One of the ways to ensure solid academic progress, ideally leading to acceptance to a prestigious university, is to choose the right school qualification. If you’re coming to the end of middle school, you may be faced with a choice of how to continue your school journey. The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the possible alternatives. But what is the IGCSE and which benefits does it bring?

In this post, we are going to explain this upper secondary qualification and highlight the differences between the GCSE and IGCSE. This will allow you to choose wisely and get ready for IGCSE if it meets your needs.

We will also compare it to the MYP, and talk about the pros and cons of choosing IGCSEs depending on your situation.

What is the IGCSE?

Before we explain the IGCSE meaning, let us first talk about the GCSE.

First introduced in 1986, the GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education, an English academic qualification. The course is available for students 14-16 years old.

Usually, it takes 2 years to complete the course with the final exams after 10-11 years in school. The GCSE is a common choice for English schools, although some schools in Canada, India, and Australia offer it as well.

The GCSE is focused on studying a range of subjects including English language and literature, science, Maths, STEM subjects, arts, and humanities. The qualification is an excellent choice for students who wish to progress to pre-university studies such as A-level or IBDP.

The IGCSE is similar, and follows the standards of the GCSE and it is basically its international equivalent. The qualification appeared in 1988 with a curriculum similar to its English counterpart but adjusted to the international context.

For example, along with studying English, students can have a course in their native language. Overall, the IGCSE has a much wider availability of subjects, especially when it comes to languages.

It is a prestigious and highly recognised high-school qualification for those who seek further academic education in their home country, England, and abroad.

How Does the IGCSE Work?

Although the IGCSE is typically taken by 14-16-year-old students, there is no age restriction. This means that anyone can pursue this qualification at any point in their academic journey. Many students choose to take one or more subjects early.

When choosing what you would like to learn, all the options can be broken down into five subject groups:

Languages: First Language, Second Language, Foreign Language, etc.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Geography, English Literature, History, etc.
Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.
Mathematics: Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, etc.
Creative, Technical & Vocational: Accounting, Business Studies, Computer Studies, Music, etc.

Students typically take between 5 and 14 subjects from these groups. At the same time, most schools require three mandatory subjects: Mathematics, English, and at least one Science subject. Beyond these requirements, you have the freedom to choose from approximately 70 options to tailor your education to your interests and future academic or career plans.

After two years in the IGCSE, at the end of year 11, you will take your final examinations.

Many subjects offer a two-tier examination system – Higher (Extended) and Lower (Core) tiers. While the Core provides fundamental content, the Extended tier delivers more advanced, profound knowledge. This approach makes the qualification accessible to students with varying academic abilities. You can choose which tier meets your level of interest in a subject.

What is the Difference Between the GCSE and IGCSE?

Exam boards have designed both IGCSEs and GCSEs similarly. In fact, UK universities treat both equally.

At the same time, although there are no fundamental differences, the IGCSE is not an exact copy of its English-focused counterpart.

Here are the key ways the qualifications differ:

The GCSE can be obtained in England (and a few other Commonwealth countries), whereas IGCSE is available in 150 countries worldwide. If you study in the England, you can get either qualification.
As part of your examination, the GCSE requires students to submit coursework. This practical work is compulsory. In the IGCSE, on the other hand, coursework is generally optional, and it is more common for subjects like art and design rather than the more academic subjects like the Sciences. The content of the GCSE and IGCSE curriculums have certain dissimilarities. As we have already mentioned, the IGCSE course tends to put more emphasis on the context and cultural aspect of the country where it is studied.

How does the IGCSE Grading System Work?

Grading is one more thing that distinguishes the IGCSE. The GCSE features the number system, where 9 represents the highest grade and 1 is the lowest. When it comes to the IGCSE, it has two grading systems in place:

the number one (also from 9 to 1) is characteristic for such exam boards as Pearson Edexcel and AQA;
the letter system, which ranges from A* (the best score) to G (the lowest score) is specific to the Cambridge exam board.

The exam grade calculations are based on the individual criteria of a subject, exam board, assessment format, and even examination session. Normally, they correlate to the number of marks a student receives after the assessment of their examination paper. Below, is an example of marks that lend a certain grade:

A* – 90-100
A – 80-89
B – 70-79
C – 60-69
D – 50-59
E – 40-49
F – 30-39
G – 20-29

What are the IGCSE Exam Boards?

Each school offering the IGCSE is free to choose an exam board at its own discretion. An exam board is a body that authorises and issues the qualification. Also, it prepares and marks exam papers as well as awards grades.

There are three recognised exam boards for IGCSE qualifications: Edexcel, Cambridge International Examinations (CAIE), and Oxford International AQA.

