If your child is approaching the end of Year 9, their first set of major secondary exams will be just around the corner.

And there are two main types… IGCSEs and GCSEs.

So what’s the difference?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the difference between these two qualifications, shedding light on their history, equivalence, comparative difficulty and ongoing relevance in the educational landscape.

Let’s jump straight in.

IGCSEs vs GCSEs: A brief introduction

Let’s start with a quick history lesson.

GCSEs, or General Certificate of Secondary Education, have been the staple of British secondary education since their inception in 1988.

Most students in the country take their GCSE exams at the end of Year 11, after a two-year course of study. They’re the most popular qualification for 14-16 year olds in the UK with over a million students sitting GCSE exams every year.

These qualifications replaced O-levels and CSEs, aiming to provide a broader and more balanced curriculum. This was part of a wider programme of educational reform, to make secondary education much more accessible, inclusive and flexible.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) also emerged in the late 1980s, developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Initially designed for international students hoping to study in Britain, it soon gained popularity not only abroad but also within the UK.

Today, it’s the most popular international qualification in the world for 14-16 year olds. Indeed, IGCSEs are now taken by over 250,000 students in 160 different countries.

Cambridge IGCSE carefully aligns their curriculum with traditional GCSEs. To do this, they use in-depth comparability studies and statistical evidence, making sure the two qualifications reflect the same level of academic achievement.

So given these similarities – what are the differences?

Are IGCSEs the same as GCSEs?

Are IGCSEs just GCSEs with an international flair? Well, not quite.

While both IGCSEs and GCSEs cover similar subjects and aim to assess students’ knowledge at the end of their secondary education (usually for students approaching 16 years old), there are a few significant differences between the two. These include the grading system used, the curriculum you’ll study, exam boards and testing arrangements. 

Here are the key differences to know.

Grading systems

GCSEs only use a 9-1 grading system. 9 is the highest available grade.

On the other hand, IGCSEs mainly use an A* to G system, comparable to old-style GCSEs. Here, A* is the highest available grade.

In “Zone 3” however (which includes the UK), Cambridge IGCSE use both the 9-1 system and A*-G system.

To find out which administrative zone your country is in, head to the Cambridge International website where there’s a handy drop-down box.

Comparing the numerical and alphabetical systems, a 4 is a passing grade for GCSE and IGCSE. For IGCSEs using A* to G, you’ll need a C to pass.

A 7 or above at GCSE or IGCSE is equivalent to an A* or A at IGCSE.

Here’s a quick comparison:

IGCSE	GCSE
A*/A	9/8/7
B/C	6/5/4
D/E/F/G	3/2/1
U (unclassified)	U (unclassified)

Subjects and curriculum

Although they’re designed to reflect the same level of academic achievement, the exact curriculum will differ between GCSEs and IGCSEs.

The specifications and exams are created by different exam boards, with slightly different learning objectives and mark schemes. So make sure you understand your specific curriculum requirements!

There’s also a wide variety of subjects on offer with IGCSEs, often giving more choice than “standard” GCSE exam boards.

For a full list of IGCSE subjects on offer, head to the Cambridge International website.

Keep in mind that available subjects differ between schools, depending on location, resources and school policy. Some schools might not offer certain subjects because they lack teaching expertise or there isn’t much demand. So, when you’re picking a school or deciding on qualifications, it’s a good idea to do some digging into what subjects are offered.

Exam boards and testing

IGCSEs are primarily administered by CAIE, a division of the University of Cambridge. You can also sit IGCSEs with Pearson Edexcel and AQA.

GCSEs are administered by more exam boards in the UK, including AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel, WJEC Eduqas and CCEA (Northern Ireland).

While the content of the qualifications may be similar, each exam board varies in terms of assessment methods, grading systems and subject options.

Most GCSE students sit their exams in May and June. IGCSEs have two main exam periods, in November and January as well as May to June. This helps students spread revision throughout the year.

What is the IGCSE equivalent to?

IGCSEs are equivalent to GCSEs.

They’re both rated as a “Level 1/2” qualification by Ofqual which means they represent the same level of academic difficulty.

IGCSEs were actually used as a benchmark when the UK government started reforming the GCSE system in 2015. These changes saw less focus on coursework, with greater emphasis on final exams.

There’s significant overlap in terms of skills assessed and topics studied between IGCSE and GCSE. But although they’re largely equivalent, they’re two completely separate qualifications.

One of the key distinctions lies in the international recognition of the IGCSE. It’s equivalent to GCSE but with a global perspective. Indeed, many countries recognise IGCSEs as a reliable benchmark for secondary education, making it a popular choice for students aiming for international universities or careers.

For more information on the GCSE system, read our guide to how many GCSEs do you take?

