Question 1

When is the last GCSE exam 2025?

Accepted Answer

The final exam date for GCSEs in 2025 is Friday June 20th (20/06/2025)

Question 2

When is GCSE results day 2025 (when do the results come out) (what time)?

Accepted Answer

GCSE results day is on Thursday 21st August (21/08/2025).

Question 3

When do GCSE exams start?

Accepted Answer

GCSE exams will commence on the May 9th 2024 and will end on June 19th 2024.

Question 4

What's the easiest GCSE?

Accepted Answer

The difficulty of a subject largely depends on the individual. However, statistically, the highest pass rate for a subject is Chemistry. With over 90% passing the course in 2023.

Question 5

What's the difference between IGCSE English Literature and IGCSE English Language?

Accepted Answer

The English IGCSE qualification is an English GCSE that&#8217;s examined and examinable anywhere in the world. The standard English GCSE, on the other hand, is rarely examined outside the UK. IGCSE English is an international qualification recognised all around the world.

Question 6

What's the difference between functional skills and GCSEs?

Accepted Answer

Functional skills are designed to equip you with real-life skills, whilst GCSEs are designed to equip you with knowledge which you can build upon in future.

Question 7

What is included in the cost of my course?

Accepted Answer

Almost all of our courses, you’ll be provided with everything you will need, including all your course materials and unlimited tutor support. For some qualifications such as A-levels and GCSEs, however, you’ll need to pay separately for your exams, as well as supplementary reading material.

Question 8

What jobs can you get without GCSEs?

Accepted Answer

Alternative qualifications to GCSEs exist, such as vocational courses and apprenticeships. Some lines of work do not require any academic qualifications.

Question 9

What is the GCSE grading system?

Accepted Answer

GCSEs are now graded from 9-1, with 9 being the highest. The bottom of a grade 4 is comparable to the old grade C.

Question 10

What is the difference between IGCSE English and GCSE English?

Accepted Answer

The English IGCSE qualification is an English GCSE that’s examined and examinable anywhere in the world. The standard English GCSE, on the other hand, is rarely examined outside the UK. IGCSE English is an international qualification recognised all around the world.

Question 11

What is the age limit for GCSE?

Accepted Answer

There is no age limit to studying GCSEs! Typically, they are sat by students aged between 14 and 16, but it is never too late to gain qualifications.

Question 12

What is a GCSE?

Accepted Answer

A GCSE is a level 2 qualification highly valued by schools, colleges and potential employers. Gaining GCSE qualifications can enable you to progress onto further education to study A-levels.

Question 13

What happens if you fail your GCSEs?

Accepted Answer

In the unfortunate event that you fail your GCSEs, resits are available. Resits usually take place in November or the next examination period for that awarding body.

Question 14

What does GCSE stand for?

Accepted Answer

GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Question 15

What are the pass grades for GCSE?

Accepted Answer

Grade 
Grade Equivalent  
A* 
9 
A 
7/8 
B 
5/6 
C 
4 (Strong Pass) 
D 
3 
E 
2 
F 
2 
G 
1 
U 
U

Question 16

What are the GCSE options?

Accepted Answer

There is a wide range of subjects available to study for your GCSEs. Oxbridge provides a plethora of subjects you can study online at your own pace.

Question 17

Is this the same qualification I would achieve in a traditional school or college?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You study the same curriculum, take the same examinations, and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is specially designed to be studied in your own time, at your own pace.

Question 18

What happens when I am struggling to meet the course timeframe?

Accepted Answer

We understand that things happen in life that might impact your study plans. For example, money, children, and work can often take priority and it is easy to fall behind on your course. Firstly, try not to worry; contact your tutor and let them know about your situation. Your tutor is there to support you and will be able to rearrange targets to make a more realistic timeframe for achieving your qualification.
Student wellbeing is our priority here at Oxbridge, but we cannot help you unless you let us know there is an issue. If you do not want to talk to your tutor about the problem, you can reach our student support team on phone or LiveChat via our website. We will do all we can to help you get back on track to reaching your goals.
If you have a health condition or an immediate problem that is affecting your ability to continue, you should contact our student support team straight away. They may be able to temporarily pause your course so that you can focus on your priorities and then continue studying when you are able to. However, if you reach the end of your course duration and still need more time to complete the work, there will be a fee to extend your tutor support and mark any remaining work.

Question 19

How quickly can I complete my course?

Accepted Answer

Your course will have a set duration, either 6, 12, 18, or 24 months. However, you have the freedom to complete your course in a time frame that suits your personal life and commitments within your course duration time.
If your course is over 12 months, we suggest you aim to submit at least one assignment a month. However, if you complete your assignment before the deadline, your tutor can mark it sooner and, if the work is satisfactory, you will progress ahead of your timeline to complete your course sooner. The ownership is on you to progress at your own pace within your course duration time. We are here to support you throughout this.

