GCSE abroad

General Certificate of Secondary Education is a British program of middle school, finalizing mandatory stage of education. The program is designed for the foreign students aged 14-16 years old. During 2 years of studying, the students master compulsory and elective subjects, after which they pass exams and receive a GCSE certificate. High grades allow graduates to continue their studies in pre-university educational programs (A-Level or IB), and then enter universities all over the world.

Studying in the best colleges and schools with GCSE, the student can choose additional subjects from the professional field in which the student wants to specialize in the future. After receiving a certificate of secondary education, as a high school student, he will continue studying these subjects at A-Level or IB.

The foreign students aged 14 can enroll on GCSE program. Some schools offer a shortened variant – One Year GCSE, lasting for 1 year, which is available to students aged 15. The content of the program is no different from a two-year course, but it takes place in an intensive mode. Excellent knowledge of English and high grades in academic subjects are required for admission.

The special program IGCSE is available for the foreign students, which has an international status and is maximally adapted to the needs of children from different countries of the world.

The program GCSE stipulates the in-depth studying of 5 to 10 disciplines. English and mathematics are mandatory in all schools, and somewhere the science, IT, and English literature is required for compulsory studying. The advantage of GCSE is that the student chooses most of the subjects (4-6) himself with the support of teachers, higher education consultants and parents. The list of subjects varies and depends on the school. Mainly offered: physics, chemistry, biology, geography, foreign languages (Spanish, Chinese, German), business, accounting, higher mathematics, drama, computer science, art, statistics, etc.

After graduating from school for GCSE, the students pass exams for obtaining the certificate of secondary education. The final tests are held in the format of testing for each studied subject. The students receive grades from A* to G, where A* is the highest score and G is the lowest. Those who fail the exam are awarded a U. All marks are divided into 2 groups: high (A* – C) and low (D – G). In mathematics, a three–level scale is used: advanced (A* – C), intermediate (B – T) and basic (D - G). The peculiarity of the classical GCSE program is that the quality of course work affects the final assessment. The final IGCSE score consists solely of exam results, and the highest score is considered A, not A*.

To enroll on the pre-university program A-level or International Baccalaureate, the student must obtain not lower C for 5 subjects.

Victoria Eastman

Director of International Admissions at Mayfield School

What do parents consider first when looking for a school in the UK?

Think about which school is perfect for your child. Different schools offer different specialties – someone is strong in art, drama, sports, certain subjects. There are selective schools, and more loyal ones, which are ready to develop any strong side of each child. If parents don't know much about the UK education system, you can focus on the league table and the results of the GCSE and A-level exams. If you are already more "savvy", consider the location and size of the school, the number of students, the availability of an EAL course, compliance with your personal academic requirements, additional activities.

To enroll in a two-year GCSE program, a student must be at the age of 14, and for enrolment in a one-year GCSE course, reach the age of 15. In addition, it is necessary to provide a report card for the last 2-3 years of study, pass an English language proficiency exam and take tests in a number of disciplines, for example, chemistry, physics, biology. The list of subjects and passing scores depend on the school. It is worth highlighting one pattern: for admission to one-year programs, a higher level of English proficiency is required, compared with two-year ones.

An integrated approach is the key to success in preparing for admission to GCSE. In-depth study of the English language should begin at 7-8 years old. Language courses, tutoring, frequent trips in foreign countries, reading literature and watching movies in English provide a good base. Another option is to take summer programs in language schools, which will allow the international students to improve language skills, to find friends from all over the world, get to know the country's education system and culture better.

A year before admission, it is necessary to prepare for the entrance exams and the transition to the new scheme of study. As a rule, the studying programs include classes in school subjects according to textbooks, tests, interview rehearsals, as well as adaptation to the education system.

• Queen Ethelburga's College
• Abbey DLD College London
• CATS College Canterbury
• Mount Mill Hill
• Sevenoaks School.

The GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) program is a British education system for students aged 14-16, providing a wide range of subjects to study.

At GCSE, students choose subjects to study including Maths, English, Science, Foreign Languages, Humanities and Arts.

The GCSE program usually lasts two years, and involves studying for the last two years of secondary school.

The GCSE program provides the basic education and qualifications needed to enter higher levels of education such as A-Level or IB.

The GCSE program develops skills in analyzing, communicating and synthesizing information, as well as the ability to work and research independently.

The 1-year GCSE is a shortened version of the GCSE program that is completed in one year, instead of the usual two years. This option gives students the opportunity to study multiple subjects and gain a GCSE qualification in a shorter period of time. However, compared to the standard GCSE program, 1-year GCSE can be more intensive and demanding due to the compressed study schedule and in-depth study of subjects.

The GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) program is predominantly found in the UK, where it was developed. However, some international schools and educational institutions abroad also offer GCSEs to give students the opportunity to gain a British education and qualifications.

Yes, in some cases students can transfer from one school to another after the first year of a GCSE program and continue on to the second year. However, this may depend on the policy and availability of places at the new school, as well as agreement between schools. It is important to discuss the possibility of transferring with both schools in advance and familiarize yourself with their policies.

English language requirements for entry to a GCSE program can vary from school to school and country to country. Schools usually expect international students to have a sufficient level of English to succeed in the program. This may involve passing an exam, such as IELTS, or being interviewed in English. It is important to check the requirements with the particular school you are considering applying to.

The number of exams students take at GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) can vary depending on the subjects chosen and the requirements of the particular school. Typically, students study between 6 and 9 subjects at GCSE and each subject culminates in an exam. This may include languages, sciences, humanities and arts subjects. In the end, students take the appropriate number of exams in each of the subjects studied to obtain a GCSE certificate of completion.

Rankings of schools in England by GCSE 2024

Best boarding schools in England by GCSE 2024