IGCSE Private Candidate vs School Candidate: Differences Explained
IGCSE Private Candidate vs School Candidate
The IGCSE is the same qualification whether you sit as a school candidate or a private candidate. The main differences are who enters you, where you sit, and how you register.
School Candidate
- Registered by your school (the school is the exam centre).
- You sit exams at your school.
- Fees paid to the school; timetable and Statement of Entry from the school.
- Coursework and practicals are usually arranged by the school.
- Certificates are issued to the school and then given to you (or sent home).
Private Candidate (External Candidate)
- You (or a parent) register through an external exam centre (e.g. British Council or Pearson centre).
- You sit exams at that centre, not at a school.
- Fees paid directly to the centre; deadlines are your responsibility.
- Coursework: Some subjects have an “alternative to coursework” or “alternative to practical” option for private candidates—check with the centre.
- Certificates are issued to the centre; you collect or receive them from there.
Same at the End
- Grades are the same (A*–G).
- Certificates look the same and are equally recognised by universities and employers.
- Retakes and cash-in work the same way for both.
Tutopiya: For School and Private Candidates
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