Assessed by final exams
Most International GCSE subjects are assessed by exams at the end of the course, with no coursework to complete under supervision. That is why private candidates can take them without a school.
Every subject has a live lesson each week with a specialist teacher, recorded for revision, with marked work in between.
International GCSEs suit home education: most subjects are assessed by written exams alone, with no coursework to supervise. Your child sits each exam as a private candidate at a registered centre, and the certificate comes from the exam board.
Both sit at the same level and lead to the same next step. The differences matter most to families who home educate, because they decide how your child is assessed and where they sit the exams.
Most International GCSE subjects are assessed by exams at the end of the course, with no coursework to complete under supervision. That is why private candidates can take them without a school.
Pearson designs its International GCSE to the same standard as its GCSE, graded 9 to 1. The certificate says International GCSE, and it records the subject and grade, not how your child studied.
International GCSEs are not regulated by Ofqual and are not tied to the National Curriculum. Sixth forms and colleges set their own entry rules, so check how each one treats them.
Most online GCSE courses sell the materials and a tutor who marks your work. CambriLearn works as a school, with a teacher for each subject and a weekly timetable.
| What you get | Distance learning course | School in Years 10 and 11 | CambriLearn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live lessons | Usually none. You study from the materials. | Yes, every school day | Yes, a live lesson each week in every subject |
| Subject teacher | A tutor who marks work, if included | Yes | Yes, a specialist for each subject |
| Weekly timetable | No | Yes | Yes |
| Recorded lessons | Some pre-recorded content | No | Yes, every live lesson |
| Marked work | Tutor-marked assignments | Yes | Yes, marked by the subject teacher |
| Qualification | Usually International GCSE, sat as a private candidate | GCSE, entered by the school | International GCSE, sat as a private candidate with help from our Exam Officers |
| Coursework | Depends on the subject and board | Some subjects include assessed coursework | Written exams in most subjects |
| Oversight | Varies | School inspection, by Ofsted in England | Cognia accreditation and approved Pearson Edexcel centre status |
Lessons run to a published timetable, so your child is taught at set times each week by the same subject teachers. Our admissions team works UK hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00.
Each subject has a live lesson every week with a specialist teacher, and some subjects have two. Your consultant confirms the slots for your child's subjects before you enrol.
Download timetables by gradeLive lessons are recorded, so your child can catch up after illness or a training block, and rewatch any lesson before exams.
The subject teacher sets and marks assignments with written feedback, and you can follow attendance and progress in CambriCommand.
Premium adds a weekly 30-minute question and answer session with the subject teacher, direct teacher chat and marked mock exams. You choose the package per subject.