What is IGCSE?

IGCSE is short for International GCSE. Pearson Edexcel calls its qualification the International GCSE, and Cambridge International calls its version Cambridge IGCSE. Both sit at the same level as a GCSE, and Pearson's version is studied in over 80 countries and in UK independent schools. For how it differs from a GCSE, see our IGCSE vs GCSE guide.

Pearson Edexcel names its qualification the International GCSE and offers it in 37 subjects, studied in over 80 countries and in UK independent schools. Cambridge International names its version Cambridge IGCSE and offers over 70 subjects.

Lift College teaches Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs only. You study online and sit the same papers as school candidates.

For the two boards side by side, see Cambridge IGCSE vs Edexcel.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs use the same 9 to 1 scale as GCSEs in England, with 9 the highest grade. Pearson notes that most universities treat grade 4 as the minimum pass.

On every Lift College International GCSE the qualification is 100% examined. There is no coursework, English Language has no spoken language assessment, and the sciences test practical skills in the written papers rather than in a laboratory.

No. Ofqual said in 2019 that it expected to regulate no International GCSEs by 1 April 2020, and that they no longer count in school performance tables. Pearson describes its International GCSEs as regulated by Pearson and confirmed by UK NARIC as comparable to the UK GCSE standard.

For students aged 16 to 19, the Department for Education counts an International GCSE in English or maths at grade 9 to 4 as prior attainment, so the student does not have to keep studying that subject. If a college or employer asks for a qualification on the Ofqual register, choose a GCSE instead.

Both are at the same level and graded 9 to 1. The differences are in assessment, exam series and regulation, which our guide IGCSE vs GCSE sets out in full.

Lift College offers seven Pearson Edexcel subjects, studied online with a named UK tutor. Exams run in the May/June and November series at ten Tutors & Exams centres in England. You can enrol from age 14. See all subjects on the IGCSE online courses page.

Study IGCSE maths online