IGCSE support that starts with the exam board, not a generic lesson plan
Cambridge, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA can differ in syllabus structure, paper style, mark schemes and exam sessions. Families do not need to know every detail before asking for help, but the exam board should be checked early so tutoring, marking and revision priorities are based on the right route.
Cambridge
Support may focus on syllabus coverage, paper structure, command words, extended responses and practical-style questions where relevant.
Pearson Edexcel
Support may focus on specification fit, calculator or non-calculator practice, assessment style and mark-scheme wording.
OxfordAQA
Support may focus on specification requirements, question style and the student’s school or exam-route expectations.
What we check before recommending support
The aim is not to make parents become exam-board experts. The aim is to stop the family paying for lessons, marking or revision that may follow the wrong paper route.
| Question | Why it matters | What to send if known |
|---|---|---|
| Which exam board and syllabus? | Lesson materials and mark-scheme expectations can differ. | School course name, syllabus link, subject code or teacher note. |
| Which paper route or tier? | Foundation, higher, extended or subject-specific routes change priorities. | Paper code, tier, option route or a photo of the school paper list. |
| School student or private candidate? | Private-candidate families may need planning questions before tutoring starts. | School route, centre replies, exam session and any official questions still open. |
| May/June or Oct/Nov session? | The timeline affects whether regular tutoring or revision sprint support is realistic. | Expected exam month, mock date and target grade. |
Where the exam board changes the service choice
The same student may need a different first paid step depending on how clear the exam route is.
| Family situation | Usually sensible first step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The board and paper route are known, and recent work is available. | Mock marking from £45 or focused tutoring from £45. | The support can connect feedback to the correct mark scheme and paper style. |
| The family knows the board but not the tier, paper code or option route. | Diagnostic review from £35 or exam planning from £55. | A smaller step reduces the risk of buying teaching for the wrong route. |
| The school route is changing. | Exam planning before a lesson package. | A route change can affect syllabus coverage, paper order and revision priorities. |
| The student is a private candidate. | Exam planning from £55 / £89 before larger subject support. | Centre acceptance, components, deadlines and entry rules may affect what can be prepared. |
| The exam is close and the route is still unclear. | Confirm route first, then choose a narrow revision step. | Short-term support should not waste time on the wrong materials. |
What parents often ask
Most families ask in ordinary language. A useful reply should translate the question into route checks and a sensible first step.
| Parent question | What we would check | Practical answer |
|---|---|---|
| The school only says IGCSE. How do I know the board? | School course documents, teacher message, subject code, past paper style or exam timetable. | Ask the school or exams office first. If you only have partial evidence, send it with the assessment form. |
| Can the same tutor teach Cambridge and Edexcel? | Subject, level, paper route, tutor familiarity and whether the work is teaching, marking or planning. | Sometimes yes, but suitability should be confirmed by subject and route before payment. |
| My child used the wrong past papers. What now? | Which papers were used, what has already been learned and how close the exam is. | Stop adding more papers. Confirm the route, then use diagnosis or planning to reset priorities. |
| Do you register students for the exam? | Whether the question is academic preparation or official entry. | No. We can help organise questions, but official registration stays with the school, centre or exam board. |
| Should we buy lessons before the board is confirmed? | How much route risk remains and whether any teaching would still be useful across routes. | If route risk is high, start with planning or a narrow diagnostic rather than a large package. |
Before a tutor or marker is confirmed
Exam-board fit is one part of quality control. It should sit alongside student evidence, availability and clear service scope.
Subject fit
The tutor or marker should be suitable for the subject level, not only generally familiar with IGCSE.
Paper awareness
Where possible, support should consider the relevant specification, paper style and mark-scheme expectations.
Evidence first
A recent paper, writing sample or teacher feedback is more useful than a broad request for a strong tutor.
Scope before payment
The family should know whether they are buying marking, planning, tutoring, guided study or a small first step.
Boundary clear
IGCSE UK is independent and does not make official exam-board, school or centre decisions.
Review point
If the route changes, the support plan should be reviewed before more lessons or marking are added.
Not sure which exam board applies?
Submit the student subject, school route, any paper code or school document you have, and the exam session if known.
Get the route right before the student revises hard
A capable student can still waste time if the paper route is wrong. Exam-board details should be checked early, especially for private candidates and students changing schools.
Why does the exam board matter for IGCSE support?
Exam boards can differ in paper structure, command words, mark schemes, coursework or practical rules, and available past papers. Tutor or marker fit should match the route where possible.
What if we do not know the exam board?
Ask the school, course provider or exam centre before paying for detailed support. If only partial information is available, send the documents you have and explain what is uncertain.
Can one tutor support more than one exam board?
Sometimes, but it should be confirmed by subject and paper route. Strong subject knowledge is important, but exam-board familiarity can affect marking and exam technique.
Does IGCSE UK represent any exam board?
No. IGCSE UK is independent. Official syllabus, registration, centre rules and exam decisions must be confirmed with the relevant school, centre or exam board.
Which detail should be checked before lessons start?
Confirm the exam board, syllabus year, paper route, tier where relevant, subject code if available, and whether coursework or practical requirements apply.