Question 20

How much time will it take to complete the course?

Accepted Answer

You typically have 24 months to complete your studies, however you may be able to finish quicker depending on the course you choose and the pace at which you are able to complete all the necessary assessments for the qualification. Please be aware, that GCSEs and A-levels exam times are determined by the curriculum timetable and are fixed dates.

Question 21

Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Question 22

Can I enrol and start today?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our accredited online courses run all year round, so you can start learning today. Once you have enrolled on your desired course you will have the freedom to study anytime, anywhere and on any device. Oxbridge offers ultra-personalised, award-winning online learning and unlimited tutor support. Our GCSEs and A-levels courses are subject to curriculum timetables though you can start learning and will have access to the course material as soon as you have enrolled.

Question 23

Is there a time limit to start and finish my course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our courses have time limits, which can be found on each individual course page. However, we understand that life doesn’t always go to plan, which is why we give our students the option to take a six-month study break, totally free of charge. If you simply need a little extra time to complete your assignments, we’ve also got you covered; you can choose from a three-month course extension at £145, or six months at £245. If either of these circumstances applies to you, then you can give student support a call on 0121 630 3000 to talk through your options.

Question 24

Are Oxbridge students eligible for student discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We work with student loyalty platforms such as TOTUM Pro and Student Beans, which offer great discounts on amazing brands, both in-store and online. Once you’re enrolled as a student with us, use these how-to guides to sign up and start saving right away!

How to apply for TOTUM PRO card
How to apply for a Student Beans account

Question 25

When does my student support start?

Accepted Answer

Your student support will start as soon as you have paid for your course and will last for the set duration of your course. Support is available from your tutor and our highly trained administration team who can answer any questions you have. Shortly after enrolling, you will receive the contact details for your tutor and the login details to the MyOxbridge learning portal. From then onwards, you can contact your tutor as often as you need to; you can decide how much support is best for you. However, your tutor will not chase you for work. You are required to self-learn and reach out to your tutor for help whenever you need it. If you reach the end of your course duration and you have not completed the work, you can extend your tutor support, but there will be a fee to do so.

Question 26

What if I haven't studied for years?

Accepted Answer

You’re not alone! Plenty of our learners haven’t studied since school, which is one of the reasons we offer unlimited tutor support. And there’s no need to be intimidated – our course material is designed to be fun and engaging, and our online platform, MyOxbridge, is super easy to use.

Question 27

Will I receive additional support if I have Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)?

Accepted Answer

Once enrolled you will have a chat with someone from our accessibility team who will agree on a support plan with you, based on your individual needs.

Question 28

What happens if I have Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry – we have a team of expert learning advisers who will discuss your needs with you. Get in touch here.

Question 29

What skills do I need to enrol on a course?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t have any prior qualifications, don’t worry – with a few exceptions, most of our courses only require a reasonable ability to read and write English.

Question 30

Will I be gaining a real qualification once I have completed the course?

Accepted Answer

You will be awarded a certificate from the official awarding body once you have successfully completed your qualification. This applies to all courses where an external awarding body is mentioned. To find out which awarding body your course is provided by, check the Course Overview section.

Question 31

Is there a required reading list?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, all of the reading material you’ll be required to complete in order to finish your course will be included when you enrol. GCSE and A-level courses may require you to do some additional reading, which will be thrown in as a free downloadable eBook wherever possible.

Question 32

How qualified is my tutor?

Accepted Answer

All Oxbridge tutors have been carefully selected and we only hire the best! Our tutors are required to hold a teaching qualification or an assessment qualification as a minimum. On top of this, they are also expected to hold a Level 3 or above qualification in their subject area of teaching.

Question 33

I've seen your course cheaper elsewhere, will you price match?

Accepted Answer

Although some of our courses are more expensive than others with the same name, the learning package and experience that students receive through us are vastly superior. Firstly, you’ll have access to our online learning platform which combines original and engaging content with the very latest EdTech, and secondly, you’ll receive completely unlimited tutor support from a subject expert.
Find out why students love Oxbridge.

Question 34

What if I live outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

You can study from anywhere in the world through our award-winning online learning portal, MyOxbridge. However, when it comes to sitting your exams, you will need to either check with your local exam centre, the British Council website or contact us and we will help you figure things out!

Question 35

Can I enrol on more than one course?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! You can enrol on multiple courses and study a variety of courses at the same time.

Question 36

How do I access my course?

Accepted Answer

You can access your online course by signing into the MyOxbridge portal. You can sign in using your email address and password. Once signed in you will have access to all the resources you will need to successfully complete the course and gain your qualification

Question 37

How do I pay for my course?

Accepted Answer

There’s a variety of flexible payment options available, from PayPal to debit/credit card to interest-free monthly payments. It’s quick and easy to enrol online but if you prefer a little extra guidance, one of our friendly learning advisers can walk you through everything over the phone or live chat. We’ve made the payment process easy and hassle-free, with solutions to fit every pocket.

