iGCSE or Pre A-Level – which is better for me?

UK Guardianship

iGCSE or Pre A-levelIf you are thinking about taking A-Levels in the UK, you may be considering either iGCSEs or a Pre A-Level course in preparation. But what are the differences between the two and which would be better for you to take? We’ve done some research on both to help you make your decision.
 

What are iGCSEs?

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) are academic qualifications taken by most students in the UK at age 16. The iGCSEs are an international alternative to GCSEs and are recognised by most countries. They are highly exam based and graded on an 8-point scale with grades ranging from A to G with an additional grade U which stands for Ungraded. Students usually take between 5 and 14 subjects. They are known to be harder than general GCSEs and students usually study for 1 to 2 years before taking the exams.
 

What is a Pre A-Level course?

A Pre A-Level course prepares international students for A-Levels in the UK, especially for those lacking English language skills. They usually take one year to complete and are often a mix of English language training and GCSE level academic courses. The content varies from school to school so it is best to check each school’s website to find out more on the syllabus and what exactly pupils will learn when taking a Pre A-Level course.
 

How do I know which one is better for me?

No matter whether you take iGCSEs or a Pre A-Level course, upon successful completion you will be able to carry on to study A-Levels in the UK afterwards. If you have not yet decided that you would definitely like to continue your education in the UK and take A-levels, we would advise you to choose iGCSEs as they are internationally recognised. However, if you are certain that you want to continue on to take A-Levels in the UK afterwards and/or if you need additional English language training, completing a Pre A-Level course might be a better option for you.
 

How can UKG help?

If you’re still not sure which course suits you best, you can always contact us. We would be happy to offer you advice based on your personal circumstances and we can help you to find the perfect course, to choose a suitable school and with the application process. Find out more about our School Placement services.