a university-standard platform that provides digital content, including lecture notes, recorded classes, and assessments, reducing the need for printed materials. Unlike higher education institutions, students who follow the Foundation Programme within the school can still take part in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs, including becoming school prefects or student leaders.

They also get to continue with the usual school schedule, wearing the uniform and adhering to school discipline. Most importantly, the assessment model follows a university-style structure, where final grades are based on a combination of presentations, assignments, and examinations rather than relying solely on exams. Everything is not tested by an examination, it’s a combination of presentations, assignments, and, of course, examinations. So, it’s three different things that contribute to your overall final grade, similar to a university model.

Can you tell us more about the structure of the Foundation Programme and how its quality is assured?

The Lyceum Global Foundation offers students the flexibility to choose from four different streams: Science, Engineering, IT and Business. Regardless of their selected stream, all students must complete five core subjects, bringing the total to eight subjects, which is standard for any Foundation Programme. In terms of quality assurance, the programme is maintained under the oversight of the Lyceum Campus Academic Board, with all assessments developed and evaluated by Lyceum Campus faculty. Since Lyceum Campus has been granted degree-awarding status by the Ministry of Higher Education, we adhere to the stringent Quality Assurance guidelines set by the University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka.

Are there scholarship opportunities for students, and how does university acceptance work for those following the Foundation Programme?

Absolutely. Based on their Ordinary Level results, students enrolling in the Foundation Programme are eligible for the same scholarship scheme that Lyceum International School offers to both International and National Advanced Level students, provided they meet the required criteria. As for university admissions, students often ask if they can enrol in a specific university or study in a particular country just because we’ve listed certain institutions. The process is quite simple—if a university has already accepted our Foundation Programme, the transfer process is smooth, straightforward, and time-efficient. However, if a student’s preferred university is not on our list, they can still apply by submitting their transcript and curriculum for evaluation, though this may take a bit longer. While students have the flexibility to apply anywhere, the final admission decision always rests with the university, and there is no guaranteed entry.

Is there any other advice you would like to share, Sir?

Certainly. My first and most important advice is to be mindful of where you get your guidance from. While advice is often given with the best intentions, the information may be outdated or inaccurate. It’s crucial to seek guidance from the right and relevant sources. If needed, I strongly encourage students to speak with a career or university guidance counsellor. Secondly, research is key. Information is now readily accessible, but students must ensure they rely on verified and credible sources. Parents also need to understand that times have changed—students today have many career options beyond the traditional paths of medicine, law, and engineering.

With advancements in technology and science, exciting new fields are emerging that offer great career potential. When considering trending courses, it’s essential to focus on future employability and long-term career prospects, particularly for those planning to study or work abroad. Additionally, students must be aware that some universities—both local and international—have specific subject prerequisites. For example, certain courses require Mathematics at the Advanced Level or Foundation level. If a student hasn’t taken Mathematics, they may have to complete it later as an additional subject, which can become a burden. Planning ahead can prevent such challenges and ensure a smoother academic journey.