Deciding between IGCSE and GCSE is challenging, not least because the names are similar. The subjects overlap, and both paths take you through to A Levels, and from there to an apprenticeship or university. However, there are important differences, including how you're assessed, when the exams take place, and the flexibility in subject selection.
This guide will explain the differences between the two, including where IGCSEs and GCSEs are offered, how you're assessed, when exams take place during the year, the subject options and combinations, and whether either qualification is held in higher regard.
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What are GCSEs and IGCSEs?
The GCSE qualification stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. It's the standard high school qualification in England. It is normally taken by students at 14-16 years old after 11 years of compulsory education in state schools and many colleges. GCSE courses are regulated by Ofqual, and the course content is set by exam boards Pearson Edexcel, AQA or OCR, among others. GCSE grades run from 9-1, where 9 is the highest and equivalent to a high A*. Students take the core subjects of English, Maths, and Science, plus several options.
IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It's the international equivalent of GCSEs, and they are offered in international schools and by some private schools. Pearson Edexcel or Cambridge both provide IGCSEs. The structure is normally linear, but more flexibility is offered in assessment routes. The grading system is also 9-1.
Approved exam centres allow private candidates to sit GCSEs or IGCSEs, even if the student has been home-schooled.
IGCSE vs GCSE
1) Where the exams are taken
GCSEs are the default qualification in England. They are taken by the vast majority of state schools and colleges for years 10 - 11. You will study the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, while the optional subjects will vary by educational institution.
IGCSEs are more commonplace in international schools around the world. They are also preferred sometimes by UK independent schools as a better preparation for A Levels: the syllabus is considered more demanding, with a greater focus on analytical skills and less coursework. Families who move countries often prefer IGCSEs because the syllabus and exam windows are designed for global use.
To summarise, you are almost certain to study GCSEs if you attend a UK state school. If you are abroad or in an independent school, IGCSEs are the more likely qualification. You should start by checking what your school or exam centre offers. Check the availability first, as this may override thoughts about the assessment style.
2) Assessment approach
GCSEs are mainly linear, progressing in clearly defined stages. You normally choose your options in year 9 and begin studying the course in year 10. Exams normally take place between May and June in year 11. Any non-exam assessments are limited to specific subjects. For example, you are expected to record a performance on your instrument for GCSE Music.
IGCSEs are also largely linear. However, you can choose between options that change the weighting of components, which offers some flexibility. IGCSE exams are available with more than one exam window across the year. This is helpful if you want to avoid having all exams at the end of year 11. Non-exam assessment is limited, though there are practical components or alternative papers for certain subjects.
Ultimately, if you prefer a clearly structured exam with one exam window, the GCSE model will suit you. If you want more flexibility in the course content and the exam timetable, IGCSE qualifications may be a better fit. Check the IGCSE specification offered by your school or exam centre before committing.
3) Exam sittings and windows
There is one exam period for GCSEs in May/June. Students receive their results in August, which aligns with the sixth-form and college admissions process. There is an exam window in November if you need to resit your exam - this is most notable for Maths and English. There is little flexibility to sit exams outside of these periods.
The internal timetables for IGCSEs are broader. There are May/June, November and January exam windows (January is available for certain subjects at some exam centres). Schools have more flexibility, such as if you're living abroad, where local terms of holidays differ from the UK. Private candidates may benefit from this increased flexibility, though again it depends on the exam centre.
4) IGCSE and GCSE subjects
GCSEs prioritise the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, as well as the Humanities and Creative Arts. Again, the school you learn at will have a particular lean on a subject area. The core subjects of English Language, English Literature, Maths and Science (combined or triple) are always the priority for schools. There will then be a host of options, with notable subjects including Geography, History, a language, computer science, PE and arts. The options on offer depend on your school, and certain subjects may not be available everywhere.
IGCSEs follow this prioritisation. They go further with global perspectives and additional languages due to their global position. There are also further variants depending on the student's specific region. Some subjects will have alternative papers, such as different practical routes. The difference in assessment style may suit certain students. The subject availability is more consistent in international exam centres than GCSEs, though again it depends on your specific location.
5) Recognition and progression
Both qualifications are widely recognised as level 2 qualifications for students aged 14 - 16. You will be accepted by sixth forms and colleges with either route, whether you are applying for A Levels, the IB, or a vocational course. The far greater priority is that you meet the subject and grade requirements. Universities view strong GCSE and IGCSE results as solid evidence of prior attainment.
The 9-1 grading is the standard for most specifications. The entry requirements will then specify certain subjects and minimum grades, such as a grade 6 in Maths to study A Level Maths. Again, there is no preference for GCSE over IGCSE. Employers are indeed more familiar with the term GCSE, but IGCSE is well-known. Make sure you present it on application forms as "International GCSE (9–1)."
To summarise, focus on the subjects you need for your future path and the grades you need for your ideal subject or educational insitution. Check the entry criteria for your specific course and choose the assessment route that meets it.
