What Happens If You Fail Your IGCSEs?

If you’re an IGCSE student and you’re worried about your exam results (perhaps you’ve just finished an assessment or you’re anxious about upcoming exams), then you may be wondering what happens if you fail your IGCSEs. 

You probably have a few questions:

• What counts as a ‘fail’?

• What happens if I don’t pass?

• Can I try again?

• Do my results affect my application to colleges? 

The first thing to do is to pat yourself on the back. You’ve come here to find answers, and that’s a good start. We think the information will reassure you. 

Secondly, remind yourself that failing your IGCSEs won’t negatively affect the rest of your life, and that lots of people are on your side. You have plenty of options and there’s support available to help you achieve your goals. 

Key Takeaways

• IGCSE examiners consider anything above a grade 4 or a C to be a pass

• As maths and English are considered core subjects, you may need to retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time

• You can resit any subject you choose in November or the following summer

• You can also resit as few or as many as you like

• 5 IGCSEs are ideal for applications for further study or employment, but there are alternative courses and provisions that provide an equivalent grade to an IGCSE

What Counts as a Fail in IGCSEs?

IGCSE examiners consider anything below either a grade 4 or a grade C as a ‘fail’.

The grading system for IGCSE depends on the exam board. There are two scales. 

These are, from lowest to highest:

• 1 to 9 (Cambridge IGCSE (opens in a new tab))

• G to A* (Edexcel IGCSE (opens in a new tab), Cambridge IGCSE (opens in a new tab)and Oxford International IGCSE (opens in a new tab))

The U grade is given if the exam paper is returned blank or if nothing written fits the mark scheme, which means it remains ungraded. 

Grade boundaries change every year according to results, and, remember, there are often very few marks between grade boundaries. 

Although IGCSE grading systems and mark schemes vary across exam boards, the assessment criteria is generally the same. 

A grade 4 or grade C is the minimum requirement for most colleges, universities, and employment. It’s worth noting that, according to Cambridge IGCSE (opens in a new tab), “some universities will use the new grade 5 as an equivalent while others will use grade 4”.

What Happens If You Fail One Subject?

Exam boards differentiate between core and non-core subjects:

• Core subjects are English and maths (sometimes science is included)

• Non-core subjects are other subjects, like geography or history

If you fail a subject that isn’t English or maths (core subjects), you don’t have to take it again. Of course, you can retake an exam in any subject should you wish. 

Ideally, to study A Levels or to find a job, you’ll need 5 IGCSEs at grade 4 or grade C, including English and maths. But it isn’t always the case that you need these entry requirements. Employers, colleges, schools, and further education providers do consider factors other than just academic results. 

What If You Fail English or Maths IGCSE?

If you don’t achieve a grade 4 or grade C in either maths or English, you’ll usually need to retake the exam to progress to college or sixth form. This is because English and maths are core subjects. 

What you can do:

• Retake the exam either in November or next summer

• Consider alternative qualifications (equivalents to IGCSE maths and English)

  • They may include BTEC, NVQs, or Functional Skills

As a GCSE English leader in charge of resitting students for many years, you can be assured that your teachers or tutor (or the head of maths and English) will approach you and help with the best ways forward.

Can You Resit IGCSEs?

Generally, IGCSEs are offered twice each year. You can resit your exams either in:

• May/June

• October/November

If you want to get straight on it, you can resit your IGCSE exam in the November series, a few months after you get your IGCSE results. In this case, apply as soon as possible. 

• The deadline for a November entry is around mid-September

• For a summer entry, deadlines are usually mid-February

You’ll need to check if your subject is available to retake in the exam series you’re hoping for. This depends on the exam boards. Usually, the IGCSE November exams are available for core subjects like English Language, maths, and sometimes science. It’s worth checking your specific subject. 

You’ll find more detailed information on the process in our ultimate guide to IGCSE resits.

What Are Your Options If You Don’t Meet Entry Requirements?

