About UK international school qualifications

What are UK international school qualifications?

UK international school qualifications are prestigious international, globally recognised qualifications that provide students with a solid foundation for academic and professional success.

Designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and in-depth knowledge across a broad range of subjects, UK international school qualifications include International GCSEs, International O levels, International AS Levels and International A Levels awarded by UK-based awarding bodies.

The British Council works closely with three UK-based awarding bodies, Cambridge International Education, OxfordAQA, and Pearson Edexcel to offer globally trusted UK qualifications internationally. We work with around 2600 schools worldwide to prepare their students for UK international school qualifications. In certain countries, we cater to students who want to sit these exams as private candidates.

If you’re a school interested in offering these qualifications to your students, you will need to contact the UK-based awarding body you are interested in or become an approved school by joining the global network of British Council Partner Schools.

Students, parents and schools wanting to find out more about UK international school qualifications should look at the information on the UK-based awarding body websites, as listed below.

Benefits of UK international school qualifications

Global recognition

UK international school qualifications are highly valued by universities and employers around the world, opening doors to prestigious universities and career opportunities.

High-quality, holistic learning

Education is balanced and broad-based, providing a strong foundation in multiple areas
Subjects are taught in depth, promoting a thorough understanding of subjects
Qualifications focus on developing holistic skills like critical thinking and problem-solving

Rigorous and consistent assessment

Qualifications are maintained by trusted organisations including Cambridge International Education, OxfordAQA, and Pearson Edexcel
Educational standards are consistent, with the flexibility to adapt to local needs and curricula

Professional readiness

Focus on skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication, ensuring readiness for the professional world
Students develop a global perspective, crucial for success in an increasingly interconnected world

Preparation for higher education

Students specialise during International AS Levels and International A Levels, preparing them for university-level courses
Qualifications develop the research, writing, and analytical skills essential for higher education

Your in-depth guide to UK international school qualifications

Learn more about UK international school qualifications, including the role played by UK-based awarding bodies, reasons to take or offer these qualifications, and the different qualifications available.

Read our schools' guide

Read our parents' guide

UK international school qualifications provide a variety of things to learn. They enable you to discover yourself and know what you want to be.

Marie Nagiud, parent of a student at St Fatima Language School.

When they start university, your child won’t feel a difference or face problems — compared to students who come from different systems.

Eman Mohamed Mokhtar, parent of a student at the British School in Cairo.

The curriculum is always being updated. For example, newly discovered information was added to the syllabus, where it didn’t exist before.

Kirolos Nabil, Biology Teacher at St Fatima Language School.

Join our global community

If your school would like to offer UK international school qualifications with the support of the British Council, apply to become a Partner School today.

Our team is ready to support you with tailored resources, professional development, operational support delivering exams, and a community that spans across continents.

Become a Partner School

Unlock the power of UK international school qualifications