An International GCSE (often called an IGCSE) is the Level 1/2 qualification awarded by Pearson Edexcel and sat in international schools worldwide, graded 9 to 1 like a GCSE. Every subject here is examined only, with no coursework, no required practicals and no spoken language endorsement, and you sit the papers at a Tutors & Exams centre in England.
Exams with
Both are Level 1/2 qualifications graded 9 to 1 and both are accepted by UK colleges, sixth forms and universities. The differences are in how they are assessed and when you can sit them.
7 courses · every one starts with 7 days free
Choose a subject to see papers, topics and the two ways to pay. Each subject is its own subscription, so you can take one or several and sit them in different series.
How it works
Enrol online in a few minutes. Nothing is charged until day 8 and you can cancel from your account. Learners from 14 enrol with a parent or guardian.
Work through the course at your pace. Practice papers are marked by the same tutor throughout, with written feedback in 5 to 7 working days.
On +Exams, Lift College submits your Pearson Edexcel entry and books your place at the Tutors & Exams centre you choose, before the deadline.
Papers are the same Pearson Edexcel International GCSE papers sat in schools, in January, June or November. Results come from Pearson; certificates follow.
The same qualified UK subject expert supports you from enrolment through to your exam series.
Exam style tasks with individual written feedback within 5 to 7 working days.
Unit scores and topic strengths on your dashboard, which your tutor uses to tailor feedback.
A timed mock paper and a written summary of what to focus on before you are entered.
Prices
Every subject is its own monthly subscription. Pay annually and save 15%. The 7-day free trial and 14-day money back apply to both.
Full course, named tutor and marked practice.
Everything in Study plus your exam entry and centre fees, booked and paid for by us. The exact +Exams price for each subject is on its course page.
English Language £89.99, Science (Double Award) £99.99. Annual from £815.99.
Awarding bodies and exam centres
The hardest part of studying outside school has always been the exam. Lift College and Tutors & Exams remove it: you study online with us and sit the same Pearson Edexcel papers as any school candidate at a professional centre.
Specialist private-candidate exam centres. Lift College's official exam centre partner. · in-house team for access arrangements · every centre staff member trained and enhanced-DBS checked · Figures and approvals published by Tutors & Exams, tutorsandexams.uk, September 2026. · Entries close in autumn · Entries close in spring · Entries close in early autumn
On +Exams · On Study · Kate Strohm, Managing Director, Lift College · Ben Connors, Managing Director, Tutors & Exams
Compare
Both are Level 1/2 qualifications graded 9 to 1 and both are accepted by UK colleges, sixth forms and universities. The differences are in how they are assessed and when you can sit them.
| WHAT DIFFERS | INTERNATIONAL GCSE (PEARSON EDEXCEL) | GCSE (AQA, AT LIFT COLLEGE) |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework and non-exam parts | None. Every subject is 100% written exam. | ×English Language has a spoken language endorsement; sciences have required practicals signed off by a centre. |
| Exam series | January, June and November. | May and June. November resits for Maths and English Language only. |
| Tiers | Maths: Foundation or Higher. Sciences and English: one tier, every grade available. | Maths and sciences: Foundation or Higher. English: one tier. |
| Calculator in Maths | Allowed on both papers. | ×Not allowed on Paper 1. |
| Who awards it | Pearson Edexcel. | AQA. |
| Ofqual register | Not on the register. Accepted by UK universities, colleges and employers, and counts for the 16 to 19 funding condition in English and maths. | On the register. |
| Where you sit it | Tutors & Exams centre in England, booked for you on +Exams. | Tutors & Exams centre in England, booked for you on +Exams. |
| Monthly price at Lift College | Study from £44.99. +Exams from £79.99. | Study from £44.99. +Exams from £79.99. |
Deciding between the two? Read the guide International GCSE vs GCSE: which should you choose? or see our GCSE courses.
Where it leads
| Role | Average salary, starter to experienced | Typical hours a week | Where it starts at Lift College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching assistant | £19,000 to £26,000 | 16 to 37, term time | International GCSEs |
| Dental nurse | £25,000 to £39,000 | 37 to 40 | International GCSEs |
| Laboratory technician | £24,000 to £31,000 | 37 to 40 | International GCSEs |
| Care worker | £20,000 to £25,000 | 35 to 45 | International GCSEs |
Most employers that ask for GCSEs at grade 4 also accept International GCSEs, but check with the employer. Most roles add on-the-job training. Salaries are the National Careers Service averages, checked on 29 October 2026.
Who it suits
Learner reviews
Six of our latest reviews, as posted on Trustpilot.
Lift College is very flexible, allowing me to study GCSE Biology while working full time. The course is straightforward and include helpful tips for passing the exams.
I have just enrolled with Lift College today on a free trial. So far so good, I have accessed my course (GCSE Maths) on my platform and everything looks great. Also met my tutor who is very friendly and helpful too. Will update the reviews when I am further down the line.
Read more on TrustpilotI have enrolled on this on line course and the support/response to queries that I have received to date have been timely and effective. The college also provides a learning plan to comlete the course and mock exams, together with helpful reminders of allocated study days (you self select them and they send you a reminder to keep you on track). The modules are clear and easy to understand and a broken down into sections including question and answer sections and model answers and where applicable worked out calculations. There is a need to take notes from the online materials as there are no PDF work books to download. The assigments are completed in a text box and marked accordingly and saved into your records. Once you get used to using the learning portal (which is not too difficult) it is a fairly straightforward learning process. It is worth paying the money for this course and the level of support provided by the college.
Read more on TrustpilotI have been studying with Lift College for the past month, and so far, my experience has been positive. The team provides excellent support, and assignments are marked with helpful feedback, usually within three working days. This quick turnaround is particularly valuable as it helps me manage my studies alongside my workplace commitments.
Read more on TrustpilotExcellent customer service and the enrolment process was very smooth. Started my course three weeks ago and I’m loving it.
I recently started the CMI Level 5 course through Lift College. I was attracted to this provider due to the clean and modern design of their website. I asked the support staff a few questions before enrolling, and their responses were fast and informative. When I started the course, I was impressed by how well organised the material was and how the lessons were structured. I have taken many online courses before, including postgraduate courses from UK universities. What I expected was a few videos made using a webcam, plus several dozen PDF files that had to be read. However, the materials provided by Lift College are of excellent quality, well designed, and purpose-made. As a teacher myself with 20 years' experience, I recognised clear and deliberate efforts to help students learn more effectively. Lift College isn't just giving you a load of reading material and letting you get on with it. They have designed prompts, revision boxes, spot quizzes, and other features to ensure that learning is actively facilitated.
Read more on TrustpilotFAQ
Straight answers to the 10 questions learners ask us most.
Explore International GCSEs further
Every question about International GCSEs has its own page: entry, costs, careers, awarding bodies, learner stories and more.
What the qualification is, who sets it and how it is recognised
Choose your pathwayWhich course or level to start with, by goal
Entry requirementsAge, prior learning and what you need before you enrol
Funding and costsMonthly and pay-in-full prices, funding routes and refunds
Awarding bodiesWho awards the qualification and how to check it
ComparisonHow this qualification compares with the alternatives
Career pathwaysRoles, progression and UK salary ranges
FAQEvery question learners ask before they enrol
Who awards it, how it is graded, and how it compares to a GCSE.
The assessment, series and recognition differences in one place.
Entry deadlines, centres, access arrangements and what to take on the day.
Why home educating families choose them and how to plan a series.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE grade boundaries explained
How boundaries are set and where to find them after each series.
Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Double Award.
