Exam board
Cambridge IGCSE tutoring
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.
What Cambridge IGCSE is
- Cambridge IGCSE is developed by Cambridge International Education, part of the University of Cambridge. It is the most widely taken international qualification for this age group, offered in a broad range of subjects.
- Many subjects are available in two grading routes: the A*–G scale and the 9–1 scale (syllabus codes ending in 0 and 9 respectively, such as Mathematics 0580 and 0980). The content is the same; only the grading differs.
- Several Cambridge subjects are tiered: students enter either Core (grades C–G / 5–1) or Extended (grades A*–E / 9–2) papers. Tier choice materially affects both content and the grades available.
Why the specification matters
- Each Cambridge syllabus defines exactly what can be examined, the command words used, and how marks are awarded. Teaching that ignores the specification wastes time on content that will never be assessed — and misses content that will.
- Cambridge mark schemes reward specific terminology and answer structures. Students who practise against the actual mark schemes consistently convert knowledge into marks more reliably.
How assessment works
- 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.
- Tier choice (Core vs Extended) must usually be settled before entry deadlines — tutors can help inform this decision with evidence from lessons.
How our tutoring adapts
- Tutors work directly from the student’s Cambridge syllabus code, so lesson content maps exactly to what will be examined.
- Past-paper practice uses genuine Cambridge papers and mark schemes for the student’s syllabus and tier.
- Command words — describe, explain, evaluate, deduce — are taught explicitly, because Cambridge mark schemes apply them precisely.
- For tiered subjects, tutors help students and parents make an informed Core/Extended decision based on demonstrated performance.
Cambridge questions
What is the difference between Cambridge IGCSE Core and Extended?
Core papers cover a reduced syllabus and cap the available grade (typically C or 5). Extended papers cover the full syllabus and give access to the top grades. Students sit one tier per subject, chosen before exam entry.
Is Cambridge IGCSE graded 9–1 or A*–G?
Both grading scales exist, as separate syllabus codes for the same content. Which one a student receives depends on the syllabus their school has entered them for.
Are Cambridge IGCSEs accepted by universities?
Cambridge IGCSE is widely recognised internationally as equivalent to UK GCSE. It is typically a foundation stage before A Levels, the IB Diploma or national post-16 routes, which are the qualifications universities primarily assess.
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.