What is the difference between IGCSE and O Level?

The I indicates an international version of the UK GCSE, designed for students whose first language may not be English. The standards and marking are the same and it is internationally recognised as the equivalent of the UK GCSE. There are differences in the syllabus to allow more localisation of topics studied. There is usually far less assessed coursework.

EdExcel O levels were only being taken by a small number of students in a small number of countries. As a result it was becoming more difficult to keep the support materials up to date and to continue to offer the same range of subjects. The last EdExcel O levels will be held in January 2011, from then onwards all EdExcel candidates across the world will sit for IGCSE. This has allowed EdExcel to focus more resources into developing the IGCSE, expanding the subject range and producing support materials.