Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, and AS & A Level November 2024 past papers are now available.
In 2003, Edexcel started to offer Edexcel IGCSE for students aged 14 – 16 years old. It has then changed its title to Edexcel International GCSE (iGCSE) in 2009. It is an international secondary school certification created by Edexcel Limited (commonly known as Edexcel). Edexcel Limited is a UK company, with 75% owned by Pearson PLC (a UK publishing conglomerate) and 25% by Edexcel Foundation (the charity which managed the board).
Today, Edexcel iGCSE is being offered to over 80 countries in the world, with 37 subjects available for international students. It also supports studentsโ progression to the next stage of study which includes International A level (IAL).
Edexcel’s board iGCSE has a much straight forward approach, with only one type of paper combination for all learners. Thus, all learners have equal chances to score grade A* (or grade 9 with the new grading scale system).
Here is detailed information about Edexcel iGCSE:
Edexcel board currently offers 37 subjects for the International GCSE examinations. Edexcel’s iGCSE curricula are well established, and consistent throughout the learners’ learning journey. The curricula do not constantly change and thus learners can learn with peace of mind.
Edexcel provides wide range of free resources, and thus learners are able to obtain them easily to aid their learning.
Edexcel iGCSE past exam papers are available free of charge. Therefore, you may get full sets of past exam papers with just one-click.
The well-arranged and well organised Edexcel iGCSE syllabi are also one of the essential resources to aid in learners’ iGCSE journey.
Learners typically proceed to Edexcel International AS & A Level (in short IAL) after completing Edexcel iGCSE examinations. Some might also choose the route to International Baccalaurreate. Either route will enable the learners to proceed to higher education in worldwide universities.
What is the difference between Edexcel iGCSE and Edexcel GCSE?
Edexcel GCSE is only available for UK schools. It follows the UK national curricula GCSE and its regulation body is Ofqual.
On the other hand, Edexcel iGCSE is available for schools out of the UK, and some private/independent schools in the UK. Its regulation body is Pearson. The programme is built on the UK GCSE curriculum and offers adaptation for overseas learners through the inclusion of localised and international content.
Edexcel International GCSE holds two examinations every year ๏ผ June and November series.
Edexcel introduced a regular iGCSE November series starting from November 2023. It replaces the January series.โฏ The final January series was January 2023.โฏโฏ
The assessments are by written examinations and in some syllabi, oral and coursework assessments are included.
Students must complete a minimum of 5 core subjects with at least grade 4 or above to progress to upper secondary study. However, this will vary from school to school and from country to country.
Doing all the assessments at the end of the twoโyear studies, is called linear assessment. Which we are all very familiar with. It works well for many learners, but for some it might not.
Edexcel has introduced a new assessment system for first assessment year 2024, namely the modular assessment. Modular assessment enables you to break the journey into units with an exam at the end of each unit. Candidates can spread the exam pressure, and sit for exams whenever they feel prepared and ready.
No matter which route you choose, the exams take the same amount of time. Teachers also take the same amount of time teaching.
Pearson Edexcel is the only exam board offering modular assessments for International GCSE and International AS/A Level.
First teaching of modular International GCSE assessment has started from September 2023 and first assessment will be the May/June 2024 examination series, for the following subjects:
The following subjects are available for first teaching from September 2024, and first assessment from May/June 2025 examination series:
Note:
The modular assessment route is only available to schools outside of the UK.
Candidates are now able to choose either paper-based or onscreen assessments.
Pearsonโs secure onscreen assessments are the same as the paper-based assessments. The same questions are answered but the method of responding is different onscreen as candidates type their responses. Candidates will take their assessments at a centre, under exam conditions, working on devices.
Below are the list of subjects and the year of assessments for available subjects.
| First assessment | Qualification and subject |
|---|---|
| 2022 2023 | International GCSE English Language A International GCSE English Literature |
| 2024 | International GCSE Business International GCSE Economics International GCSE History International A level English Literature International A level English Language |
| 2025 | International GCSE Geography International GCSE Pakistan Studies International GCSE Islamic Studies GCSE English Language GCSE English Language 2.0 GCSE English Literature |
Starting from 2019, a new 9-1 grading scale applies to all Edexcel iGCSEs, in order to follow the recent GCSE reform in England. In this new grading scale, there will be 9 levels of performance rather than 8 from the previous A*๏ผG grading structure.
Grade 9 represents a new level of attainment for the very top performers and is higher than an A* grade. Furthermore, with three new grades 6, 5 and 4, there will be greater differentiation for middle performers, rather than with two grades (B and C).
This new 9โ1 grading scale was introduced by the UK government to raise standards and recognise outstanding performance. It improves differentiation between learners with a nine (9โ1), rather than an eight (A*โG), point grading scale. This means that students are ideally placed to make progress to International A Levels (IAL) and to universities worldwide.
Top universities and colleges worldwide recognise Edexcel iGCSE qualification as GCSE equivalents, on a grade for grade basis. Some of these universities include all UK universities, Canadian universities including the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia, and universities across Asia.
However, students are advised to confirm acceptance of the new 9-1 grading from their desired universities and colleges before sitting for exams.
Edexcel graduates often get accepted into world-renowned universities, and earn high recognitions. View some of the candidates’ admissions into top universities worldwide.
