Amazonas English Academy came into being because of a desire to help British missionary kids take their compulsory British exams here in Amazonas instead of their parents having to return to Britain for the extent of their GCSE and A-level studies. The first step was thus to go about getting recognition from the department of international examinations of Cambridge University to become a testing centre for IGCSEs and A-levels: worldwide recognized qualifications for high school students in preparation for college entry. Recognition was obtained on 19th January 2004 and the first students had already begun on their studies to take IGCSEs and A-levels in May 2005. Later we obtained recognition as a member of the Cambridge International Primary Program (July 2005). We receive visits every three years from a representative of the University of Cambridge to maintain these recognitions.

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Due to the annual cost of the administrative materials associated with a Centre of International Examinations it was decided to see if there was a market for an international education in Manaus. Beyond all doubt it has been proved that there is such a market – both among expatriots – missionaries and business families – and also Brazilians. In July 2012 we received accreditation from the Local Education Council for the acceptance of Y1-Y5 as an official Brazilian School (even though it is still run as an international school).