If you’ve heard about iGCSEs, you might be wondering exactly what they are and how they compare with GCSEs. Since the two qualifications are very similar, it can feel confusing to know the difference between the iGCSE and GCSE.
The good news is that both are respected qualifications for students aged 14 to 16, and both open doors to further personal and academic opportunities. What matters most is that your child feels prepared and supported when it comes to sitting their exams.
In this guide, TLC Live explains what an iGCSE is, how it compares with GCSEs, who can take them, and the truth behind some common myths.
What is an iGCSE?
The iGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) was introduced in 1988 by Cambridge International and has since become a globally recognised qualification.
In the UK, iGCSEs are offered by only a few exam boards, including Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA. Globally, Cambridge International is the best‑known provider and has the most extensive list of iGCSE subjects.
Key things to know about iGCSEs:
- Position in education: Taken at the same stage as GCSEs, usually by 14–16 year‑olds.
- Curriculum focus: Designed for 150+ countries, iGCSEs place less emphasis on the UK curriculum while covering core subjects like Maths, English, and Science.
- Coursework: Some iGCSE subjects combine coursework or practical assessments with exams.
- Grading: Some boards grade on the traditional A*–G scale, while others use the newer 9–1 system.
- Accessibility: Anyone can take an iGCSE. In the UK, they are more common in private schools and among home‑educated students.
iGCSE vs GCSE: Differences and similarities
Parents often ask about the difference between iGCSE and GCSE. The truth is, they are more similar than different and neither one is “better.” Both are valued by universities, sixth forms and employers equally.
Here are the key differences:
- Curriculum: GCSEs focus more on the UK curriculum, while iGCSEs offer a global perspective. For example, a GCSE History course might emphasise British history, whereas iGCSE History covers international historical moments.
- Subject choice: There are more iGCSE subjects at 70 available with Cambridge International compared to traditional GCSEs (currently 35 are listed on Gov.uk). This is in part due to iGCSEs having an international focus and including a wider variety of language courses.
- Regulation: GCSEs are regulated exclusively by Ofqual, while iGCSE exams are managed by leading international exam boards.
- Grading: GCSEs now all use 9–1 grading whereas iGCSEs may use either A*-G or 9–1 depending on the board.
- Exams: GCSEs run in the summer months while iGCSEs offer two yearly sittings typically May/June and October/November for more flexibility.
- Terminology: GCSEs have ‘foundation’ and ‘higher’ tiers while iGCSEs typically use ‘core’ and ‘extended’.
Despite these differences, the gap between the two has narrowed in recent years. What matters most is that students choose subjects they enjoy and feel supported.
Who can take an iGCSE?
One of the strengths of iGCSEs is their flexibility. Anyone can register, but they are most commonly chosen by:
- International students – iGCSEs are a natural fit for international schools because the curriculum is globally focused rather than UK‑specific.
- Home‑educated learners and private candidates – Families often prefer iGCSEs for the two-yearly exam sittings.
- Private schools – Guardian report showed that in 2017–18, 91% of iGCSEs in English, Maths and Science were sat in private schools. State schools are less likely to offer them as they do not count towards regional performance tables.
If your child is entering as a private candidate, you’ll need to pay exam entry fees and register with an approved centre. Costs will vary depending on the exam board and subject.
Common myths about iGCSEs
Because iGCSEs are less common in UK state schools, some myths still exist:
- “iGCSEs aren’t accepted in the UK” – False. iGCSEs are recognised by UK colleges, sixth forms, universities, and employers. They carry equal weight to GCSEs.
- “iGCSEs are harder (or easier) than GCSEs” – Not necessarily. Difficulty varies by subject, syllabus and exam board. What really matters is preparation and student confidence.
- “iGCSEs are only for private or international schools” – False. While iGCSEs are more common in these settings, any student can take them, including home‑educated learners and private candidates via exam centres.
How and where to take an iGCSE
If your child is in school, the school will decide whether they sit GCSEs or an iGCSEs. For private candidates or home‑educated learners, the process is slightly different:
- Register through an approved exam centre linked to the chosen exam board.
- Pay exam entry fees, which vary by subject and provider.
Prepare through self-study or structured tuition. Many families find professional tuition particularly helpful for exam confidence and technique.
Final thoughts – iGCSE or GCSE?
When weighing up iGCSE vs GCSE, the key thing to remember is that both are respected, widely recognised, and designed for 14–16 year olds preparing for further education.
Parents don’t need to worry that one option is ‘better’. The priority is ensuring your child feels confident, supported and well‑prepared on exam day.
That’s exactly where TLC Live’s tutors can help. Our online tutoring provides tailored support to cover the syllabus, fills knowledge gaps, and helps students build the confidence they need to succeed in their exams.
Our online school offers regular lessons and exam preparation for home learners, or we offer private tutoring tailored to your child’s needs and subjects. Get in touch today to find out more.