UK Education Guide
IGCSE vs GCSE
What each qualification is, who sets it, how it is graded and where it is taken, in plain terms.
What each one is
GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and IGCSE (International GCSE) are both school-leaving qualifications for students at about age 16, taken in individual subjects.
Who sets them
- IGCSE: Cambridge International (part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment) and Pearson Edexcel International.
- GCSE: exam boards such as AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC.
Grading
GCSEs in England are graded 9 to 1 (9 is highest). IGCSEs have traditionally been graded A* to G, and some IGCSE subjects or boards also report 9 to 1. Check the grading scale for the specific subject and board.
Where each is taken
GCSEs are mostly taken in UK state schools. IGCSEs are mostly taken in international schools outside the UK, and are also offered by some UK independent schools.
If you are moving to a UK school
Families in Hong Kong or Chiang Mai whose child has studied IGCSE or GCSE may be moving to a UK school that teaches the other. Each school decides which qualifications and courses it offers and accepts, so ask the school which they accept.
Sources
- Cambridge International — IGCSE — www.cambridgeinternational.org — last checked 2026-10-18
- Pearson Edexcel — International GCSE — qualifications.pearson.com — last checked 2026-10-18
- AQA — GCSE — www.aqa.org.uk — last checked 2026-10-18
- OCR — GCSE — www.ocr.org.uk — last checked 2026-10-18
- WJEC — GCSE — www.wjec.co.uk — last checked 2026-10-18
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules, fees and dates change: always check the official source (GOV.UK, the exam board or the school), or ask us.
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