What is Edexcel iGCSE?

Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level

Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, and AS & A Level November 2024 past papers are now available.

Edexcel. Edexcel iGCSE, Edexcel IAS, Edexcel IAL

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 iGCSE Subjects

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.


Edexcel iGCSE vs Edexcel GCSE

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.

English First Language course testimonial (Carrie, Malaysia)

Assessments

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.โ€ฏ The final January series was January 2023.โ€ฏโ€ฏ

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.

Linear and modular assessment systems

Doing all the assessments at the end of the twoโˆ’year 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:

  • Accounting
  • Commerce
  • Economics
  • English Language A
  • English Literature
  • Geography
  • History
  • Religious Studies

The following subjects are available for first teaching from September 2024, and first assessment from May/June 2025 examination series:

  • Maths A
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Double Award

Note:
The modular assessment route is only available to schools outside of the UK.

Paper-based or onscreen assessments

Candidates are now able to choose either paper-based or onscreen assessments.

Pearsonโ€™s 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 assessmentQualification and subject
2022
2023
International GCSE English Language A
International GCSE English Literature
2024International GCSE Business
International GCSE Economics
International GCSE History
International A level English Literature
International A level English Language
2025International GCSE Geography
International GCSE Pakistan Studies
International GCSE Islamic Studies
GCSE English Language
GCSE English Language 2.0
GCSE English Literature

Grading

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*๏ผG 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 9โ€“1 grading scale was introduced by the UK government to raise standards and recognise outstanding performance. It improves differentiation between learners with a nine (9โ€“1), rather than an eight (A*โ€“G), point grading scale. This means that students are ideally placed to make progress to International A Levels (IAL) and to universities worldwide.


Edexcel iGCSE Recognition

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.


Resources

Our valuable A* resources had produced thousands of A* scorers around the world. Check them out below.

A* Model Answers:

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.

Online Courses:

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.

Past papers:

We have the most complete past exam papers library on earth (no kidding!). Choose your exam board and download everything with one click.

Subject syllabus:

Get the latest exam syllabus and plan your study accordingly.

Key Dates:

Find out the exam registration and results released key dates for IGCSE and AS/A Level.

Exam Timetables:

Check your administrative zone, the exam dates and time. For both IGCSE and AS/A Level.

Exam Centres:

Find and locate the nearest exam centre for your location.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edexcel iGCSE

Please kindly read the Edexcel International GCSE FAQs here.

* Note: All relevant info is taken from Pearson Edexcel.

Free email courses

Join 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!

Free email courses

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!

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138 responses

  1. Hi,
    I just finished my edexcel igcse O level which I was lucky to take! and honestly this moment am little bit confused and few minutes ago I was informed that students should receive an email before the result was sent to them..but..I didn’t receive anything till now,am sorry !
    But I really hope you can help me because I didn’t find anyone else to ask for HELP about this information!!

    1. Hi Huda,
      You must get this information from your school/exam centre. Only your school/exam centre has the information on result release dates and details.

  2. Hi
    I am a student of grade 10 ,icse board in India and i’m shifting to GCSE in UK
    i have 3 qusethions-
    1)is it fine to change my board and join a new school in UK in grade 10?
    2)is a little bit of the curriculum for grade 10 taught in grade 9 like in India or is it separate for each year?
    3)how many times are the examinations?

    1. Hello there,
      It is fine to enter in year 10 in the UK. You would be able to learn and sit for the exam in year 11.

  3. Dear Sir/Madam,

    May I check are the exams for Edexcel IGSCE modular?
    As in the student is able to take module by module?
    Or is it similar to CIE IGSCE where the student has to take only one final exam at the end of the study period?
    If it is available via modules, can the student take one module at a time and get one certificate at the end for all the subjects taken?

    Do advise, thank you.

    Cheers,
    Nisha

    1. Hi Nisha,
      We are very sorry that we can’t answer that for you. Please kindly write to Edexel and get their confirmation on that.

  4. Hi

    I have completed o level with grade D in 3 subjects from india. Please advice me if I can join A level. Association of Indian universities States we need five subjects with minimum of c grade please advice .

    1. Hi Abish,
      If the minimum required grade is Grade C, you might need to repeat those required subjects. Just check with the university and find out which subjects need to be repeated.

  5. Hi, I am Indian working in Saudi Arabia. Soon will be moving to Lebanon. I am looking for good IGCSE school for my daughters for grade 9 and 7.

    Also want to know will it be difficult for them to do IGCSE as they are current in CBSE board from India and they have completed grade 8 and 6.

    Is there any way they can attend the local school in lebanon and still they can enroll them selves with IGCSE privately?

    1. Hi Alinaqi,
      If you wish to find a Cambridge School, please write to CIE directly. Their website is: http://www.cie.org.uk

      Yes, they can register with any nearest British Council and sit for IGCSE exams privately.

  6. Is Bengali subject a must when appearing for IGCSE Cambridge in Dhaka, Bangladesh. My children are Bangladesh passport holders but they do not know Bengali as we were staying abroad

    1. Hi Mohammed,
      If this subject is required by law in that country, they might need to take it. You must also consider if they need this subject as entry requirement in the university. If yes, then they must take this subject.

      Otherwise, it is not necessary as it is not one of the core subjects.

  7. Hello,
    I did my O’levels in Cambridge as a regular student from a school. I cleared all the subjects except for maths. Now, I have to retake maths and I want to change the board. I want to take up Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Maths.
    What I want to ask you is
    1. Can I change the board as this time I’ll appear as a private candidate?
    2. If I appear in Edexcel IGCSE Maths, would I have to appear in 2 papers or 4 papers?
    3. Is Edexcel IGCSE Maths easier than the Cambridge Syllabus D Maths?
    4. Also there is an Edexcel Maths with coursework and without coursework, what is the difference between the two and which one is the easiest?
    Please reply me soon
    Thanks

  8. My son has completed his o level by edexcel pearson now he wants to do a level edexcel but someone said that Cambridge is more preferable. Whatbis your suggestions?

    1. Hi Asima,
      Cambridge system is “very old” ๐Ÿ™‚ … Thus it is very well-recognised and well-accepted worldwide. We do not know about the Edexcel A-Level, so we can’t comment on that.

      We can only suggest you to do some research on the universities and colleges that you wish to apply for. See what are their preferences.

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