What is the difference between GCSE and IGCSE?

There are few differences between GCSE and IGCSE, with IGCSEs viewed as additional syllabus variations beyond those of the different GCSE exam boards.

1. Traditionally, IGCSEs tended to have slightly less reliance on coursework than GCSEs, although the qualifications are considered academically equivalent from the perspective of universities and employers. The reduced coursework load is because IGCSEs are for international audiences, who may not have as strong a grasp of the English language.
2. Exam dates for GCSEs and IGCSEs are often different, with GCSE exams in May – June (with resits in November), and IGCSE exams from November – January for some subjects, as well as May – June.
3. IGCSEs can be taken in over 150 countries, whereas GCSEs can only be taken in the UK, and certain schools in Canada, Australia, and India.
4. IGCSEs also allow for a lot more flexibility, with students able to start their IGCSEs in one location and finish in another.

In reality, the distinction between these two types of secondary qualifications isn’t worth worrying about for most people, as the choice lies with the school. What is important is that whichever qualification your child is working towards, the learning will be targeted to the specific exam board syllabus and mark schemes.

Tuition structure

Tuition for GCSEs tends to take the following forms:

1. Long-term tuition that supplements what is covered at school. In this circumstance, tuition tends to run in parallel with the content being covered at school. This gives the student the opportunity for further clarification of hard concepts, additional practice to help assimilate material, and also an opportunity for more ambitious students to explore extension areas beyond and around the syllabus content.
2. Homeschooling. The main difference between this and 1) is that here, the student is wholly reliant on the tutor to learn the necessary material. This can allow for more flexibility in terms of the direction moved through the syllabus and timetabling. Homeschooling can be expensive, so parents can consider the ratio of contact hours/homework to get the best support for their child at the appropriate price point. A reduction of contact hours will require more independent work to make the same progress. Homeschooling also comes with other considerations, which we can discuss, such as arranging examinations and ensuring there is provision for the student to get appropriate social contact, to make up for what they are missing out on at school. It is important to consider things holistically in order to facilitate the rounded education, maturation, and growth of the student.
3. More focused, targeted short-term tuition in the run-up to exams, or to address specific weak areas. In this scenario, the student, by default, doesn’t receive tuition, but tutors are brought in during critical periods and often in a more intensive manner.   

Tuition can be provided online or in person in the London area. To learn more about how we match students and tutors, read our How It Works page next.