Descriptive vs Narrative Essays
The IGCSE English First Language exam places a strong emphasis on creative writing, with writing descriptive and narrative essays being
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 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 students’ 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 － June and November series.
Edexcel introduced a regular iGCSE November series starting from November 2023. It replaces the January series. The final January series was January 2023.
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 two−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:
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.
Pearson’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 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*－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 9–1 grading scale was introduced by the UK government to raise standards and recognise outstanding performance. It improves differentiation between learners with a nine (9–1), rather than an eight (A*–G), 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.
Join 61,338 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who've taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Join 61,338 (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
hello i am studying in india [international gcse ] so what can i do after 10 gradde for example which college ,in india , any scholarship.
Hi Furqan,
We do not have any information for this part. You might need to check with the Indian embassy, or the education minister for that.
how can i get an A*
Hi Shukri,
You can sign up for these online revision courses here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-revision-courses/. You can even have a preview of the courses before signing up. There?s a revision timetable included in each courses that will be useful for you.
Alternatively, before you start preparing, you should refer to the latest syllabus on what is expected during exams here: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-subjects-syllabuses/.
Then, use the past exam papers (https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-past-exam-papers/) as your revision. Start with the latest papers as they have the newest syllabus format and continue with the older ones date back from 5 to 10 years. Then, revise on the most common mistakes you always seem to make. Read and annotate your textbook and/or notes for the questions you got wrong. Then, re-do those questions you got wrong.
If English Language is one of your subject, you will find these A* model answers (https://www.skolatis.com/igcse-exam-resources/) useful on top of the revision courses and past exam papers.
Hi ,
I would like to know how conducive will be the IGCSE EDEXCEL for a student with writing disability , studying in the 7th grade ?
Best Regards
Sujatha
Hi Sujatha,
It would be a good idea first to write to Pearson and enquire about the special exam condition for such scenario. Most of the exam boards would have special allowance if a medical report is presented.
I’m SOS learner, if I want to prepare edexecel GCSE how many subject i must do
Hi Warsame,
Please write to Edexcel for this. We can’t tell you how many subjects you must do for Edexcel.
I am an Australian citizen, living in Bangldesh. Is Bengali compulsory for me in Edexcel IGCSE? Thanks.
Hi Sumaiya,
You must get the confirmation from your school.
edexcel student can go the bio technology or genetic enginering