One thing you can be sure of, there is no single path to academic success. Speaking with experts and loved ones will help you find alternative routes to achieving your goals, and the all-important perspective you need.  

Talk to Your School or College First

You may find certain courses have different entry requirements, or your teacher or further education advisor may offer you a conditional entry, which means you’ll have certain conditions to fulfil. 

Consider Alternative Qualifications

There are plenty of other ways to progress if you do happen to fail your IGCSEs. 

For example:

• Vocational courses and equivalent qualifications like Cambridge Nationals (opens in a new tab), NVQs, BTECs, or T grades

• Foundation Year Programmes

  • These are ‘stepping stones’ towards a degree with flexible entry requirements (although they usually require 5 IGCSE subjects) 

• Mature Student Entries

  • Access considerations exist for mature students with life and work experience 

• Professional Qualifications and Experience

  • These might include certificates from work-related training or online learning 

Take a Gap Year to Resit and Reapply

If you plan to resit your exam the following year, then take the year to reflect. 

This is an opportunity to identify what might have gone wrong before. Sometimes it’s as frustratingly simple as a bad day or you ‘went blank’ in the exam. I know of one student who was bitten by a spider just before their history exam. Time spent distractedly itching while writing may have cost valuable marks.

Such things nobody can plan for, but you can prepare as best as possible. 

1. Design a revision timetable

   1. Divide your time between the topics you need to revise

   2. Allow yourself more time on challenging topics

2. Use additional resources to improve your understanding and content knowledge

   1. Try new styles of revision for IGCSE English language 

   2. Look for new ideas on how to revise for IGCSE maths

What About University? Do IGCSE Fails Matter?

Universities mostly consider recent qualifications or predicted grades. 

However, your IGCSE grades may become relevant if your university or chosen course is competitive and, therefore, demands consistent grades.

You may still be offered a place, though. Universities consider things like your circumstances, personal strengths, or potential for further study.

How to Stay Positive and Move Forward

Remember, we all fail at something at least once in our lives. If we didn't, we wouldn't learn anything new or become resilient. That doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be feeling enthusiastic about that right now, though! It’s normal to feel a little disheartened. 

But here’s what you can do:

• Talk to friends or family members who’ll remind you of your many positive qualities and all your other skills

• Speak with teachers or career advisors too

  • They’ve been there, seen it before, and know, first-hand, of students who failed an exam and went on to reach their goals

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the lowest passing grade in IGCSE?

The pass grades are grade C or grade 4, depending on your exam board. 

Can I go to college if I fail an IGCSE?

Most higher education providers ask for 5 subjects passed above a C grade or grade 4 (sometimes a grade 5). If you fail the English language or maths exam, you will likely be required to retake the exam. However, there are other options to an IGCSE. 

Can I retake just one IGCSE subject?

Yes, you can resit one or more subjects at IGCSE. You can also take them multiple times. 

Do IGCSE fails show up on my certificate?

All graded exams are reported on IGCSE certificates. Sometimes ungraded exams won’t appear. 

What if I fail all my IGCSEs?

You can retake as many IGCSE exams as you wish. It may be best to focus on core subjects first. But you could also consider different qualifications or other routes. 

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, armed with all the necessary information, you’ll be reassured about your IGCSEs, and see that ‘failing’ is really just a matter of perspective. 

Time to focus on next steps: 

• Keep in mind that everyone feels this way after a setback

• Talk to people who’ll make you feel better about yourself 

• Discuss options with your school or further education advisors

• Consider a change: look for different pathways to achieving your goals

Finally, stay positive! Failing one exam or several will not determine your future, nor does it define your capacity for learning or chances for success. As they say, if you don’t succeed at first, have another go.

References: 

Cambridge IGCSE (opens in a new tab)

Edexcel IGCSE (opens in a new tab)

Oxford International IGCSE (opens in a new tab)

Cambridge Nationals (opens in a new tab)