A plain-English guide to the most common international school curricula, what they are, how they work, and which might suit your family best.
Curriculum guide
By Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the world's most popular international qualification for 14–16 year olds, offered by Cambridge International. Students typically take 8–10 IGCSEs across English, maths, sciences and options, with grades A*–G or 9–1 depending on the syllabus. Recognised for university and college entry worldwide.
Students take 8–10 IGCSE subjects across two years. English (first or second language), maths and at least one science are near-universal; options range across humanities, arts, languages, business, and technology.
Cambridge IGCSE
Same-level qualifications, treated as equivalent by UK universities. IGCSE exam papers are released later so different time zones can sit securely; syllabuses adjust for international audiences (less UK-specific history, more comparative content). IGCSE offers coursework-lighter routes than newer UK GCSEs for some subjects.
Cambridge IGCSE
Both are internationally-recognised and university-accepted as equivalent. Cambridge IGCSE is more widely offered; Pearson Edexcel's syllabuses are sometimes considered slightly closer to UK GCSE content. Schools usually pick one board and stick with it.
Is Cambridge IGCSE right for your child?
It tends to suit families who…
It may be less ideal if…
The bigger picture
UK Read the full British curriculum guide Cambridge IGCSE sits inside the wider British pathway. See how it slots in with the other stages, how universities recognise it, and where to find British-curriculum schools by country. →Common questions
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