Many parents feel confused when their child’s school uses several different IGCSE exam boards — Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel, Oxford AQA, and others. You might wonder: Which board is actually best? Is it a problem that my child is doing different boards for different subjects? This guide answers those questions and reassures you that using multiple boards is common, accepted, and not a disadvantage.

Which IGCSE Exam Board Is Best for Main Subjects?

There is no single “best” IGCSE exam board. All major boards — Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel, and Oxford AQA — are internationally recognised and equally valued by universities worldwide. The choice usually depends on what your school offers and how each board suits different subjects.

Cambridge IGCSE (CIE)

• Strengths: Strong emphasis on depth, critical thinking, and a global perspective. Over 70 subjects, including many languages. Many subjects include coursework (20–50%), which can suit students who perform well in projects and practicals.
• Assessment style: Component-based; several papers per subject. Clear mark allocation. Grading A*–G.
• Best suited for: Students who like coursework, varied assessment, and a wide subject choice.

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE

• Strengths: Structured, predictable approach aligned with UK standards. Over 40 subjects. Primarily exam-focused with limited coursework. Grade boundaries tend to be more consistent year to year.
• Assessment style: Modular or linear options depending on subject. Grading 9–1.
• Best suited for: Students who prefer exam-focused preparation and a clear, systematic structure.

Oxford AQA IGCSE

• Strengths: Internationally recognised, with good subject coverage. A solid alternative when schools want variety or specific subject options.
• Assessment style: Similar rigour to Cambridge and Edexcel; structure varies by subject.
• Best suited for: Schools and students looking for a respected third option alongside Cambridge and Edexcel.

Main Subjects: Does the Board Matter?

Subject	Cambridge	Edexcel	Oxford AQA
Mathematics	0580 (Core/Extended)	4MA1	Available
English	0500, 0510 (ESL), 0990	4EA1, 4ES1	Available
Sciences	0610 (Bio), 0620 (Chem), 0625 (Phys)	4BI1, 4CH1, 4PH1	Available
Economics	0455	4EC1	Available

The content in core subjects (Maths, English, Sciences) is broadly comparable across boards. What differs is exam style, question format, and marking. Your child should use board-specific past papers and resources for each subject they take.

How Many Exam Boards Is It Recommended to Do?

There is no recommended number. Many schools use one board for all subjects; others use different boards for different subjects. Both approaches are normal and acceptable.

One Board for All Subjects

• Pros: Simpler for students — one set of exam dates, one style of questions, one place for past papers. Easier to manage revision.
• Cons: Your school may not offer the best fit for every subject on a single board.

Multiple Boards (Mixed Approach)

• Pros: Schools can choose the board that best fits each subject (e.g. Cambridge for Sciences, Edexcel for Maths). Students get exposure to different assessment styles, which can build flexibility.
• Cons: Students must use the correct past papers and resources for each board. Slightly more to keep track of, but manageable with good organisation.

Bottom line: Whether your child does one board or several, what matters is that they use the right resources for each board and practise with board-specific past papers.

Why Do Schools Use Different Exam Boards?

Schools choose different boards for different subjects for practical reasons:

1. Subject fit — A board may offer a better syllabus or assessment style for a particular subject.
2. Teacher expertise — Staff may be more familiar with one board’s requirements.
3. Timetabling — Exam dates and series can influence which board is used.
4. Historical choice — The school may have used a board for years and built resources around it.

Using multiple boards is not a sign of confusion or poor planning. It is a deliberate choice many international schools make to optimise teaching and assessment.

Is It a Negative for My Child?

No. Using multiple exam boards is not a disadvantage for your child. Universities and employers treat Cambridge, Edexcel, and Oxford AQA IGCSEs as equivalent when grades are comparable. What matters is:

• Strong grades in the subjects your child takes
• Using the correct past papers and mark schemes for each board
• Understanding each board’s command words and marking style

If your child is organised and uses board-specific resources, doing more than one board does not hold them back.

What Parents Should Focus On

1. Know which board each subject uses — Check with the school or your child’s statement of entry. Note the syllabus code (e.g. 0580 for Cambridge Maths, 4MA1 for Edexcel Maths).
2. Ensure board-specific revision — Past papers and mark schemes must match the board. CIE and Edexcel styles differ; mixing them can lead to poor exam technique.
3. Support organisation — If your child has multiple boards, help them keep a clear list of which board applies to which subject and where to find the right resources.
4. Don’t worry about “which is best” — Focus on helping your child prepare well for their board(s). Tutopiya tutors support both Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSE and can tailor practice to your child’s syllabus.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Parents

• Cambridge, Edexcel, and Oxford AQA are all respected; there is no single “best” board.
• One board or multiple boards — both are fine. What matters is using the right resources for each.
• Schools use different boards for good reasons; it is not a negative for your child.
• Universities treat all boards equally when grades are strong.
• Help your child stay organised and use board-specific past papers and revision materials.

Tutopiya Supports All Major IGCSE Boards

Whether your child is on Cambridge, Edexcel, or Oxford AQA — or a mix — Tutopiya’s IGCSE tutors and 200,000+ auto-marked questions can be tailored to their syllabus and exam board. Book a free trial with an IGCSE tutor and mention which board(s) your child uses, or explore Tutopiya’s learning portal for free resources and past paper practice.

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