IGCSE English as a Second Language: Listening, Writing, and Speaking
Preparing for your IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam can feel daunting. You are not just learning grammar
Announcement: Cambridge IGCSE, O Level and AS & A Level June 2025 past papers are now available.
IGCSE stands for “International General Certificate of Secondary Education.” It is an internationally recognised qualification for secondary school students, typically taken by students aged 14 to 16. IGCSE provides a broad and balanced education while also letting students to develop essential skills and knowledge.
IGCSE is equivalent to O Level, UK GCSE, fifth form or year 11 in respective countries and schools. It is the pre-requisite qualification before one proceeds to Advanced Level (A Level) or sixth form (year 12 & 13) or pre-university studies.
There are two main exam boards that offer IGCSE to international learners. Namely, Edexcel and CIE (Cambridge International Education).
Announcement:
Cambridge International Education no longer be an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation from December 20, 2024.
In order to know which one is best for you, please follow the detailed analysis outlined here:
Determining whether Edexcel IGCSE or Cambridge IGCSE is “better” depends on several factors, including your goals, future studies, and subjects availability. Edexcel IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE are international qualifications with similarities in grading and subject offerings.
Edexcel 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).
Cambridge IGCSE has more (and rather complicated) paper combinations. Exam entries are based on teachers’ grade prediction towards the learners. Therefore, teachers’ predictions are often contradicting with what learners wish to achieve at final exams. Consequently, resulting in lower paper entries that prevent the learners to achieve higher grade in the exams. Learners have complaint not able to adjust exam entries in time, and are facing high level of stress.
Here is one of the many SOS messages:
“I actually I want to study medicine. So u know that universities needed grades like A* TO B. but I knew the core grade’s maximum, so I shocked to hear that. If you imagine that I got the grade C but it is not related to the university requirements so it is not possible to enter to my dream careeer. I also paid the fees for the IGCSE exam. Our school, also didn’t explained that clearer. Ok, So is there any ways to change the curriculum from core to extended. Any way or method (suggestion from you) “
As a homeschooler, you have much more control in choosing the subjects and paper combination. This however, has to be done based on your future study and career plans. If you need help in deciding on your subject group, simply drop us a message at the comment box below. We shall reply you within 24 hours.
Besides the freedom to choose the subjects and paper combination, private candidate is also free to register for exam whenever they are ready.
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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.
Learners may choose the subject combination based on their future studies in higher education.
Cambridge IGCSE offers more than 70 subjects. Students are required to take a minimum of 5 or maximum of 14 subjects. The core subjects are English, Mathematics and Sciences. Students can also choose other subjects ranging from Social Sciences (commonly Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Sociology) to Arts & Technology (commonly Computer Studies, Information & Communication Technology (ICT), Art & Design).
Student is awarded with one IGCSE certificate on each subject. For example, you will obtain 5 IGCSE certificates, if you take 5 subjects. Each school decides upon the number of compulsory subjects differently. However, a private candidate may decides based on individual preference.
Edexcel iGCSE curricula are well-established, stable and based on current international audience requirements. Besides that, they have more extensive and wide range of topics that are prerequisite knowledge prior to International A Level studies.
Example topics and chapters that are available in Edexcel iGCSE, but not in Cambridge IGCSE:
Cambridge IGCSE curricula are regularly updated and extended on a yearly or every 2-year basis. Therefore, this has become a great challenge for learners, parents and teachers to catch up with the constant changes.
Example incident:
A teacher in a private school in the UK was not aware of the change of syllabus for English First Language. We managed to assist her with the new exam syllabus just 2 months prior to the exams.
In view of the constant change of Cambridge IGCSE syllabus, here at Skolatis, we have developed a system to keep updating our course material so that candidates are learning the right exam syllabus. Parents can have peace of mind that their children are learning the right syllabus.
Cambridge IGCSE Curriculum is divided into 6 main subject groups. Each group contains several subjects which learners can choose from, in order to fulfil the minimum required subjects.
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are both qualifications that students in the United Kingdom and many other countries can earn, typically during their secondary education.
The main difference between IGCSE and GCSE lies in their geographic scope, curriculum, assessment methods, recognition, and flexibility. IGCSE is more internationally focused and flexible, while GCSE is primarily used in the UK and follows the UK national curriculum. Therefore, students and parents should consider these differences when choosing the most suitable qualification for their educational goals and circumstances.
GCSEs are primarily taken in the United Kingdom, including England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, in Scotland, a different system of qualifications is used.
IGCSEs are designed for international students and are offered by Edexcel and CIE. They are not limited to the UK and are used in many countries as an international qualification.
GCSEs follow the national curriculum of the United Kingdom. The relevant examination boards (for example AQA, OCR, etc.) in each of the UK nations determine the content and assessment methods.
IGCSEs do not necessarily follow the UK national curriculum. They often have a more global perspective and can be more flexible in terms of the subjects and content offered.
GCSEs in the UK are assessed through a combination of coursework (controlled assessments) and final exams. The grading system for GCSEs uses letter grades (A*, A, B, C, etc.).
IGCSEs typically rely more heavily on final exams, with limited or no coursework. The grading system for IGCSEs may use letter grades or a numerical scale.
GCSEs are widely recognised within the United Kingdom and are the standard qualification for students in the UK education system.
IGCSEs are recognized globally and may be more suitable for students who plan to study abroad or want to have their qualifications recognized in multiple countries.
GCSEs offer less flexibility in terms of subject choices and the content of the qualifications. Students typically follow a prescribed set of subjects.