Why do IGCSEs exist?

Given all the similarities, why did IGCSEs come into existence in the first place?

The answer lies in their flexibility and adaptability. Unlike GCSEs, which are primarily tailored to the UK curriculum, IGCSEs offer a broader spectrum of subjects and cater to diverse educational systems worldwide.

They were first created for international students hoping to pursue further education in the UK. Today, this universality makes them an attractive option for students seeking internationally recognised qualifications – no matter which country they hope to continue their education.

Are IGCSEs harder than GCSEs?

So, are IGCSEs tougher than their domestic counterparts?

While opinions vary, it’s fair to say both exams pose challenges. IGCSEs might delve deeper into certain topics or require a broader understanding due to their international focus. However, GCSEs aren’t a walk in the park either, demanding rigorous preparation and dedication from students.

Having said this, many teachers and students report that IGCSEs are more challenging. They often feature complex real-world applications of knowledge. Conversely, GCSEs prioritise memorisation and applying content in more predictable ways.

In terms of results, let’s compare the core subjects of English Literature, English Language and Maths.

• In summer 2023, 17.5% of students achieved a 7 or above in GCSE Maths. This compares with 42.9% at IGCSE.
• For English Language, 16.3% achieved a 7 or above at GCSE. This jumps to 47% at IGCSE.
• When it comes to English Literature, the difference is even more striking. 21% of GCSE candidates secured a 7 or above. 72.6% achieved the same results with IGCSE.

So contrary to popular opinion, far fewer students achieve the top grades at GCSE than IGCSE.

You can find the full list of IGCSE results statistics here.

Remember, the challenges you face in your studies will differ based on factors like teacher support, your motivation, aptitude, and how well-prepared you are for exams. So, if you’re deciding between IGCSEs and GCSEs, it’s important to consider your strengths, interests and academic goals carefully.

What is the hardest subject in IGCSE?

While opinions naturally differ based on individual strengths and interests, subjects like Maths, Physics and Chemistry often top the list for difficulty.

They all involve plenty of memorisation, application of concepts and demanding problem-solving – often under time pressure. It’s enough to leave even the most diligent students scratching their heads!

But does this play out in exam results?

Only partially.

The subjects with the lowest pass rates (that’s students securing a 4 or above) include:

• English as a Second Language: 70%
• Mathematics: 75.1%
• Biology: 77.2%

For the highest grades (that’s a 7 or above), the subjects with the lowest percentages include:

• Business Studies: 25.3%
• English as a First Language: 27.9%
• Economics: 30%

At the other end of the spectrum, the “easiest” subjects to pass (i.e. those with the most students securing a 4 or more) are Computer Science and ICT. 92.6% and 91.6% of students achieved a Grade 4 or higher in these subjects respectively.

French was the IGCSE with the highest percentage of students securing a Grade 9. 35.7% of candidates bagged this top grade.

Are you preparing for exams? If so, check out our guide to time blocking for students and how to make a revision timetable that works.

Why do private schools take IGCSEs?

If you’re deciding between secondary schools, you might have noticed a pattern.

Why are private schools more likely to offer IGCSEs than their state counterparts?

Private schools often offer IGCSEs because they have a more international student body. It’s more likely that private schools have pupils from all over the world, with parents expecting globally recognised qualifications.

In addition, because GCSEs are offered in over 160 countries, if a family moves while their child is mid-way through their studies, they can easily pick-up the same syllabus where they left-off.

For institutions aiming to cultivate a diverse and international learning environment, IGCSEs can attract students from various backgrounds and pave the way for opportunities beyond national borders.

Do UK universities accept IGCSEs?

To round off, do UK universities accept IGCSEs?

In good news for students across the UK and further afield, the answer is a resounding yes.

UK universities recognise IGCSEs as equivalent to GCSEs. As a rule of thumb, universities would expect at least five passes at IGCSE or GCSE. This is the standard amount most students need to progress to A Level studies.

However, it’s always advisable to check specific entry requirements for your chosen institution. Some courses might ask for specific grades in specific subjects, which applies to IGCSEs as well as GCSEs. If you’re unsure of grade requirements, get in touch with the university’s admissions department. They’ll be happy to advise.

Remember, although IGCSEs and GCSE grades are important, universities base their offers mostly on A Levels (or equivalent qualifications like BTECs or International Baccalaureates).

To help you achieve the best possible A Level results, read our guide to how to get all A*s at A Level and ten tips for acing your exams.

Do you need help with your IGCSE or GCSE studies?

To help you tackle exams with confidence, whether you’re sitting IGCSEs or GCSEs, get in touch with our expert team of academic coaches. From study skills and exam coaching to academic life coaching and even parental coaching for families, we’ll equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed.