A-Level vs IGCSE: Understanding the Progression
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-Levels are two stages of the British curriculum pathway, not competing alternatives. IGCSEs are taken by students aged 14 to 16 and provide a broad foundation across multiple subjects, while A-Levels are the subsequent two-year qualification taken from ages 16 to 18 that prepares students for university admission. Understanding the relationship between these two qualifications is important for planning an effective academic trajectory. IGCSE results often determine which A-Level subjects a student can study, and the skills developed during IGCSEs form the foundation for A-Level success. The transition from IGCSE to A-Level represents a significant step up in depth, independent thinking, and academic demand. At ++tutors, we support students at both stages. Whether your child is preparing for IGCSE examinations or making the transition to A-Levels, our tutors include experienced teachers and examiners from all major exam boards who can provide targeted guidance at each level.
Programme Overviews
Understanding each programme at a glance
A-Level
A-Levels are an advanced qualification taken over two years by students aged 16 to 18, representing the final stage of secondary education before university. Students typically study three or four subjects in significant depth, chosen to align with their intended degree programme. A-Level grades are the primary basis for UK university admissions.
International GCSE
The IGCSE is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 14 to 16, equivalent to the UK GCSE. Students typically take eight to ten subjects spanning English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and languages. IGCSEs provide a broad academic foundation and are offered by Cambridge International (CAIE) and Edexcel exam boards.
Detailed Comparison
How A-Level and IGCSE differ across key dimensions
| Dimension | A-Level | IGCSE |
|---|---|---|
| Level | An advanced (post-16) qualification equivalent to the final two years of secondary education. It represents the highest level of school-based academic study in the British system and is the direct prerequisite for university entry. | An intermediate (pre-16) qualification representing the end of compulsory secondary education. It sits below A-Levels in the academic progression and serves as the foundation for further study. |
| Age Range | Typically studied by students aged 16 to 18, over a two-year course (Year 12 and Year 13 in the UK system, or equivalent in international schools). | Typically studied by students aged 14 to 16, over a two-year course (Year 10 and Year 11 in the UK system, or equivalent in international schools). |
| Assessment | Predominantly assessed through terminal examinations at the end of the two-year course. Some subjects include coursework or practical endorsements, but the vast majority of marks come from written exams. | Assessed through a combination of terminal examinations and, in some subjects, coursework or practical components. Some IGCSE subjects offer a choice between coursework and an additional exam paper. |
| Depth | Substantially deeper than IGCSE. A-Level courses build on IGCSE knowledge and extend into more complex, abstract, and analytical territory. Students are expected to demonstrate independent critical thinking and handle open-ended questions. | Provides a solid grounding in each subject but at a more accessible level. Content is largely factual and procedural, with assessment focusing on knowledge recall, application, and structured analysis. |
| Subject Choice | Students narrow their focus to three or four subjects, chosen strategically to align with their intended university course and career path. The reduction in subjects allows for much greater depth in each. | Students take a broad range of eight to ten subjects, including compulsory core subjects (English, Mathematics, and at least one Science) alongside electives. This breadth ensures a well-rounded foundation. |
| University Entry | A-Level grades are the primary qualification used for university admissions in the UK and are widely accepted internationally. Specific grade requirements (e.g., AAB) are set by universities for each degree programme. | IGCSEs are not typically sufficient for direct university entry. They are used to qualify students for A-Level or IB Diploma study. However, strong IGCSE results (particularly in English and Mathematics) are sometimes reviewed by competitive universities as part of the application. |
| Qualification Type | A terminal, standalone qualification that serves as the primary basis for university admission. Each A-Level is an independent qualification and can be taken individually. | A foundational qualification that serves as a stepping stone to further study. While each IGCSE is an independent qualification, the overall profile of IGCSE results determines post-16 options. |
| Exam Boards | Offered by multiple exam boards including Cambridge International (CAIE), Edexcel (Pearson), AQA, and OCR. Each board sets its own syllabus and examinations, though the level of difficulty is comparable across boards. | Primarily offered by Cambridge International (CAIE) and Edexcel (Pearson) for international students. The UK domestic equivalent (GCSE) is offered by AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Syllabi differ between boards but cover similar core content. |
Level
An advanced (post-16) qualification equivalent to the final two years of secondary education. It represents the highest level of school-based academic study in the British system and is the direct prerequisite for university entry.
An intermediate (pre-16) qualification representing the end of compulsory secondary education. It sits below A-Levels in the academic progression and serves as the foundation for further study.
Age Range
Typically studied by students aged 16 to 18, over a two-year course (Year 12 and Year 13 in the UK system, or equivalent in international schools).
Typically studied by students aged 14 to 16, over a two-year course (Year 10 and Year 11 in the UK system, or equivalent in international schools).
Assessment
Predominantly assessed through terminal examinations at the end of the two-year course. Some subjects include coursework or practical endorsements, but the vast majority of marks come from written exams.
Assessed through a combination of terminal examinations and, in some subjects, coursework or practical components. Some IGCSE subjects offer a choice between coursework and an additional exam paper.
Depth
Substantially deeper than IGCSE. A-Level courses build on IGCSE knowledge and extend into more complex, abstract, and analytical territory. Students are expected to demonstrate independent critical thinking and handle open-ended questions.
Provides a solid grounding in each subject but at a more accessible level. Content is largely factual and procedural, with assessment focusing on knowledge recall, application, and structured analysis.
Subject Choice
Students narrow their focus to three or four subjects, chosen strategically to align with their intended university course and career path. The reduction in subjects allows for much greater depth in each.
Students take a broad range of eight to ten subjects, including compulsory core subjects (English, Mathematics, and at least one Science) alongside electives. This breadth ensures a well-rounded foundation.
University Entry
A-Level grades are the primary qualification used for university admissions in the UK and are widely accepted internationally. Specific grade requirements (e.g., AAB) are set by universities for each degree programme.
IGCSEs are not typically sufficient for direct university entry. They are used to qualify students for A-Level or IB Diploma study. However, strong IGCSE results (particularly in English and Mathematics) are sometimes reviewed by competitive universities as part of the application.
Qualification Type
A terminal, standalone qualification that serves as the primary basis for university admission. Each A-Level is an independent qualification and can be taken individually.
A foundational qualification that serves as a stepping stone to further study. While each IGCSE is an independent qualification, the overall profile of IGCSE results determines post-16 options.
Exam Boards
Offered by multiple exam boards including Cambridge International (CAIE), Edexcel (Pearson), AQA, and OCR. Each board sets its own syllabus and examinations, though the level of difficulty is comparable across boards.
Primarily offered by Cambridge International (CAIE) and Edexcel (Pearson) for international students. The UK domestic equivalent (GCSE) is offered by AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. Syllabi differ between boards but cover similar core content.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose A-Level if...
Choose IGCSE if...
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about A-Level vs IGCSE
Most sixth forms and international schools require a minimum of five IGCSE passes at grade C or above (including English and Mathematics) to progress to A-Levels. Competitive schools and specific A-Level subjects may require higher grades, such as A or A* in related IGCSEs. For example, A-Level Chemistry typically requires at least a B in IGCSE Chemistry.