Interactive lessons and full-length practice papers for Pearson Edexcel International and Cambridge CAIE, the two IGCSE boards a UK private candidate can realistically sit. Written by us in the style of each board, and a termly record of learning you can share with your local authority if you choose to.
No card required to start.
Most GCSE subjects are assessed entirely by written exam, so private candidates can sit them at an exam centre. English Language includes a spoken language endorsement which the exam centre runs. It's reported separately and doesn't affect the grade, so it doesn't stop a private candidate sitting the exam. A few subjects do include non-exam assessment or a practical element that a centre has to administer, such as Art and Design, Design and Technology, Food, Drama, Music and the speaking part of languages. This varies by board, so check the specification before choosing one.
UK GCSEs run one main series in May/June. There is a November series, but AQA restricts entry to students who were at least 16 on the previous 31 August, and it does not cover every subject. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE runs May/June and November, and Cambridge IGCSE runs June and November, both open to all candidates. A second full series each year means a retake without waiting a year.
Not every exam centre accepts private candidates, and availability varies by area and subject, so it's worth contacting centres early.
UCAS, sixth forms and employers treat IGCSE as equivalent to GCSE. The grade you achieve is the grade that goes on your application — no asterisk, no caveat.
Pick the board your exam centre offers — content is mapped to the exact syllabus codes each one publishes.
Pearson
9–1 grading, no coursework, exam sessions in May/June and November.
Cambridge Assessment
The most internationally-recognised IGCSE. Core (target C–G) and Extended (target A*–E) tiers. A*–G grading is standard; some regions use 9–1. Exam sessions in June and November.
AQA + Oxford UP
Built for international schools, and not regulated by Ofqual. Exam sessions in May/June and November. A UK private candidate needs a centre already approved by OxfordAQA, and we have not been able to confirm one.
Every IGCSE subject sits alongside our standard GCSE content — your child can switch boards or qualifications without re-doing lessons.
Free to start — all Missions plus 5 lessons per subject, every month. No card, no time limit. Tick "We home-educate" on signup and we'll surface IGCSE boards first.
