Under 16 and trying to decide on the most appropriate qualification for you? Read on to find out more about the options that are available.

IGCSEs – International General Certificate of Secondary Education

International General Certificates in Secondary Education (IGCSEs) are international qualifications for school students, usually aged 14 to 16. They have many of the recognised qualities of their UK GCSE equivalent, with less focus on coursework and more emphasis on examinations.

There are 38 IGCSE subject qualifications to choose from.

How you will be assessed

IGCSEs are assessed in the same way as a UK GCSE, with students able to obtain grades A* to G. In Maths there is a Foundation tier (grades C to G) or Higher tier (grades A* to D) available to suit students of different abilities.

Progression options

IGCSEs are recognised as equivalent, grade for grade, to a UK GCSE, and have the same status in terms of university entry requirements.

With five or six IGCSEs, two or three at D or above, you can usually go on to an a BTEC First Diploma.

Further education options for a student with five IGCSEs at grades A* to C include a course of AS/A levels or a BTEC National Diploma.

Learn more about IGCSEs here

BTEC Introductory

BTEC Introductory Certificate and Diploma qualifications are at Level 1 and offer an entry point into an industry sector, encouraging the development of personal and work-related skills. The BTEC Introductory qualifications are suitable for any student aged 14 upwards and are designed for those who are not able to achieve A*- to C-grade GCSEs, but who are motivated by a work-related course.

BTEC study options

There are 11 broad study areas, including Art, Design and Media and Sport and Leisure, as well as the BTEC Introductory Certificate and Diploma in Vocational Studies Introductory route. The latter, by providing a wider choice of units, permits exploration of alternative options, to permit learners to achieve their potential through studying bite-sized units in a variety of contexts.

How you will be assessed

BTEC Introductory qualifications are not exam-based qualifications. Learners study real-life, work-based case studies and complete projects and assessments, which contribute to achieving each unit studied.  

In order to complete each unit, students must achieve against a set of outcomes. The assessment criteria address theory with practical exercises. The assessment process is ongoing, so it allows students to analyse and improve their own performance through their course in much the same way as they would in a real workplace. The assignments and projects that students undertake form the basis of their unit results, which are graded as a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction. 

Progression options

Successful students will usually progress to a level 2 qualification such as a BTEC First within the same occupational area. 

Learn more about BTEC Introductory qualifications here

BTEC Firsts 

BTEC Firsts are Level 2 qualifications that are the equivalent of traditional GCSEs at grades A* to C. There are currently over 60 BTEC First qualifications available, linked to industry sectors including Vehicle Technology, Public Services and Hospitality.  

BTEC study options

The BTEC First is suitable for students aged pre-16 and post-16 and is designed for those who are capable of achieving A*- to C-grade GCSEs, but who wish to focus on a work-related vocational qualification or work area. Students may take BTEC Firsts alongside core GCSE subjects such as English, Maths and Science.

How you will be assessed

BTEC qualifications are delivered and assessed by staff in centres, who create a programme of study to reflect local requirements and facilities, and who use a variety of assessment instruments appropriate to the outcomes being assessed. These may include, for example, projects, presentations and case studies. Outcomes are measured using grading criteria, or Pass, Merit or Distinction. All assessment is quality assured through internal verification and sampled through a range of external verification activities orchestrated by Edexcel.

Progression options

Successful students will usually progress to a level 3 qualification such as a BTEC National within the same occupational area.

Learn more about BTEC First qualifications here