The value of the IGCSE doesn’t depend on an exam board. If you get a high grade on your examination regardless of which board awarded it, it will be highly regarded by any educational institution.

That being said, the exam boards do set assessments differently. For example, Edexcel prepares a 3-hour exam featuring two papers for the Geography exam while CAIE envisions either three papers or two papers combined with a coursework component. So it may be that one board will favour the strengths of a particular student. Saying that schools choose to offer one exam board or another, so it is not usually possible for students to pick and choose.

Which is Harder: IGCSE or GCSE?

From the standpoint of course content, the GCSE and IGCSE are pretty much on the same level.

As we have already noted, students need to create coursework for the GCSE, which has an impact on the final score. For many, it is much easier to write coursework during an extended time of study than to cram for exams in a relatively short period. The IGCSE, in contrast, is much more focused on exams. Many students find this approach to be stress-inducing since much more is at stake.

Today, however, the GCSE is becoming much more dependent on exams than it used to be. This makes it more similar to the IGCSEs now.

One more aspect to consider when it comes to GCSE and IGCSE differences is exam schedules. GCSE exams take place in May and/or June, while IGCSE can be sat in May/June, November, and January.

The Pros and Cons of Taking IGCSEs

The IGCSE can be a step toward obtaining further international education, whether it is IB or A-Level. But why should you choose it instead of MYP or other options? The reasons might be the following:

Many teachers note that students who accomplish the IGCSE have a deeper understanding of the subject knowledge. This is especially true for sciences since the IGCSE blends theoretical study with practical application.
One more benefit of the IGCSE is its exam-based assessment. By the age of 16, students will have experience with external exams, whereas their peers who choose the path of IB MYP don’t encounter external assessment until 18.
Observations show that exams at earlier stages of the education journey allow some students to get used to performing under pressure. In some cases, the stress of exams pushes them to achieve more when they pursue high-school qualifications and academic degrees.
As most of the IGCSE grade is made up of exams at the end of year 11, students who learn English as a second language have more time to learn before the final assessment.
Along with this, the qualification may have a positive effect on your university admission chances. Having IGCSE results at 16 and IB or A-Level results at 18 can offer education institutions a more rounded view of your academic performance.
In fact, getting excellent grades can lead to more offers from universities, especially if the IB or A-Level predictions are also strong.

At the same time, compared to the MYP the IGCSE programme has its downsides as well:

For students who progress to the IB diploma, some may turn out to be unfamiliar with inquiry-based approaches and assessment criteria. Also, their research skills might not be as strong as those of IB students coming through the MYP Programme.
The stress of such important exams at the age of 16 can create undue pressure. In the current environment of increased pressure on teens, this is an important factor to consider. The MYP is internally assessed, so doesn’t apply so much pressure.
IGCSEs treat subjects in isolation, and this can reduce how easily students can make interdisciplinary connections. Overall, the MYP creates possibilities for many interdisciplinary projects and learning.
The IGCSE has much less focus on global awareness or intercultural understanding. Whereas the MYP weaves these elements through the programme aiming to create an approach of international-mindedness and cultural sensitivity among students.
Finally IGCSEs do not have a personal learning element like the MYP’s personal project. This enables students to deepen their interests via their own research. It also gives them a hands-on experience leading a complex project from scratch, learning essential competencies of time management, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.

Who Should Choose the IGCSE?

The IGCSE is one of the most popular international qualifications for students aged 14 to 16. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to reinforce their skills and knowledge before progressing to challenging pre-university programmes, such as A-Levels and the IB Diploma.

You might want to consider the IGCSE if you’re looking for:

A solid foundation for your future educational endeavours. The IGCSE is not a high-school qualification that’s why it is not enough to enter a university. Still, many higher education institutions tend to look past your pre-university programme to fully evaluate your educational journey;
International exposure. Due to the focus on rigorous academic training and international mindedness, the IGCSE is an excellent preparation for future studies and work abroad;
Confirmation of English proficiency. The English language is one of the obligatory subjects in the IGCSE. With the IGCSE certificate, you have a chance to prove your English proficiency for entering a university or obtaining a job in an English-speaking country;
Valuable life skills. Beyond academic achievement, the IGCSE curriculum helps students develop a broad range of skills, from critical thinking and problem-solving to effective communication and time management. All of these may contribute to a more exciting and successful life.

Overall, the IGCSE is a great choice for those who are interested in a well-rounded and globally recognised qualification.

Why might IGCSE be a Good Choice for My Child?

As a parent, you want to ensure your child receives a well-rounded, internationally acclaimed education that caters to their unique needs and aspirations. The IGCSE maybe the answer you’re looking for.

First and foremost, the programme aligns with global standards for stimulating, high-quality education. This means that the IGCSE certificate holders have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully continue their educational journey and potentially obtain a prestigious international diploma.

