Why choose IGCSEs/ International GCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)?
International GCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) are UK international school qualifications taken by school students and private candidates aged 14–16. International GCSEs cover a broad and balanced curriculum with the option to choose from a range of subjects and develop core skills that will help you achieve your aspirations. The wide variety of subjects offered allows students to study topics that suit their interests and future career aspirations. Depending on the subject, International GCSE assessment includes written exams, oral presentations, practical assessments, and coursework.
Why choose International O Levels (Ordinary Levels)?
International O Levels are international qualifications equivalent to International GCSEs for students and private candidates aged 14–16. They play a crucial role in assessing students' understanding in different areas, facilitating progression to more advanced studies. Assessments include written exams and practical tests, tailored to measure students' proficiency and readiness for the next educational step.
Why choose International AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary Levels)?
International AS Levels are taken after International GCSEs and are well-received as university entrance requirements for many courses. Students typically study AS Levels between the ages of 17 and 18.
Taken over one year, International AS Levels require students to narrow their focus and engage in deep study and independent analytical thinking. International AS Levels are assessed through end-of-year written examinations, with some subjects requiring coursework and oral examinations. AS Levels can help you:
• Get accepted to a university locally or abroad
• Get a job in the field of your interest
• Explore the subjects you are interested in studying further
Why choose International A Levels (Advanced Levels)?
Private candidates and all other students who have been awarded their International AS Levels may wish to continue their course of study for an additional year to attain full International A Levels. This will largely depend on what a student wishes to study and which university they hope to attend. International A Levels are rigorous and in-depth, encouraging students to build subject matter mastery in their chosen fields. International A Levels are considered gold-standard university entrance qualifications and are highly regarded by top-ranked universities around the world.
Choosing your awarding body
When choosing your International GCSE or International AS or A Level subjects, you may also have a choice of your UK-based awarding body.
Awarding bodies are organisations that award qualifications to students. They are responsible for developing the curriculum, producing exam papers, marking your work and awarding your final grades.
The British Council works with three main UK-based awarding bodies: Cambridge International Education, OxfordAQA and Pearson Edexcel.
We support you to register for IGCSEs/International GCSEs, International O Levels and International AS and A Levels offered by these awarding bodies. Find out more information about the qualifications offered by each of the three UK-based awarding bodies by visiting their websites.
