Can You Switch From IGCSE to GCSE?

Are you mid-way through your IGCSEs and switching to GCSEs? Maybe you’re moving, going to a new school, or you want to change some of your subjects? No doubt you’re worried about what switching between IGCSE and GCSE might involve. 

As a teacher and GCSE leader, I’ve helped many students successfully switch curriculum, and exam boards. Just like you, they were initially concerned that a switch from IGCSE to GCSE meant:

• Extra work and catch-up

• A more difficult course

• Issues with future studies

With the right information under your belt, a clear idea of what to expect, and an open mind, you can expect a smooth transition. This guide will support you through the process. 

Key takeaways

• Switching from IGCSE to GCSE is common and entirely possible

• Both cover similar content, and test the same skills

• It's best to switch early enough before exams to give yourself plenty of prep time

Is It Possible to Switch From IGCSE to GCSE?

I’ve helped many students successfully switch from IGCSE to GCSE courses. They’ve found the process relatively simple because they already had lots of transferable skills. In other words, all the skills and knowledge you’ve gained so far will be very useful.  

Key Differences Between IGCSE and GCSE

IGCSEs (International General Certificates of Secondary Education) and GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education) are considered to be the same qualification. That’s because IGCSEs are simply GCSEs that mostly cater to international students.

Here are some of their main differences. 

When Is the Best Time to Switch From IGCSE to GCSE?

IGCSEs and GCSEs are designed to be taught over 2 years. So it’s worth considering how close it is to exam time when you switch. You’ll want enough time to prepare for summer exams. 

You can: 

1. Find out when your GCSE subject exams are

2. Make a schedule for your studies to see if you’ve enough time to prepare

3. Ask for some advice from your teachers

What to Consider Before Switching

The best thing is to find out what GCSE subjects you’ll take, and how they compare with the ones you’ve studied at IGCSE level. It’ll depend on the exam board, too. Your new school can tell you this. 

Let’s break it down. 

Subject Overlap

This is likely the area you’re worrying about most if you’re switching from IGCSE to GCSE. How much your GCSE subject topics overlap with IGCSE depends on the exam board, and this could prove difficult if you’re nearing exam time. 

Core subjects: English and maths

nerally, whatever skills you have gained in IGCSE Maths and English can be transferred to GCSE. All secondary school students need to learn long division, or how to understand a news article, for instance.

Complications arise if the set texts you’ll be studying at GCSE differ to those you’ve been studying at IGCSE, for example, as this may mean starting from scratch and may not be feasible. It depends on when you’re making the switch, and how much content or coursework you’ll need to catch up on. 

Optional subjects

IGCSE and GCSE options might cover different topics, but you may find the topics you’ve already studied are on GCSE courses, or offered as an optional exam question. Here’s a sample. 

Here’s a closer look at how English Literature is taught across the IGCSE and GCSE.

If you’re studying history, you can browse the IGCSE history topics (opens in a new tab) and GCSE history past papers. 

Coursework Requirements

Coursework assesses how you apply your subject knowledge to a practical or creative project (a performance, oral presentation, or case study), or through research and essays. 

Each exam board and course will require slightly different pieces of coursework to form part of your overall IGCSE or GCSE qualification, so you may need to redo, adapt, or catch up on some pieces, depending on your subjects. Ask your school or college how they can help with any practical work you need to do. They’re sure to offer you support.  

Assessment Style

IGCSEs and GCSEs are considered equivalent qualifications. However, each exam board and course will vary in terms of how they assess your final grade, so the way they determine your grades are different. 

With most subjects, whether IGCSE or GCSE, your grade is formed from final written exams. Some IGCSE and GCSE subjects offer different tiers for their exams. 

• IGCSE

  • Core or Extended

• GCSE

  • Foundation or Higher

Tiers are differently designed exams.

• Foundation or Core tier is a slightly less challenging exam, and is capped at a level C

  • For example, Foundation GCSE maths or Core IGCSE maths

• The Higher or Extended exams allow a full range of grades (from 9-1 or A* to G)

  • They may offer more topics, too, like in GCSE maths (opens in a new tab)

Exam Preparation

IGCSE and GCSE courses design their exam papers in their own way. For example, they may use shorter or longer questions, or divide the topics differently. 

Because your exam papers vary, mark schemes will be different, too. Mark schemes and past papers are excellent ways to prepare yourself for your IGCSEs and GCSEs. 

Understanding the way the exam papers are structured will show you if there are some unfamiliar topics you’ll need to respond to. This will tell you if you need a few new textbooks or topic guides. 

Step-by-Step: How to Switch From IGCSE to GCSE

1. Talk to your current and future school

   • Find out what exam board you’ve been using

   • Ask the new school what exam board their subjects use

2. Check subject equivalency

   • Ask your school for comparisons of subjects you’re taking

   • You can get a copy of the exam board syllabus, too

3. Ask about coursework

   • Your new school may be able to help you catch up any missed practical work, but this depends on when you’re making the switch

4. Get support

   • To bridge gaps between IGCSE and GCSE topics, ask your teachers and tutors for tips to hone skills or help you understand a new concept

   • Use online revision tools to brush up on content knowledge and exam technique

5. Confirm exam entry plans

   • Ask your teacher or tutor which tier you’ve been studying for IGCSE (Core or Extended)

   • Then, ask your school or college exam officer to enter you for the right GCSE subjects, and the correct tier (Higher or Foundation)

Will Switching Qualifications Affect My University Applications?

Universities accept both IGCSEs or GCSEs as valid entry for further study. They’re seen as part of your overall academic record. Universities like to see your IGCSE or GCSE grades to look over things like:

• Core subject results

  • Maths and English

  • Science, sometimes

• The breadth of subjects you’ve studied

  • This showcases your foundation knowledge

This doesn’t mean that your IGCSEs determine your university application. Mostly, universities consider recent grades like A Levels or equivalents. 

They want an overall profile of you as a prospective student, which may include all sorts of things, like teamwork or leadership skills, overall approach to education, and future goals. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

No, IGCSE is not more difficult than GCSE. They’re equivalent qualifications and are accepted equally for further study. 

Will I need to retake a year?

As you are switching from IGCSE to GCSE, you may need to redo some key pieces of coursework or, depending on how close to exams you switch, you might need to do exams the following year. 

Usually, you’ll need to pass English and maths (core subjects). You’ll only need to resit the exams (in November or the next summer), not necessarily retake the year. 

Can I take both IGCSE and GCSEs? 

Yes, you can take a mixture of IGCSE subjects and GCSE subjects, depending on your new school.