Question 38

What if I still have questions?

Accepted Answer

That’s exactly what our dedicated support team is here for! 😊 You can drop us a message in our live chat, or call us on 0121 630 3000 – we would be delighted to help.

Question 39

Do I have to sit an exam?

Accepted Answer

Most of our courses have been handcrafted to be assessed through coursework submission alone, which will be marked by your personal tutor. For a small number of courses, such as GCSEs and A-levels, you will need to sit an exam. For other courses, such as Functional Skills, you’ll be given the option to sit your exams online. You can find out how your course is assessed by checking the individual course page.

Question 40

Can I enrol with low grades?

Accepted Answer

Oxbridge believes everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Our learning advisors will be able to guide you through the best course choices in terms of your ability, previous experience and outcome.

Question 41

Do you offer courses if I live outside of the UK?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Our online learning portal, MyOxbridge, can be accessed from anywhere in the world. However, if your course requires you to sit an exam, this might need to be taken within the UK, so be sure to check with your personal tutor.

Question 42

Is it worth doing GCSEs as an adult?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is worth doing. There is no age limit to learning. Getting your GCSE Maths qualification later in life shows a willingness to expand your education and diversify your skillset. Basic mathematics can be applied in many scenarios on a day-to-day basis, and a qualification in this subject can only be beneficial both personally and professionally.

Question 43

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

Accepted Answer

IGCSEs are more challenging than GCSEs as they cover a wider range of topics. IGCSEs are internationally recognised so they will differ from GCSEs in this respect.

Question 44

Is 4 a pass in GCSE?

Accepted Answer

Grade 4 in GCSEs is a standard pass. It is the equivalent of a C grade.

Question 45

How to revise for GCSEs?

Accepted Answer

We have a wide range of study materials available for each subject. It is important that you dedicate a good portion of your time to studying every week. With Oxbridge, you can structure revision time around your current lifestyle whilst learning at a pace that suits you.

Question 46

How to get a 9 in Geography IGCSE?

Accepted Answer

To achieve a 9 in IGCSE Geography, you must revise well and commit an appropriate amount of time to study. We provide unlimited tutor support and various learning materials to help you achieve your desired grade.

Question 47

How to appeal GCSE results?

Accepted Answer

To do so, you will need to contact Tutor and Exams directly and follow their appeals process. You can find their contact details here – https://www.tutorsandexams.uk/

Question 48

How many GCSEs can you take?

Accepted Answer

You must take at least five GCSE subjects. But there is no limit to how many you can take.

Question 49

How long do GCSEs last?

Accepted Answer

GCSE studies typically take place over two or three academic years.

Question 50

How do you get copies of GCSE certificates?

Accepted Answer

Contact your exam board to get a replacement or copy of a GCSE exam certificate.

Question 51

How do I retake GCSEs as an adult?

Accepted Answer

With Oxbridge you can retake your GCSEs. All information is available on our website. They are available to all ages.

Question 52

How do I get my GCSE certificates?

Accepted Answer

Your exam center will post your certificates out to the address you submitted on your exam registration form. If you need to update your address, please let us know as soon as possible.

Question 53

How do I find my GCSE results?

Accepted Answer

Your GCSE results will be available electronically on the Tutors and Exams candidate portal. They are also posted to you.

Question 54

How do GCSE grades work?

Accepted Answer

GCSEs are now graded from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest and 1 being on the opposite end of the scale.

Question 55

What if I need help during my course?

Accepted Answer

All of our courses offer unlimited tutor support. When you enrol on your course, your personal tutor will reach out to you over email, and remain on hand should you need extra support.

Question 56

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

Accepted Answer

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as Geography, English Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

Question 57

Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

Accepted Answer

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

Question 58

Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

Accepted Answer

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success.
Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before.
If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

Question 59

Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

Accepted Answer

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true.
Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed.
On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same!
If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

Question 60

How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Accepted Answer

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

Question 61

Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Accepted Answer

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

Question 62

How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

Accepted Answer

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

Question 63

Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Accepted Answer

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education.
At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

Question 64

What does GCSE stand for?

Accepted Answer

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for &#8216;International General Certificate of Secondary Education&#8217;.
Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

Biology IGCSE

Course Introduction

Course Info

Awarding Body: Edexcel

What you will learn

Unit 1: Living Organisms

Unit 2: Structure and Functions in Living Organisms

Unit 3: Reproduction and Inheritance

Unit 4: Ecology and the Environment

Unit 5: Use of Biological Resources

Unit 6: Preparing for Your Exam: 4BI1

Course Outcome

Progression Routes

Examinations and Assessments

Entry Requirements

Unlimited Tutor Support™

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MyOxbridge™

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Student perks with Oxbridge

Frequently Asked Questions

Need more information? Chat with a Learning Adviser