FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Edexcel, a Pearson company, is the UK's largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.

Edexcel was formed in 1996 by the merger of the Business & Technology Education Council (BTEC), the UK’s leading provider of vocational qualifications, and the University of London Examinations & Assessment Council (ULEAC), one of the major exam boards for GCSEs and A-levels.

ITS is an official Edexcel Academic centre - No. 92885.

Edexcel and CIE are both examples of UK exam boards. They both provide a range of internationally recognized qualifications. The boards are 100% equivalent. It makes no difference which version you take.

The first difference is that online learning must use the internet whereas distance learning can use other methods to deliver learning material. Most online learning is in fact distance learning using electronic delivery. Both expect the student to learn on their own from the learning material although online can include live lessons as well. The ITS online learning model is based on live teacher options which offer learners flexibility in how they receive their learning.

Your UCI (Unique Client Identifier) is issued the very first time you enrol in an IGCSE or A -level examination. You should keep this UCI for every examination you do afterwards.

However, there is no problem with issuing a new UCI for A-levels if for some reason you cannot find your old records for IGCSE.

Once you have enrolled in IGCSE, it is important to use the same UCI every time because:
a) Different UCIs will receive different certificates for linear options
b) For modular IGCSEs you need all the units under one UCI to get an award

Once you have enrolled in A-levels it is very important to keep the same UCI.
a) If you do GCE A-level with different UCIs you will have different certificates
b) If you do International A-level units with different UCIs then you cannot cash them in together and so you cannot get an award.

Your UCI is shown on two official documents from Pearson - your Statement of Entry and your Statement of Results. If you have done exams before, you must have these documents. This is how to find your UCI on the Statement of Entry. This is how to find the UCI on the Statement of Results.

Yes, using the ITS model of combined resource access and online teacher time. This is not a traditional distance learning model, but by combining the two components you get a more effective outcome. If you are unable to take the exam in Hong Kong at ITS, you will need to attend another authorized exam centre to sit the exams.

Yes. It is possible to undertake all the learning for your IGCSE exams online with ITS. However, exams have to be taken in person at an official exam centre according to the official examination timetable. Registered ITS students can access advice on finding examination centres. If you are unable to take the exam in Hong Kong at ITS, you will need to attend another authorized exam centre to sit the exams.

A wide variety of subjects are available. Please check our online GCSE page.

GCSE and IGCSE are qualifications which are at the same level. The IGCSE has been developed to be more relevant to students learning in an ‘international’ or non-UK context. The “I” stands for international. These qualifications have become so popular that a number of independent schools in the UK are now moving away from the GCSE and adopting the IGCSE. However, in terms of entrance into post-secondary and other courses, the qualifications are seen as equivalent.

There are none. You don’t need to be a native English user, as long as your English language skills are sufficient for learning the course

No. We assess your suitability for IGCSE through interview with our Director of Studies. You might need to take an English language assessment.

There is no difference in the level or degree of difficulty between the IGCSEs offered by Edexcel and CIE. The differences are only in the way questions are asked and the format of the exams.

The IGCSE is an internationally recognized qualification.

This depends. While schools do have a coursework option in some subjects, it is also possible to complete IGCSEs 100% by written examination.

IGCSE exams are offered twice a year. Edexcel in May/June and November.

Examination timetables (All UK exam boards) - (Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA))

There are a number of enrollment deadlines dependent on centre location and examination board. Generally, there will be a deadline a few months before the examination date at the lowest fee level. However candidates are able to enroll up to a few days before an examination if they are willing to pay higher entry fees. Exam centres will publish a series of deadlines at which entry fees increase. ITS has the lowest fees and latest deadlines of any centre in Hong Kong.

IGCSE subjects are charged per subject rather than per unit (as the A-level is). You should check with your exam centre to get the current cost per subject.

Edexcel results are generally released in August (for the May/June exam session), in January (for the Oct/Nov session) or March (for the January session). Check the exact date with your exam centre.

You can discuss your options with your exam centre. It is possible to retake subjects. It might be worth considering having the paper remarked.

