Parent guide · Sprouts, ages 7–10
CBSE vs ICSE English for my 7 to 10 year old: what is different, and how can I help?
In classes 2 to 5, CBSE and ICSE schools teach the same core English skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar. CBSE schools use NCERT textbooks, which were rewritten under the 2023 national curriculum with more activities and stories. ICSE schools choose from a wider range of publishers and often put more weight on literature and longer writing, which shows later in the two English papers at class 10. Whatever the board, children do best with daily reading and real chances to speak.
Key takeaways
- Both boards build the same core skills in classes 2 to 5.
- CBSE primary schools use NCERT books, rewritten under the 2023 curriculum framework.
- ICSE schools choose their own books and often add more literature and writing.
- At class 10, ICSE examines English in two papers: English Language and Literature in English.
- Reading and speaking practice at home help equally, whatever the board.
How is English taught in CBSE schools in classes 2 to 5?
CBSE schools use textbooks from NCERT, the national council that writes the curriculum. Under the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE 2023), NCERT has introduced a new English series, Santoor, with more stories, activities and speaking tasks. It replaced the older Marigold books, starting with class 3 in 2024–25.1 Schools add their own grammar and writing practice alongside.
“I realised how many children are like Myra: they study English for years but rarely get a real chance to use their voice.”Krashanu Garg, Founder, Little Lingos
How is English taught in ICSE schools in classes 2 to 5?
ICSE schools follow the CISCE board. At primary level, schools usually choose their own textbooks and readers from a range of publishers, so books vary from school to school. Many ICSE schools put extra weight on reading literature, grammar and longer pieces of writing. This continues into secondary school: at class 10, English is examined in two separate papers, English Language and Literature in English.2
Is ICSE English harder than CBSE English?
Not at primary level in any simple way. Both boards expect children in classes 2 to 5 to read short texts, write simple paragraphs and use basic grammar. ICSE may feel heavier for some children because of more reading and writing, while the new NCERT books ask for more talking and activities. Which feels harder depends on your child and their school more than the board itself.
What English skills matter for both boards?
- Reading fluently, so homework and comprehension questions feel manageable. See our guide to reading aloud with confidence.
- A growing vocabulary, which helps with every subject. See building vocabulary.
- Grammar in use: tenses, joining words and punctuation in their own sentences. See grammar without worksheets.
- Speaking in full sentences, for class participation, oral tests and confidence.
- Writing short pieces such as stories, letters and descriptions.
How can I support my child’s English at home, whatever the board?
- Ask the teacher which book and chapters the class is on, and read ahead together.
- Read something your child enjoys for 15 to 20 minutes most days, beyond the textbook.
- Have a short English chat every day about their day or a book.
- Ask your child to retell a story from the textbook in their own words. It builds speaking and understanding at once.
- Look at the school’s marking: what does it reward? Spelling, neat paragraphs, creative ideas? Practise those.
Do Little Lingos classes follow CBSE or ICSE?
Neither. Sprouts, our stage for ages 7 to 10, follows its own curriculum that builds the skills both boards need: reading short books, speaking in full sentences, grammar in use and story writing. Children from CBSE, ICSE, state-board and international schools learn together. The free demo class includes a written level report you can compare with your child’s school work.
Questions parents ask
Questions parents ask
Should I choose a CBSE or ICSE school for better English?
Both boards can give a child strong English. The school itself matters more: how much children read, how often they get to speak, class sizes and the quality of teaching. Visit the schools, ask how English is taught in the early years, and look at the books children use and the writing they produce.
My child is moving from CBSE to ICSE. Will English be a problem?
Usually not, but your child may notice more reading, literature and longer writing in ICSE. Reading a wider range of books at home and practising short pieces of writing over the summer helps the move go smoothly. Ask the new school for its reading list and the textbooks for your child’s class.
Which books does my child’s CBSE class use?
CBSE primary schools use NCERT textbooks, which have been updated in recent years under the new national curriculum. Your child’s school book list or the NCERT website shows the exact title for each class. Many schools add a grammar book and supplementary readers.
Does the board matter for spoken English?
Not much. Spoken English depends mostly on how often a child actually speaks English, at school and at home. Both boards include speaking activities, but in a large class each child gets few turns. Small-group practice and daily conversation at home make the biggest difference to speaking confidence.
Is an international board better for English than CBSE or ICSE?
International boards such as IB or Cambridge often use English across all subjects, which means more exposure. But many children in CBSE and ICSE schools become excellent English speakers and writers. What matters most is how much your child reads, speaks and writes in English, at school and at home.
Sources
- NCERT, Santoor: Textbook of English for Grade 5 (first edition June 2025), foreword on NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023. All NCERT textbooks: ncert.nic.in.
- Physics Wallah, ICSE Class 10 English syllabus. The official syllabus is published by CISCE.
Sources checked 26 October 2026. This guide is general information for parents, not medical or speech-therapy advice.
See how your child’s English compares in a free demo class
Book a free 30-minute demo class. Your child meets a trainer, plays a few word games, and you get a written level report the same day.
Book a free demo class