Who sets them, how they are graded, why fewer state schools take IGCSEs, and why it matters which past papers you use.
GCSEs and IGCSEs are both qualifications taken at around 16, usually over two years, and they cover many of the same subjects. The differences lie in who sets them, who takes them, how they are graded and how they are assessed. This guide explains those differences so you can be sure which papers to practise with.
A GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the main qualification taken by 16 year olds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, regulated by each country's exams regulator. An IGCSE (International GCSE) is a similar qualification designed originally for international schools, and is now also widely taken in UK independent schools. They are generally treated as equivalent by sixth forms, colleges and universities.
The IGCSE was developed by Cambridge, now Cambridge International Education, whose qualification is called the Cambridge IGCSE. Other boards offer their own international versions:
| Board | Qualification | Exam series |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge International Education | Cambridge IGCSE | May/June and October/November (plus February/March in India) |
| Pearson Edexcel | International GCSE | June and November (from September 2023) |
| Oxford AQA | International GCSE | May/June and November |
Oxford AQA is a joint venture between AQA and Oxford University Press. Cambridge offers more than 70 IGCSE subjects.
| GCSE (England) | IGCSE | |
|---|---|---|
| Main users | State and independent schools across England | International schools and many UK independent schools |
| Grading | 9 to 1 | A* to G, or 9 to 1, depending on the board and version |
| Exam series | Mainly summer, with November resits in English language and maths | Summer and November, plus other series for some boards |
| Coursework | Mostly exam only, with some non exam assessment in certain subjects | Some subjects can be taken with or without coursework |
| Tiers | Foundation and higher in tiered subjects | Core and extended (Cambridge), foundation and higher (Edexcel) |
| School performance tables in England | Counted | Excluded from 2017 |
Earlier in the 2010s, a number of state schools in England switched to IGCSEs in subjects such as English and maths. From 2017, the government excluded IGCSEs from the official school performance tables, and entries from state schools fell. IGCSEs are still recognised as equivalent to GCSEs for things like college entry, but schools that are judged on performance tables now generally choose GCSEs. As a result, most UK entries for IGCSEs today come from independent schools.
For most students, no. Sixth forms, colleges and universities generally accept IGCSEs alongside GCSEs, and comparable grades are treated in the same way. If a course or university asks for a particular grade, check whether they want a 9 to 1 grade or accept a letter grade, and contact them if you are unsure. Our guide to grade boundaries and grading scales explains how the scales compare.
This is where the difference really matters. GCSE and IGCSE papers in the same subject can look similar, but their structure, timing, topics and question styles differ. To practise effectively:
Our subject pages list papers for both GCSEs and IGCSEs, including maths, biology, chemistry, physics and English. See also our guide to using past papers to revise.
Not as a rule. Difficulty depends on the subject and specification. Both are designed for students of around 16 and are generally treated as equivalent.
Generally yes. Universities and colleges usually accept IGCSEs alongside GCSEs. If a course asks for a specific grade, check whether a letter grade or 9 to 1 grade is required.
They can help with extra topic practice, but structure and content differ. Always start with past papers for your own IGCSE board and specification.
IGCSEs are popular in independent and international schools. Some like the course content, the option of coursework in certain subjects or the additional exam series.
Updated October 2026