GCSE

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is an academic certification that secondary school students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland take in a variety of disciplines. Each GCSE qualification is in a specific topic and stands alone, but in other areas, a suite of such certificates (or their equivalents) is widely recognised as a record of performance at the age of 16, replacing a leaving certificate or baccalaureate qualification.

Studies for GCSE examinations typically last two or three academic years (depending on the subject, school, and exam board), with the bulk of pupils beginning in Year 9 or Year 10 and exams taking place at the end of Year 11.

A-level

The Advanced Level of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCE A Level) is a globally recognized certificate that leads to direct university admission. Students often begin a two-year course at the age of 16 to achieve this certificate. The course not only helps students gain knowledge in specific disciplines, but it also helps them acquire vital abilities like problem solving and project management.

In their first year of sixth form, students often take three to five A Levels, with the majority reducing to three in their second year. This is due to the fact that most university offers are based on three A Levels. A Levels, unlike other level 3 credentials like the International Baccalaureate, have no fixed subject requirements, allowing students to mix any topics they want. Students, on the other hand, usually choose their courses depending on the university degree they want to pursue: most degrees require specific A Levels for admittance, such as A Level Mathematics for a Mathematics degree.

The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year educational programme primarily aimed at 16-to-19-year-olds in 140 countries around the world. The programme provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide.

How do you get into IB program?

To earn an IB Diploma, you have to go to an IB-approved school (called an "IB World School") and meet the requirements, which include taking classes in the six subject groups, passing the IB exams, and completing three additional core requirements