IGCSEs and GCSEs sound almost identical, and in many ways they are: both are taken at around age 16, both cover similar subjects and both are widely respected. But there are real differences in who offers them, what they assess and how they are examined — and these can matter, depending on whether your child is at a state school, an independent school, abroad or home educated.
Who offers them
GCSEs in England are offered by exam boards including AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC Eduqas, and they follow subject content set by the Department for Education.
International GCSEs are offered by boards including Cambridge International Education (as the Cambridge IGCSE), Pearson Edexcel (as the International GCSE) and OxfordAQA. They are designed for students around the world, which is why they are standard in many British-curriculum schools abroad, including in Dubai.
Where they are taught
Since the GCSE reforms in England, International GCSEs no longer count in state school performance tables, so state schools almost always teach GCSEs. Many independent schools, however, use IGCSEs in some subjects, sometimes alongside GCSEs in others. Families moving between the UK and international schools often encounter both.
How they are assessed
The biggest practical differences are in assessment:
- Coursework. Many International GCSEs are assessed entirely by exam, with little or no coursework, which makes them easier to take outside a school.
- Practical work. In the sciences, some International GCSEs assess practical skills through written questions or an alternative-to-practical paper.
- Exam series. Some International GCSEs can be taken in more than one exam series each year, rather than only in the summer.
- Tiers. Like GCSEs, some International GCSEs have two tiers — Cambridge IGCSE, for example, uses Core and Extended papers in many subjects.
How they are graded
GCSEs in England are graded 9 to 1. Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs are also graded 9 to 1, while Cambridge IGCSEs are graded A* to G, with 9 to 1 versions available for some subjects. If your child's results use different scales, our guide to GCSE grades explains how the two compare.
Are IGCSEs harder or easier?
Neither is simply harder or easier. Content overlaps substantially, but specifications differ subject by subject: some include topics the other doesn't, and the style of questions varies. What matters most is the match between the specification and the student — and good teaching that follows that specification closely.
How universities and employers view them
UK universities and employers generally treat IGCSEs and GCSEs as equivalent qualifications at the same level. As always, check the specific entry requirements of any course your child is considering, particularly for subjects such as English and maths.
Which is right for your child?
- At a state school in England: your child will almost certainly take GCSEs.
- At an independent school: you may see a mix; the school will choose the specification for each subject.
- Home educated: International GCSEs are often the more practical choice, because many have no coursework and they can be easier to sit as a private candidate. Our guide to home education in England covers sitting exams privately.
- Moving abroad, or returning to the UK: British-curriculum schools abroad commonly teach IGCSEs, so plan the transition with the specification in mind, particularly in Years 10 and 11.
How we can help
Our tutors teach both GCSE and International GCSE specifications, and our consultants help families choose qualifications and exam boards, plan private candidacy and manage moves between schools and countries. Explore our support for qualifications and exam success, our home education service, or advice for families moving to the UAE.