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Heights International Academy
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Online GCSE tutors for AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR

GCSE (AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR). Ages 14–16.

Free GCSE trial class

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Curriculum

GCSE key facts

QualificationGCSE (AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR) (AQA)
Exam boardsAQA; Pearson Edexcel; OCR
Typical age14–16
Exam seriesMay/June: Exams run in May and June; results are released in late August. · November resits: GCSE English Language and Mathematics can be resat in November.
Syllabus codes we teach8300, 8700, 8464, 8463, 8462, 8461, 8525
How we teach itLive online 1:1 or small-group classes; first class free

Last updated:

Which GCSE subjects can you study with us?

Each subject page lists the syllabus codes, papers and topics we cover, board by board.

Not sure which fits? Chat on WhatsApp

AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR

The three main GCSE boards in England teach broadly the same national subject content, but their papers, question styles and mark schemes differ. A student's school chooses the board for each subject, and it can vary from subject to subject.

We match each student with a tutor who knows the right specification, so practice questions and mark-scheme advice line up with the exams they will actually sit.

Foundation and Higher tiers

Maths, the sciences and some languages have two tiers. Foundation papers lead to grades 5 to 1; Higher papers lead to grades 9 to 4, with a grade 3 allowed in some cases. A student on the wrong tier can be capped or miss a grade altogether.

Tier entry is decided by the school. Tutoring can help a student secure the Foundation content first, then build the extra topics needed for Higher if that is the goal.

How 9–1 grades compare with the old letter grades

The 9–1 scale replaced A*–G grades in England. Grade 4 broadly lines up with the bottom of the old grade C, grade 7 with the bottom of the old grade A, and grade 9 sits above the old A*. Many sixth forms and colleges set entry requirements of grade 4, 5 or higher in specific subjects.

When are GCSE exams and how are they graded?

  1. May/June

    Exams run in May and June; results are released in late August.

    The main series for all GCSE subjects.

  2. November resits

    GCSE English Language and Mathematics can be resat in November.

    Resits are mainly for students aged 16 or over; other subjects are resat the following summer.

How GCSE is graded

GCSEs in England are graded 9 to 1, with 9 the highest and U for ungraded. A grade 4 is described as a standard pass and a grade 5 as a strong pass. Tiered subjects such as Mathematics and the sciences have Foundation papers, which cover grades 5 to 1, and Higher papers, which cover grades 9 to 4 (with an allowed grade 3).

Exam dates by board and grade thresholds explained

How does online GCSE tutoring work?

We teach GCSE subjects online for AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR, matching each lesson to the student's board, specification and tier. Tutors start by finding the topics that are costing the most marks, then build a plan that runs up to the summer exams. Sessions mix explanation with exam-style questions, and students practise reading mark schemes so they learn how to show working and structure longer answers.
  1. Diagnostic

    A short check of what your child already knows against the syllabus.

  2. Topic teaching

    Clear explanations on a shared whiteboard, one topic at a time.

  3. Past-paper practice

    Exam questions from your board, timed and marked to the mark scheme.

  4. Feedback

    What went well, what to fix and what to practise before next class.

GCSE tutoring suits students in Years 10 and 11 who want to reach a target grade, students preparing for a November resit in English Language or Maths, and families abroad following a British curriculum. Lessons are scheduled in UK or Gulf time, and parents receive regular progress notes so they know which topics have been covered and what is next.

How much does GCSE tuition cost?

Group classes are billed monthly; one-to-one classes per class or in monthly packs.

Prices shown in US dollars

  • Recommended

    One-to-one

    Fully personalised to your child

    USD 28 / class

    • 60-minute live classes at times you choose
    • A plan built from a diagnostic of your child's gaps
    • Past-paper practice marked against the mark scheme
    • Progress notes for parents
  • Small group

    Up to 6 students, 8 live classes a month

    USD 8 / class

    • 75-minute live classes, 8 per month
    • Taught to your exam board and syllabus code
    • Weekly past-paper questions with feedback
    • Class recordings and notes
  • Intensive exam prep

    12 one-to-one classes a month before exams

    USD 25 / class

    • Three 60-minute classes a week
    • Timed past papers and full mock exams
    • Topic-by-topic weak-spot drills
    • Pack discount of 10% applied

Prices are per class unless shown per month: one-to-one classes are 60 minutes and group classes 75 minutes. Your trial class is free and doesn't turn into a paid plan by itself. Pricing FAQ

How is Heights different from a typical academy?

How Heights compares with a typical tuition academy
FeatureHeights International AcademyTypical academy
Taught to your exact exam board (CAIE, Edexcel, AQA, OCR, IB) Yes Varies
One-to-one classes available Yes Varies
Scheduling in your timezone Yes Usually local hours only
Free first class Yes, full class Sometimes a short demo
Prices in your local currency Yes, published Often on request

GCSE questions parents ask

What is a pass at GCSE?

A grade 4 is a standard pass at GCSE and a grade 5 is a strong pass. Students in England who do not achieve at least a grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics are usually required to keep studying those subjects after Year 11. Sixth forms and colleges often set their own higher grade requirements for A Level courses.

Can you resit GCSE Maths and English?

Yes, GCSE Mathematics and English Language can be resat in the November series as well as the following summer. November resits are mainly for students aged 16 or over. Other GCSE subjects can only be resat in the summer. We can tutor students through a resit with a plan focused on the topics that cost them marks.

Which GCSE exam board does my child use?

Your child's school chooses the exam board for each GCSE subject, and it can differ between subjects. The most common boards are AQA, Pearson Edexcel and OCR. The board is usually shown on school reports, past papers or revision guides, and the school can confirm it. We match tutors to the correct board and specification.

Should my child sit Foundation or Higher tier?

Students aiming for grade 6 or above usually need the Higher tier, because Foundation papers only lead to grades 5 to 1. Foundation can suit students who need to secure a grade 4 or 5 with more confidence. The school makes the final decision, and tutoring can help a student reach the level needed for Higher.

When should my child start GCSE tutoring?

Many families start GCSE tutoring in Year 10, which leaves time to fix gaps before Year 11 exam pressure builds. Starting in Year 11 is still useful, especially with a focused plan around mock results. Short, targeted support before a November resit can also help. A free trial class is a simple way to see what your child needs.

Do you teach GCSE students outside the UK?

Yes, we teach GCSE students in the UK and at British-curriculum schools abroad, including in the UAE and the wider Gulf. Lessons are scheduled in your local time and fees can be shown in your currency on our pricing page. Students sit the exams in person at their school or an approved exam centre.

Still deciding? Ask us on WhatsApp

  • IGCSE

    Cambridge (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel

    Ages 14–16. Cambridge and Edexcel: Maths, sciences, English, Computer Science and more.

    From USD 8/class
  • A Level

    Cambridge (CAIE), Pearson Edexcel, AQA, OCR

    Ages 16–18. Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Economics and more.

    From USD 10/class
  • IB

    IB

    MYP and Diploma. Maths AA/AI, sciences, Economics, English and IA/EE support.

    From USD 10/class

GCSE tutoring by country

Your first class is free

Tell us the curriculum and subject. We'll match a specialist tutor in your timezone.