IGCSEs often offer more flexibility in subject choices, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and needs.
Universities and employers worldwide widely recognise and accept Edexcel IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE qualifications.
Here are some examples international learners’ admissions into top universities globally.
Edexcel IGCSEs typically include written examinations, coursework, and practical assessments. The weightage of these components may vary depending on the subject.
Cambridge IGCSEs primarily rely on written examinations, with limited coursework and practical components. Assessment methods can vary by subject.
Edexcel IGCSE exams typically occur in January and June, standardised globally. Starting from November 2023, Edexcel has introduced the November series, replacing the January series. January 2023 was the last January series for Edexcel IGCSE. Therefore, from year 2024 onwards, Edexcel IGCSE is taking place in May/June and October/November.
Please refer to Edexcel IGCSE exam timetable and exam registration key dates for more information.
Cambridge IGCSE exams usually take place in May/June and October/November. With exceptional cases of March series for India, Romania and some schools in the Middle East.
Please refer to Cambridge IGCSE exam timetable and exam registration key dates for more information.
Note:
Although IGCSE and O Level are equivalent qualifications grade for grade, they are two different qualifications. IGCSE syllabus meets international standards while O Levels syllabus meets specific local needs in each country. Other notable differences are the grading scale, assessment techniques, and coursework options.
| IGCSE | O Level | |
| Grading | Grades are awarded from A* (highest grade) to G (lowest) | Grades are awarded from A* to E |
| Assessment techniques | Tests oral and practical skills | Focuses on writing and reading skills in language subjects Restricted practical test options in sciences |
| Coursework options | Available in many syllabuses | Fewer coursework options |
* If you need help in choosing between IGCSE and O Level, just leave us a question at the comment box below. We are more than happy to guide you.
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 IGCSE FAQs here.
Note: CIE (Cambridge International Examination board) has its name changed to CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) since October 2017.
In October 2023, CAIE updated its name, logo, look, and messaging. Cambridge International Education is the new name of the awarding body of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. This name will be used on materials related to administering exams and awarding qualifications.
Join 62,169 (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 62,169 (and counting) IGCSE & AS/A Level subscribers who’ve taken our insanely valuable FREE email courses. Learn exam tips & score A* in your exam!
Akshaya S T
Singapore
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2,343 responses
Hello
My name is Dima from Jordan. my child is grade 10 IGCSE. he has been diagnosed ADHD (severe) can he sit for only 3 subjects in May/June and postpone the rest till later (or until he is ready? he has a report stating his condition.
best regards
Dr. Dima
Hello Dima,
Thank you for writing in.
A general guideline is to take IGCSEs within 13 months. Usually university/college would accept combining results from separate examination series, but within a certain period, for example: within 13 months or 24 months, depending on each university’s entry requirements.
You might also want to consider applying for special arrangements from CAIE. They provide access arrangements for children with particular needs, if you could provide supporting medical report. For more information, please kindly read these:
1. https://help.cambridgeinternational.org/hc/en-gb/articles/115004285225-What-are-Access-Arrangements-and-how-do-I-apply-
2. https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/cambridge-exams-officers-guide/phase-1-preparation/access-arrangements/
We hope this helps. Thank you.
hie there i m a student fro botswana and i have had problems in learning accounts and i feel its already late for me to continue to learn as i want to write next year …..and i currently i m doing 8 subjects. and if i drop accounts that will leave me with 7 ,…and which i have hope i will pass them..with the right resourses …so do ue think i m doing the right thing to drop it cause i had a poor learning for 2 years now and it takes away my time to work on subjects i m good in
Hello Susan,
If Accounts is not required for your future study, then you may consider dropping out of this subject and focus on your remaining subjects. We suggest that you check first what are the required subjects for the course you wish to further your study in then you can make the decision.
You might want to consider our A* subscription courses for your exam preparations. It is a 5 month programme that guarantees A/A* for selected subjects. To learn more about our bespoke guarantee, please visit this page: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-igcse-revision-courses/
Good news, we are currently offering a 15% discount to new subject subscriptions. Simply enter this coupon HAPPY15 before checkout, and pay only £63.75/month (normal price £75/month). Hurry and register now as the code is only valid until today, October 25.
We also suggest that you subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.skolatis.com/newsletter/. There will be free email courses and you will be updated in all our future promos and discounts.
Feel free to contact us for any questions. Thank you.
Hello,
I’m currently in year 11 in Nigeria and I’ve started looking into universities in the uk and Canada. My school only does IGCSE so will I be able to use my IGCSE results to gain admission into university or will I have to do A Levels
Hello Anuoluwa,
It depends on the university you wish to apply to. Some universities offer foundation programs which do not require A level. However, it’s best to check the entry requirements either from the university’s website or contact the university directly.
If A Level is not available in your school, you may register as a private candidate in your local British Council or any registered Cambridge schools that accept private candidates. You can find the list of registered Cambridge schools here: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/i-want-to/find-a-cambridge-school/
We hope this helps.
UG is an undergraduate program
Hello there,
The word ‘undergraduate’ is usually abbreviated as UG.
hello im a year 10 student and i had a question,,, if i didn’t choosed Physics in my subjects will i be able to take it in A-levels??? and also how is IGCSE connected to A-levels?
Hello Iena,
It is recommended that students completed the IGCSE level counterpart.
For the specific required IGCSE subjects at AS/A Level, please kindly download the syllabus here and get the required subjects: https://www.skolatis.com/cambridge-international-as-a-level-syllabuses/