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A parent’s guideguide
Qualifications · Parent Guide

International GCSEs and A Levels, explained without jargon.

Families need to understand the qualification, subject specification, assessment route and future recognition before choosing a programme.

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Approved May 2025 photograph of iBOS pupils being interviewed for all about igcse and ials
iBOS

Understand · compare · decide · discuss

01

What “International” Means

Understand · compare · decide · discuss

International GCSEs and International A Levels are qualifications designed for use across countries. The title describes the qualification route; it does not make the school a loose collection of international courses.

02

International GCSEs

These qualifications are normally studied in Years 10–11. Content and assessment depend on the current subject specification and examination series.

03

International A Levels

These advanced qualifications are normally studied across Years 12–13. Pearson Edexcel International A Levels use a modular structure, with the applicable units defined by each subject specification.

04

Recognition and Destination Requirements

Universities and other institutions set their own entry requirements. Students should check the requirements for their intended country, course and institution rather than rely on a general recognition claim.

05

Teaching and Examination Entry Are Connected

A complete plan covers course content, subject combinations, assessment, exam-centre arrangements and the next destination.

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