Exam boards

The exam board defines the exam. We teach to it.

Most international schools in Europe enter students for Cambridge IGCSE or Pearson Edexcel International GCSE. The content overlaps, but syllabuses, tiering, paper structure and mark schemes differ — and those differences decide marks.

Cambridge IGCSE

Cambridge IGCSE is an international qualification for 14–16-year-olds offered by Cambridge International Education, taken in over 140 countries and widely used by international schools across Europe.

Assessment is predominantly by final written examination, usually across two or more papers per subject.
Sciences include a practical-skills component, assessed through a practical test or an alternative-to-practical written paper depending on the school.

How we teach Cambridge

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE is an international qualification for 14–16-year-olds offered by Pearson, taught in international schools worldwide and graded on the 9–1 scale.

Assessment is by final written examination, typically two papers per subject.
Most subjects are untiered, so every student has access to the full 9–1 grade range.

How we teach Edexcel

Not sure which board your child sits?

The school will have entered the student with one board per subject, and it can vary from subject to subject within the same school. The syllabus code on past papers or the school's exam-entry documents identifies it — or simply mention the school in your consultation and we'll work it out with you.

Find the Right IGCSE Support for Your Child

Tell us about the student’s subjects, exam board and goals. We’ll listen, advise honestly and propose a tutor match — with no obligation to continue.

Book a Free Consultation See how it works