It really depends on the purpose for which you are taking them. The convention in UK schools is to sit eight to ten subjects. However, this is primarily a function of maintaining a broad curriculum in mainstream schools. Students in other educational systems or taking subjects in a different context may only need to take one or two subjects. You can ask an ITS counsellor for help.

There are several exam centres accepting enrolments for IGCSE candidates. ITS is an Edexcel exam centre.

Candidates can withdraw from a subject any time up to the end of the first paper. After that they will be marked absent for the whole subject. There will be no refund on fees paid if you withdraw after the enrolment deadline.

It is possible to request a copy of the paper but it may not be possible for all subjects. There is a fee for this service.

The exam board can help you. They will charge for a replacement certificate.

If you have a recognised condition which has been certified by a professional, it might be possible to apply for extra time or another type of aid.

You should contact the centre as soon as possible. It might be possible to withdraw you so you keep a clean record. Unfortunately, there are no refunds. If you wish to take the exam you will need to enrol again in the next available session.

You can withdraw if you want and then retake the subject later on. ITS helps many students with intensive retake courses every year.

You should check with your exam centre as they all have different dates on which they begin accepting enrolments for each exam session.

You should check with your exam centre as they have all of the relevant closing dates. Remember different centres might have slightly different dates so if one centre tells you that you’ve missed the enrolment deadline, try another one.

Contact your exam centre as they have forms for you to complete.

Yes you can and many students do.

The GCE A-level is a linear qualification taken over two years by students at school in the UK. International students can still take it but they should note they will take regional versions and will sit papers at slightly different times. The examinations take place in June. GCE A-levels carry UCAS tariff points.

The International A-level is especially for students studying outside of the UK. It follows a modular structure so you can build the qualification over time. Examinations take place in January, June and October. International A-levels can be used to access university courses.

Yes, if you are unable to take the exam in Hong Kong at ITS, you will need to attend another authorized exam centre to sit the exams.

Yes. It is possible to undertake all the learning for your GCE/International A-level exams online with ITS. We offer a live lesson option. However you will need to attend an authorized exam centre to sit the exams. ITS is such a centre and currently you can sit exams with ITS in Hong Kong. We can also help you find an exam centre closer to you.

A wide variety of subjects are available. Please check our list of live class subjects.

No. However IGCSEs do provide a good foundation. You may wish to study IGCSE material informally before moving on to GCE/International A-level.

There are no prerequisites for taking a GCE/International A-level subject. The GCE/International A-levels are open to anyone.

A-level means Advanced level and refers to the overall qualification.

In GCE A-level one examination takes place at the end of the course. There are GCE AS-levels which count as "half" an A-level. University places are awarded on the basis of grades at A-level but AS awards also attract UCAS points and are often counted towards university entrance.

The International A-level consists of two stages called AS and A2. AS stands for Advanced Subsidiary level. Students who complete the correct pattern of AS level units (usually 2 or 3 units at this level, depending on the subject) will be awarded an AS-level certificate or can continue the subject at A2.

A2 refers to the final stage of International A-levels. Students who have successfully completed AS units in a subject move on to do A2 units, which are of a higher standard. Completing the correct sequence of units at both AS and A2 level means you have finished a full International A-level in a subject. University entrance is at the discretion of the university based on your AS and A2 grades.

This depends on the reasons for which you are taking A-levels. If you are taking them as a stepping stone to a UK university, then the number you take will depend on what the university requires or the number of UCAS points you need to get into your course. The most common combinations call for three full A-levels.

For entry to universities in other countries, you will need to research their specific requirements.

While A-levels are useful for a number of other reasons such as high school completion, employment or career development, there are no requirements in terms of number of subjects for these uses.

This depends on the calibre of the university you are targeting or the course you are hoping to get into. Some subjects are not seen as sufficiently ‘academic’ to be accepted by some universities. A number of universities don’t give credit for marks achieved in General Studies, for example. Check with your chosen universities to see if they have a subject or two they won’t recognize.