The benefits of the IGCSE extend far beyond just academic qualifications. The programme’s holistic approach ensures that students don’t just excel in exams, but also develop into well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individuals.

For instance, they can take advantage of participating in group projects, debates, and interactive learning experiences. These activities help them build crucial communication skills, learn to cooperate with their peers, as well as develop empathy and respect for diverse perspectives.

One more reason to choose the IGCSE is that it is accessible to students of almost all ability levels. The exam boards often separate questions by difficulty level to cater to the needs of learners with varying academic strengths. Additionally, the IGCSE offers more time for students whose primary language is not English, as most assessments take place at the end of the course.

It is also important to note a practical approach to learning. The curriculum encourages students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. This engaging approach has the goal of showing your child the relevance of their studies. Besides, it helps build practical skills that will be invaluable in their future education and career.

Last but not least, the IGCSE curriculum offers a wide variety of subjects spanning different fields. Thanks to the broad selection of options, your child has an opportunity to explore their passions and discover new interests.

Is the IGCSE the Best Preparation for the IB Diploma?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this. A lot will depend on your strengths and weaknesses as a student.

For example, some students need two additional years to mature and get ready to excel in external exams. For them, the IGCSE may come too early and lead to poor grades. These then go on transcripts and University applications.

For others, exams at 16 are a great trial run. Their good performance will have a positive effect on their application to further education.

The bottom line is that the IGCSE is ideal preparation for the IB for some students but it is not for everyone. The key challenge is to figure out which kind of student you are!

Get Ready for the IGCSE with TutorsPlus

Hopefully, now you have a better idea of what the IGCSE is. Summing up, it is a challenging and rewarding qualification. You must work hard to nail it. If you feel a little nudge wouldn’t come amiss, TutorsPlus is at your service. As a team of experienced IGCSE teachers and examiners, we can help you pass your exams with flying colours.

Whether you want to be fully prepared for your assessment or need specific subject tuition, we are just a call or email away. Get in touch today.

Get to know more about our IGCSE tutoring and how it can benefit you at 022 731 8148 or info@tutorsplus.com.

IGCSE FAQs

Do universities accept IGCSE?

Universities do recognise the IGCSE as a rigorous secondary-level education. However, most will require additional high school certificates, such as A-Levels or the IB Diploma Programme, for university-level studies. The IGCSE alone is unlikely to be sufficient for university admission in most cases, unless a student is home schooled, has exceptional circumstances or has exceptional achievements in other areas (such as sport) that make them a particularly attractive candidate.

How many IGCSE subjects are required?

Students usually take a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 14 IGCSE subjects, with 3 compulsory subjects: English, Science, and Mathematics. Students who have successfully sat their exams in 7 IGCSE subjects earn an International Certificate of Education (ICE).

What are the IGCSE subjects?

The IGCSE curriculum is divided into 5 subject groups:

Languages and Literature (including compulsory English Language and optional foreign languages);
Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g., Economics, Geography, History);
Science subjects (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology);
Mathematics;
Creative, Technical, and Vocational Subjects (e.g., Art and Design, Computer Science, Business Studies)

What grades are considered passing grades at IGCSE?

The IGCSE uses a grading scale of A* to G (Cambridge) and 9 to 1 (Pearson Edexcel and AQA). A* and 9 are the highest grades respectively. Grades A* to C and 9 to 6 are generally considered passing grades.

Can I take my IGCSEs remotely?

You don’t necessarily need to physically attend a school to learn and prepare for IGCSEs. It’s possible to learn the IGCSE curriculum from the comfort of your own home at a pace that’s convenient for you. This could be via home schooling or online school. However, in most cases, you will still need to physically attend exam centres to sit for the IGCSE exams. Currently, only Edexcel offers remote invigilation options.

How many subjects should I take?

The recommended number of IGCSE subjects to take is typically between 8-10. This allows achieving a well-rounded education while maintaining a manageable workload.

Can I retake the IGCSE exams if I don’t get the desired grades?

Yes, you can retake your IGCSE exams to improve your grades. The timing of the retake usually depends on the subject. For mandatory subjects like English and Mathematics, you may be able to retake the exam in November. For other IGCSE subjects, the typical retake session is the next May/June exam cycle.

However, please keep in mind that schools don’t offer exam retakes by default. If there is no such opportunity in your school, you will have to look for a different exam centre.

What are the exam sessions for the IGCSE?

IGCSE exams are typically held in two main sessions:

May/June: The primary exam session, where the majority of students take their IGCSE exams.
October/November: An additional exam session, which allows students to retake or take exams they were unable to attend in the May/June session.

By Sara Lloyd

Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for 15 years, and is an expert on international IB education. She is also a parent of two lively children.

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