What's Next After IGCSEs? Your Options, Explained

Congratulations on finishing your IGCSEs! You’ve worked hard to reach this point, and now it’s time to think about what comes next. Your next step depends on your goals, interests, and strengths. 

This guide explores the most popular pathways after IGCSEs, including A Levels, the IB Diploma, vocational courses, foundation programmes, and apprenticeships, to help you make an informed choice.

Key Takeaways

• Explore your options early: Take time to understand what each pathway offers, how it is assessed, and where it can lead.

• Match your choice to your learning style: Some routes focus on exams and theory, while others are more practical or project-based.

• Remember there is no single right path: Each option can lead to success if it suits your goals, interests, and strengths.

A Levels

A Levels are one of the most common routes after IGCSEs for UK students. Students usually choose three or four subjects to study in depth over two years, with final exams at the end of the course in Year 13. The first year of A Levels (Year 12) is known as AS Level. 

This pathway is academically demanding and allows flexibility in subject combinations. AS and A Level are offered by a wide range of exam boards, including:

• Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab)

• OCR (opens in a new tab)

• AQA (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International) (opens in a new tab)

• Eduqas (opens in a new tab)

Strengths: A Levels allow you to specialise in your strongest subjects and are widely recognised by universities worldwide. The various exam board options provide some choice about course content and assessment style for your subjects.

Challenges: The focus on a few subjects means less variety, and the workload can be intense. To take a subject at A Level, some schools, sixth forms and colleges require minimum grades at GCSE or IGCSE.

Who it suits: Students who enjoy independent study, want to specialise early, and aim for university-level education.

Not sure which A Level subjects to choose? Check our comprehensive guide on how to select A Level subjects that match your interests and future plans. Save My Exams also has a wealth of revision resources specific to AS (Year 12) and A Level (Year 13) to support your studies.

IB Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) (opens in a new tab) is an internationally recognised qualification that combines breadth and depth. Students study six subjects with three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), along with core components, including Theory of Knowledge (TOK) (opens in a new tab), Extended Essay (EE) (opens in a new tab) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) (opens in a new tab). 

Strengths: The IB develops critical thinking, time management, and global awareness, preparing students for university life.

Challenges: Managing coursework, essays, and exams across six subjects can be demanding. There is only one exam board for this, so no ability to switch based on course or assessment preference. To take a subject at Higher Level, some schools, sixth forms and colleges require minimum grades at GCSE or IGCSE.

Who it suits: Students who enjoy variety, want an international qualification, and can manage a busy workload.

To get familiar with IB-style assessments and topics, check out Save My Exams’ IB-specific resources.

Vocational Qualifications

Vocational courses focus on practical skills and real-world applications rather than purely academic study. They often involve continuous assessment through projects and assignments instead of end-of-year exams. 

They may also allow you to spend time working in a business or industry setting. 

Examples of vocational qualifications offered in the UK are:

• BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council) - delivered by Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge Technicals (opens in a new tab)

• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) (opens in a new tab)

• T Levels (opens in a new tab)

• V Levels (launching in 2027 (opens in a new tab))

Strengths: Ideal for students who prefer hands-on learning and want to develop industry-relevant skills.

Challenges: Some highly academic universities may prefer A Levels or IB, depending on the subject area. 

Who it suits: Students who thrive on applied learning and are interested in careers such as business, design, technology, or healthcare.

Foundation and Bridging Courses

Foundation programmes are typically one-year courses that prepare students for higher education in specific fields. They are often offered by international schools or universities to support students who need extra academic or language preparation. 

This type of qualification includes: Foundation Years, University Foundation Programmes (UFPs), International Foundation Programmes and Pathway Courses.

Strengths: Provide a supportive transition and focus on particular subjects such as business, art, or engineering. You’ll get valuable preparation for higher education because you experience this first-hand when your course is delivered by a university.

Challenges: Tuition fees are sometimes charged for these courses - those provided by universities can cost between £7,000-£9,500 per year (opens in a new tab).  

Who it suits: Students who want to build confidence before starting higher-level study, or who need extra preparation to meet university entry requirements.

Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning

Apprenticeships combine classroom study with paid work experience. They are popular for students who want to start earning while continuing their education.

Strengths: Gain practical experience, earn a salary, and develop job-ready skills.

Challenges: Learning is career-specific, and switching fields later can be harder. Apprenticeships can sometimes be competitive as places are limited and some require minimum grades at GCSE or IGCSE. Salaries paid during the course can be low (often minimum wage).

Who it suits: Students who want to enter the workforce sooner while gaining recognised qualifications.

Other International Options

Depending on your location or plans, other options include the American High School Diploma, local national curricula, or online study programmes. These routes can be flexible for students moving between education systems or studying internationally.

How to Choose the Right Path After IGCSEs

1. Consider your strengths and interests

Think about which subjects you enjoy and where your talents lie. 

Students who excel in classroom-style learning environments and formal exam-based assessments may prefer the structure and assessment of A Levels or IB, while those who enjoy more hands-on learning or industry-based experience may prefer vocational routes.

2. Think about future university or career plans 

Check which qualifications are recognised by the universities or industries you are interested in. Planning ahead can open more opportunities later.

3. Reflect on your learning style

Consider whether you prefer exams or coursework, independent study or collaborative projects. Choosing a route that fits your style can make your experience more enjoyable and successful.

4. Talk to teachers, parents, and career advisors 

People who know your strengths can help you understand what each pathway involves and which might suit you best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go straight to university after IGCSEs? 

No, all universities in the UK require further study such as A Levels, IB, or equivalent qualifications before applying. Universities in other countries also have similar requirements.

Can I switch from vocational to academic later?

Maybe. It depends on the subject and where you’re studying. Some pathways are more flexible than others, so it is best to plan early and speak to your school, college or sixth form.

Do my IGCSE grades affect which path I can take? 

Yes, many schools set minimum grade requirements for entry into post-16 qualifications.

Final Thoughts

Finishing your IGCSEs is a big achievement, and it opens the door to many exciting possibilities. 

Whether you choose A Levels, IB, vocational courses, apprenticeships or another route, the key is to find the path that fits you. There is no single right choice. What matters most is choosing a route that helps you grow, learn, and move closer to your goals.

For extra support as you prepare for your next steps, explore Save My Exams’ revision resources to build your confidence and knowledge.

 References

• Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab)

• OCR (opens in a new tab)

• AQA (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge International) (opens in a new tab)

• Eduqas (opens in a new tab)

• Gov.uk (opens in a new tab) 

• IB Diploma Programme (DP) (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge Technicals (opens in a new tab)

• NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) (opens in a new tab)

• T Levels (opens in a new tab)

• BBC.co.uk (opens in a new tab)