Lift College
020 4652 5904Start 7-day free trialFree trial0

International GCSEs

Cambridge IGCSE vs Edexcel International GCSE

In short

Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE are the same kind of qualification from two awarding bodies. Edexcel grades 9 to 1 and offers 37 subjects; Cambridge grades A* to G, with 9 to 1 in some subjects, and offers over 70. Both are accepted as GCSE equivalents in the UK. Lift College teaches Pearson Edexcel only.

Cambridge IGCSE vs Edexcel side by side

Both boards set International GCSEs for learners aged 14 to 16, and both are accepted as GCSE equivalents. The main differences are grading and the number of subjects.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSECambridge IGCSE
Awarding bodyPearson EdexcelCambridge International
Grades9 to 1A* to G; some subjects also offered with 9 to 1
Subjects37Over 70
Where it is satOver 80 countries and UK independent schoolsSchools worldwide
At Lift CollegeYes, seven subjectsNot offered

What Cambridge IGCSE is

Cambridge IGCSE is the International GCSE set by Cambridge International. It offers over 70 subjects and is graded A* to G, with 9 to 1 available in some subjects. Cambridge says Cambridge IGCSE is accepted as equivalent to the GCSE in the UK.

What Pearson Edexcel International GCSE is

Pearson Edexcel names its qualification the International GCSE. It is a Level 1/2 qualification graded 9 to 1, offered in 37 subjects and studied in over 80 countries and in UK independent schools. Pearson describes it as regulated by Pearson and confirmed by UK NARIC as comparable to the UK GCSE standard.

How each board's IGCSE is recognised

  • Pearson: its International GCSEs are accepted as GCSE equivalents on a grade for grade basis by all UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
  • Pearson: International GCSEs are regulated by Pearson and confirmed by UK NARIC as comparable to the UK GCSE standard.
  • Cambridge International: in the UK, Cambridge IGCSE is accepted as equivalent to the GCSE.

Converting A* to G grades

If your International GCSE is graded A* to G, a grade C sits alongside a grade 4 as the standard pass. Our guide IGCSE vs GCSE covers grade conversion, exam series and which suits your situation.

Why Lift College teaches Pearson Edexcel

Every Lift College International GCSE is a Pearson Edexcel qualification graded 9 to 1, so your grades read the same way as a GCSE. You sit the same papers as school candidates at a Tutors & Exams centre in England. See all seven Edexcel IGCSE courses.

Questions

What is Cambridge IGCSE?
Cambridge IGCSE is the International GCSE awarded by Cambridge International. It offers over 70 subjects and is graded A* to G, with 9 to 1 in some subjects. Cambridge says it is accepted as equivalent to the GCSE in the UK.
What is Edexcel IGCSE?
It is Pearson Edexcel's International GCSE, a Level 1/2 qualification graded 9 to 1 and offered in 37 subjects. Pearson says UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, accept it as a GCSE equivalent grade for grade. Lift College teaches seven Pearson Edexcel International GCSE subjects.
What exam board is IGCSE?
The main boards are Pearson Edexcel, which names the qualification the International GCSE, and Cambridge International, which names it Cambridge IGCSE. Every Lift College International GCSE is awarded by Pearson Edexcel.
Can I study Cambridge IGCSE English Language at Lift College?
No. Lift College teaches the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language (4EB1), not the Cambridge version. It is one written paper of 3 hours, with no spoken language assessment, studied online with a named UK tutor.

Related pages

Sources

International GCSEs: all courses and guides