Our valuable A* resources had produced thousands of A* scorers around the world. Check them out below.
Our internationally loved exam model answers had helped thousands of students in scoring A/A*. Schools and teachers worldwide have used these resources to aid in their teachings. Learn what an A* answer like, copy the style and score A* in your exam.
Our word-renowned IGCSE and AS/A Level courses had produced more than 1100 A/A* scorers worldwide. They are suitable for schooled or home-schooled candidates, and as full course or revision course.
We have the most complete past exam papers library on earth (no kidding!). Choose your exam board and download everything with one click.
Get the latest exam syllabus and plan your study accordingly.
Find out the exam registration and results released key dates for IGCSE and AS/A Level.
Check your administrative zone, the exam dates and time. For both IGCSE and AS/A Level.
Find and locate the nearest exam centre for your location.
Please kindly read the Edexcel International GCSE FAQs here.
* Note: All relevant info is taken from Pearson Edexcel.
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Joinย 60,657 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who’ve taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Lanja Omer
United Arab Emirates
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138 responses
I am from India from which web I can check my son’s school affiliation status.
Hi Sivan,
For Edexcel, please write to Pearson directly or Edexcel exam board.
hello there,
Can i get into universities with my AS results only or i will have to sit for my A2 as well?
Hi Sakif,
Normally universities require the complete A-Level qualification. Nevertheless, there are some universities would accept exceptional result from AS-Level as pre-selection. You must contact the universities of your choice and ask them if they would accept your AS-Level results.
Hello guys. can you please inform me if lebanon accepts edexcel subjects because i am planning to take arabic first language edexcel this june
Hello Ali,
Please check with the Lebanese universities for this. We do not have any information about this.
Hello there,
I am sonia from Bangladesh. I am a science student. I’ve completed my O’Level from edexcel in the year 2009. Due to some problems of mine i was detached from studies for the past few years. Now again i want to restart my education and want to get established. But i am unable to understand from where to start and which subjects to choose. Any advice?
Hello Sonia,
First, you must ask yourself what is the course you would like to take in university or college. We assume you want to continue to tertiary education.
Next, you could contact the university or college and find out if they do accept your O-Level as entry requirement.
Most probably they would ask you to get an A-Level or equivalent certificate as entry requirement. If so, the next step you should start is, register yourself to an A-Level or equivalent course, and sit for the exam as “Private Candidate”.
Hope these help!
Hey , its really confusing , are O Levels , As Levels , IGCSE” exams under Cambridge Examination or Edexcel ? Cant we take all subjects in Cambridge Examinations ? + My school system is Lebanese Baccalaureate, and i want to do the IGCSE’s exams + O Levels , then why do ppl say that u should enter to study the course in your school inorder to make those exams ? And how many years are the IGCSE and O , AS level exams ? And do entry test fees varies for every subjects ? Plz explain ! Thank You
Hello Mohamad,
Cambridge International Examination (CIE) and Edexcel are 2 different examination board.
“IGCSE” is the trademark of Cambridge. Therefore IGCSE is under CIE. Edexcel’s is called “Internationl GCSE”. Edexcel is not allowed to use the term “IGCSE” due to the trademark ownership.
These 2 exam boards have their own A-Level, As-Level, etc etc… However, the O Level qualification is still awarded by CIE Cambridge International Examinations.
Please note that, you can’t mix and match subjects in different exam board. For example, English and Maths with CIE, Physics and Chemistry with Edexcel, Biology and Additional Maths with O-Level… You must choose ONE exam board, and do all your subjects in that board. Otherwise, you will not have a complete certificate.
You can always take the exam as “Private Candidate” without attaching to any school.
Each subject’s exam fee is different.
Hello,
Why there are no past year papers available online for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Malay?
Hello Blackhawk,
We do not have any past paper for Edexcel here. Sorry about that.
Hello i am from kenya i hve compeleted my edexcel i got goood result so can i get universty worldwide
Please try to apply and you will find out more Yusuf.
im a 7th grader in esf kuwait and i heard about the change from IGCSE to Edexel im quiet confused, but i known that i will have to be studying the Edexcel curriculam now to prepare am i doing the right thing
Hi Sherin,
IGCSE is not changing to Edexcel. This probably is your school has chosen to switch to Edexcel examination board. Get final confirmation with your school before you do any changes by yourself.
If you still would like to sit for Cambridge IGCSE, you can always register yourself as Private Candidate with any British Council nearest to you.
Hello, I am a grade 8 student from Bangladesh. I left school and am now preparing for my O’Levels in private institutions. Are there then social science subjects being offered for O’Levels?
Hi Aruba,
We do not have any information pertaining O-Level. Please check with the British Council nearest to you, and enquire about O-Level subjects.
What is the difference between higher tier and foundation tire
Hi Priyanga,
Higher tier consists of more curriculums, simply means, you study more.
Core tier (foundation tier) consists of the basic curriculums.
I’m from Sr i Lanka. I’m reading for edxcel IGCSE in science stream.age 14 yrs. what is minimum number of subjects that i need to sit for the o -level and how it should be spread? is there any advantage of taking more than ten subjects for o-level.
finally what is the minimum requirement of the exam.
Hi Chandula,
So sorry we do not have any information for Edexcel over here. We are only providing information for Cambridge IGCSE.
You may want to write to the Edexcel examination board to clarify your questions.