Most people in the UK will be pretty familiar with GCSEs. GCSE stands for General Certificate in Secondary Education. They are the standard qualifications that students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland take (usually in year 11 if you go to school). Students at schools in Scotland tend to take the Scottish standard exams rather than GCSEs but if you’re home educated in Scotland you can choose to study for iGCSEs/GCSEs.

iGCSEs and GCSEs are level 2 qualifications and securing a grade 4/5 or C or above is generally the entry grade to post-16 study. Most sixth forms, colleges and employers ask that applicants have achieved a pass (at 4/5 or C or above) in GCSE maths and English language. Sometimes an equivalent level 2 qualification is accepted in lieu of GCSEs, often in the form of a pass in level 2 functional skills.

Are iGCSEs the same as GCSEs?

iGCSEs are ‘International GCSEs’ and are broadly the same as GCSEs. They are often taken by students studying a UK curriculum overseas but they are equal to GCSEs in terms of rigour and should be accepted by sixth form and colleges as being equivalent to standard GCSEs.

Many home educating students opt for iGCSEs over GCSEs as they tend to offer a little more flexibility (such as not requiring course work or teacher-assessed elements which can be challenging for those pursuing home education). They also offer the option to sit exams more than once during the year (usually in May/June and November).

What GCSEs/iGCSEs do I need if I’d like to study A levels?

It is always important to check with sixth forms or colleges which qualifications and grades they accept. It will vary between colleges and also between subjects, for example, if you wish to study A level maths you will generally be required to have achieved at least a grade 7 or A/B at GCSE or iGCSE level. However if you want to study A levels in the arts or social sciences you will likely require a grade 4 or C in GCSE maths.

Alongside GCSE maths and English language many sixth forms and colleges will ask for passes in two or three additional GCSEs, this will depend on the school and the subject. Equivalent qualifications are often accepted such as grade 5 in music theory instead of GCSE music or a portfolio demonstrating your abilities in art. Be sure to ask the school or college what they accept and don’t be afraid to push your case if schools and colleges aren’t initially on board with your qualifications. Often sixth forms are used to student progressing from a standard, school based education where they predominantly study GCSEs. This means they may not be very familiar with iGCSEs, various level 2 certificates and diplomas, or with portfolio-based learning. Once they see a student’s abilities and commitment they are often more than willing to accept them despite more ‘unconventional’ qualifications.

If you wish to study A levels as a home educated student you will not generally be required to have passed iGCSEs/GCSEs, however you will need to be sure of your abilities to study at this level.

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What has been your experience in taking iGCSEs, GCSEs or equivalent qualifications? Your experiences can really help students and parents currently pondering their options so feel free to leave a comment below 🙂