# IGCSE and GCSE, on your child's specification.

Source: https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/tutoring/igcse

For families outside Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan whose child is taking IGCSE, International GCSE or GCSE at an international school or a school in the UK. Subject specialists teach English, Maths and the sciences one to one, online, following the exam board and specification the school has chosen.

## Following the specification.

| Exam board | Qualification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge International | Cambridge IGCSE | Core and Extended tiers in many subjects |
| Pearson Edexcel | International GCSE | Foundation and Higher tiers in some subjects |
| UK exam boards (such as AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel) | GCSE | For students at schools in the UK, including boarders |

Papers and tiers vary by subject. We teach from the specification your child's school uses.

## Two years, then the exams.

IGCSE and GCSE are normally taken over Years 10 and 11 (ages 14 to 16), before IB or A-Level. Exam series run more than once a year for some boards (to be confirmed); the school decides which series your child sits.

Lessons follow the school's order of topics during the course, then move to past papers and revision before mocks and the final exams.

## Subjects we teach.

- [English](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/tutoring/english) — Language and Literature
- [Maths](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/tutoring/maths) — including Additional Mathematics where the school offers it
- [Physics](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/tutoring/physics), [Chemistry](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/tutoring/chemistry) and [Biology](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/tutoring/biology) — as separate sciences or combined science

## IGCSE and GCSE lessons: common questions.

**What is the difference between IGCSE and GCSE?**

Both are two-year qualifications at a similar stage. IGCSE and International GCSE are designed for schools outside the UK; GCSE is taken in UK schools. Tutors work from whichever your child is entered for.

**When is a good time to start?**

Starting early in the two-year course, or after the first school report, usually leaves more room than starting just before mocks.

- [Cambridge International — qualifications](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/)
- [Pearson Edexcel — qualifications](https://qualifications.pearson.com/)

## Send us the details.

Tell us the subjects, exam board and tier, and your time zone.

- [Book a consultation](https://www.eltschool.org/intl/en/trial)

Updated: 2026-10-31

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ELT School — one-to-one online lessons with native English-speaking specialists. Founded in London in 1984.

ELT School is operated by ELT Education Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) and ELT School of English Ltd. (London, United Kingdom). All lessons are contracted with ELT Education Inc.