Key differences between IGCSE and GCSE
| Category | GCSE | IGCSE |
| Where taught | English state schools and most colleges | International schools worldwide and some UK independent schools |
| Assessment model | Linear courses with exams at the end of Year 11. There are limited non-exam assessments in certain subjects | Mostly linear. Some specifications provide alternative routes that change component weightings |
| Exam windows | The exam series is in May and June. Students can resit certain core subjects in November | The exam sessions are in May/June and November. You may be able to take certain subjects in January, depending on the exam board |
| Subject breadth | Core subjects, plus optional subjects that vary by school | The core subjects are some options that overlap with GCSEs. There are more international options and language range. Availability varies by centre |
| Grading | 9–1 scale (9 is the highest) | 9–1 scale (9 is the highest) |
| Typical candidates | Students learning in UK state schools and independent schools that follow the national route | Students in international schools, some UK independent schools, private candidates, and movers between countries |
| Availability in UK state schools | Standard qualification | Limited. Not usually provided in state schools |
Which should you choose?
If you're in a state school, you may prefer to stick with the vast majority and study GCSEs. It gives students a single endpoint in the May/June exam window. It also simplifies the plan to progress in the UK system if you aren't likely to change school or country.
If you're abroad, at an international or independent school, IGCSE may be a better fit. It provides more flexibility in sitting your exams, as well as paper options. It is preferable if your family is moving, or if the exam centres provide more sittings across the year. IGCSE centres are easier to access internationally if you are a private candidate.
As a next step, you should write down the subjects you need and the specifications offered by your school or exam centre. Does the exam window fit with the deadlines for sixth-form or college entry?
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Conclusion - Differences between GCSE and IGCSE
Both routes provide you with a strong foundation for A Levels, apprenticeships, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Your decision will come down to personal preference as well as what your school or exam centre provides. You may prefer to sit all exams at one time with GCSEs, or favour the greater language subjects provided by the IGCSEs. The assessment style is also a key consideration, and you should consider which plays more to your strengths. Before you do anything, check what your school or exam centre offers, including the optional subjects provided and the exam dates.
These are the main differences between the two qualifications:
- GCSEs are standard in England. IGCSEs are common internationally and in some UK independent schools.
- Both types are mainly linear with end-of-course exams. IGCSE provides some optional changes that affect the weighting of components.
- The exam window for GCSE is May to June, with resits for certain subjects in November. IGCSE provide exam series in May to June and November. Students can sit certain subject examinations in January, depending on the board and centre.
- The subjects overlap, while IGCSEs provide more variety in languages and international topics.
- There is no difference in the recognition of the qualifications. The grading system of 9-1 is shared by both.
For further reading, this is the list of IGCSE subjects provided by Cambridge. Meanwhile, Edumentors have compiled a list of the GCSE optional subjects.
Frequently asked questions
Provides focus on the subjects you choose and the marks you receives, rather than the "GCSE vs IGCSE" label. They may require specific subjects or marks, such as Maths and a Science at grade 6+. If the application is outside the UK, IGCSEs are widely recognised by international schools and colleges.
Yes, the vast majority of GCSE and IGCSE specifications use 9-1. Historical certificates may still show A-G. To give a rough guide, 9/8 is an A*, 7 is an A grade, 6 is a high B grade, 5 is a strong C, and 4 is a standard pass.
The difficulty depends on the subject and the specification. Some students may prefer the IGCSE curriculum, such as the different paper combinations in Maths. Conversely, GCSE Sciences assess practical skills through written papers instead of lab coursework, which may favour certain students. It depends on whether the course content and exam format match your strengths.
It is extremely unlikely for a state school to teach IGCSE, because the GCSEs align with the Office of Qualifications and Examinations regulation. IGCSEs are far more common in international schools and some private schools in the UK. If you're in a state school and want to sit IGCSEs, you need to enter as a private candidate through a approved centre. This depends on approval by your school.
Yes, you can in most situations, particularly with the increase in home-schooling. Many exam centres accept private candidates, especially for IGCSEs. You need to find a centre that accepts your subject and board. Make sure you register before the entry deadline and pay any entry fees. Bring approved ID on the day of the exam.
The GCSE examinations run annually in May and June. Results are released in August. IGCSE requires you to sit your exam in May-June or in November, with exams for certain subjects possible in January. Results for the summer series are in August, while they are in the new term for the winter series. Check the exam dates with your exam board and centre.
If you are studying in England, you can resit GCSE English and Maths in November. Other subjects require you to resit in the next summer period (May and June). IGCSE subjects have summer and winter entries, which is more helpful for resits.
The core subjects are shared (English, Maths and Science). There is typically more choice in Language and globally focussed subjects. The specifically also differ with each subject. It's important to understand the differences for your subjects. For example, GCSE Science tests practical understanding with written papers, while practical papers are an alternative for IGCSEs.
Access arrangements means the pre-exam adjustments for students who have specific needs, such as special educational needs (SEN) or a disability. Both routes allow for arrangements including extra time, a reader, or rest breaks if needed. Your school or exam centre needs to apply well before the exam window and follow the rules of the board. If you are a private candidate, make sure to contact the centre early.
GCSE is much more familiar on forms. However, employers and admissions will be fully aware of "International GCSE", particularly the case in the latter as international students make up a significant number of the student base. What matters far more are the grades you have received and that your subjects fit the role or higher education institution you are applying for.
