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Heights International Academy
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Online IGCSE tutors for Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel

Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE. Ages 14–16.

Free IGCSE trial class

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Curriculum

IGCSE key facts

QualificationCambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (Cambridge IGCSE (Cambridge International))
Exam boardsCambridge International Education; Pearson Edexcel
Typical age14–16
Exam seriesCambridge May/June: Exams run from late April to June; results are released in mid-August. · Cambridge October/November: Exams run in October and November; results are released in mid-January. · Pearson Edexcel International GCSE: Exams are offered in May/June for all subjects and in November for a smaller set of subjects.
Syllabus codes we teach0580, 0606, 0625, 0620, 0610, 0500, 0510, 0478, 0455, 0264
How we teach itLive online 1:1 or small-group classes; first class free
Subject experts

Last updated:

Which IGCSE subjects can you study with us?

Each subject page lists the syllabus codes, papers and topics we cover, board by board.
Also available
SubjectCodeBoard
Accounting0452Cambridge (CAIE)
Information and Communication Technology0417Cambridge (CAIE)

Not sure which fits? Chat on WhatsApp

Cambridge IGCSE vs Pearson Edexcel International GCSE

Both are respected international qualifications with similar content in most subjects. The main differences are in paper structure, question style, grading (Cambridge mostly A*–G, Edexcel 9–1) and the way practical skills are assessed in the sciences. Schools choose the board, so students should follow whichever their school enters them for.

We teach both and match each student with a tutor familiar with their board's papers and mark schemes.

Core vs Extended (and Foundation vs Higher)

Many Cambridge IGCSE subjects offer Core and Extended routes. Extended covers additional content and gives access to the top grades, while Core caps the highest available grade. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE uses Foundation and Higher tiers in some subjects, such as Mathematics, in a similar way.

Tier decisions are usually made by the school, but tutors can help a student move up to Extended or Higher by filling gaps in the extra content well before entries close.

IGCSE for homeschoolers and private candidates

Homeschooled students can sit IGCSE exams as private candidates at an approved exam centre, often a British Council office or a school that accepts external candidates. Families register directly with the centre. Some subjects with practical or coursework components have alternatives for private candidates, so check with the centre before choosing syllabuses.

When are IGCSE exams and how are they graded?

  1. Cambridge May/June

    Exams run from late April to June; results are released in mid-August.

  2. Cambridge October/November

    Exams run in October and November; results are released in mid-January.

  3. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE

    Exams are offered in May/June for all subjects and in November for a smaller set of subjects.

    Check Pearson's timetable to confirm which subjects run in November.

How IGCSE is graded

Cambridge IGCSE is usually graded A* to G, although some schools take a 9–1 graded version of selected syllabuses. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE is graded 9 to 1, with 9 the highest. On tiered papers, Core or Foundation candidates can reach only a capped grade, so choosing the right tier matters.

Exam dates by board and grade thresholds explained

How does online IGCSE tutoring work?

We teach Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in live online lessons, one-to-one or in small groups. Each student's tutor works from the correct syllabus code and tier, because Core and Extended (or Foundation and Higher) papers ask for different depth. Lessons combine topic teaching with regular past-paper questions, and tutors explain mark schemes so students know what the mark scheme rewards in each type of question.
  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.

IGCSE tuition suits students in Years 9 to 11 at British-curriculum schools, homeschooled students taking exams as private candidates, and students moving between countries who need to catch up on a new syllabus. Families in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the wider Gulf can choose timings around school hours and weekends, and parents receive regular progress updates. A free trial class lets your child meet a tutor first.

How much does IGCSE 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

IGCSE questions parents ask

What is IGCSE?

IGCSE is an international qualification for students aged about 14 to 16, offered as Cambridge IGCSE and as Pearson Edexcel International GCSE. Students usually study it over two years in Years 10 and 11 and take between five and ten subjects. It is widely recognised by schools and universities and leads on to A Level or IB study.

Is IGCSE the same as GCSE?

No, IGCSE and GCSE are separate qualifications, although they cover similar content and are both taken at about age 16. GCSE is designed for schools in England and follows UK government rules, while IGCSE is designed for international schools. IGCSE often offers more flexibility, such as alternatives to coursework, and is widely used across the Gulf.

How many subjects do students take at IGCSE?

Most students take between seven and ten IGCSE subjects, although there is no fixed number. A typical timetable includes English, Mathematics, one to three sciences and several options such as Computer Science, Economics, Business or a language. Schools set their own requirements, so the final number depends on the school and the student's plans.

Should my child take Core or Extended IGCSE?

Students aiming for the top grades, or for A Level in that subject, usually need Extended, because Core limits the highest available grade. Core can suit students who need more time with the fundamentals. The school normally decides the tier, but tutoring can help a student build the extra content needed to move to Extended.

Can homeschooled students take IGCSE exams?

Yes, homeschooled students can take IGCSE exams as private candidates at an approved exam centre. In the Gulf and Pakistan this is often a British Council office or a school that accepts external entries. Families register directly with the centre before its deadline, and we can provide the online tuition alongside, following the exact syllabus being entered.

Do you offer IGCSE tutoring in Dubai and the wider UAE?

Yes, we teach IGCSE students in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and across the UAE through live online classes. Lessons are scheduled in UAE time, usually after school or at the weekend, and fees can be shown in dirhams on our pricing page. A free trial class lets your child meet a tutor before you commit.

Still deciding? Ask us on WhatsApp

  • GCSE

    AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR

    Years 10–11. Maths, English, sciences and Computer Science for AQA, Edexcel and OCR.

    From USD 8/class
  • O Level

    Cambridge (CAIE)

    Ages 14–16. Maths, Add Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Islamiyat 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

Guides

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