There is no difference in the level or standard of the A-level offered by different exam boards. There are differences in emphasis and also some differences in the format of the papers. The Joint Committee on Qualifications (JCQ) ensures that all the boards offering A-levels offer them at the same standard.

GCE A-levels are offered once in June.

International A-levels are offered in January, June and October. However, not every module in every subject is offered in every session. Check with your exams officer for details.

There are major changes which are now happening to GCE A-levels and one of the long term goals of these changes will be a reduction in what can be retaken and when. Under the current A-level specification retakes are possible although their availability is limited by when the exams are offered. The new specification, which will come into effect in a few years’ time will have very different rules regarding retaking exams.

Yes. Different boards have different requirements for different subjects but it is common for some humanities subjects to have coursework. Some subjects may be taken in a 100% exam format, particularly to allow access for students who are home-learners or for any reason do not have teachers available to guide coursework or do not have access to facilities such as scientific laboratories. In this case, one unit exam requires a written response to questions about the coursework techniques a student has missed out on.

You will need to check the regulation for the specific board. Generally you require an A average and an average of 90% in your A2 units to qualify for an A*.

You should contact your exam centre to find out the fees because they vary widely between subjects. If you wish to enroll for exams with ITS please contact us.

You can for different exam sessions. If you took a number of units through Centre A and then through a change of school or situation you want to do some more units (or retake some of the previous ones) you can enroll in Centre B if you like. Make sure you enroll using the same UCI (Unique Client Identifier) so all of your previous units and subjects and personal information can be used.

Be careful when enrolling in different centres during the same exam session as any clashes cannot be resolved. If you want to take two units scheduled for the same time you MUST enrol for them both at the same centre so you can be kept under exam conditions and do them at adjusted times.

Some universities will accept an A-level in Chinese as part of the UCAS tariff, some will not. You should check with your university choices to see what their attitude towards offering a Chinese A-level will be. Sending an email to the admissions office for your selected course is a good way to check.

A-levels and the IB Diploma are both ways to show you have completed high school and are both used to qualify for university entrance. There are strengths and weaknesses in both systems. Both systems can gain you entrance to universities world-wide.

Yes you can. Many universities in the UK have a UCAS tariff point requirement beyond that attainable through BTEC Level 3. For example, you might need 320 UCAS tariff points to gain entry to a particular course. BTEC Level 3 does not always provide enough UCAS tariff points. For example if you receive MM for BTEC Level 3, you only have 200 tariff points. If you selected course needs 320, you are short of this figure. In order to gain more tariff points, you could do a GCE A-level subject or two. International A-levels do not carry tariff points but universities will tell you what grades they expect.

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) is the body through which applications to most UK degree courses are processed. It awards points to each grade in a variety of recognised, publicly examined qualifications from around the world. Accumulation of a points total determines the courses to which you can apply. See the UCAS site for full details. Note that only GCE A-levels carry tariff points.

There are several exam centres accepting enrolments for GCE/International A-level candidates. ITS is an Edexcel exam centre.

Yes. If you need a predicted grade or help with a UCAS application, it can be arranged. Make an appointment to discuss this.

For GCE you can withdraw any time up to the end of the first exam paper in a subject to maintain a clean record. For IAL you can withdraw up to the end of each unit individually. Note there are no refunds for withdrawals.

Generally you can get your exam paper back. However there is a fee for this type of post-results service.

Contact the exam board and they will help you to obtain another one. There will be a fee for this.

If you have documentation to support that you would be disadvantaged in some way without it, extra help, usually in the form of more time or possibly the use of a computer, might be possible. You should submit any medical or other reports of this nature to the exam centre administration office well in advance of the exam session.

Cashing-in is the mechanism for generating a certificate. If you have to complete three units in order to complete the AS qualification, and you do all three you won’t automatically get a certificate. Instead, the units will stay in your account. If you want a certificate to be generated, the cash-in must be applied for.

Cash-ins are automatically applied to eligible units toward the completion of a particular qualification. Depending on the subject, the units toward a certificate may differ.

Example 1. Science subjects such as Chemistry has 6 units
3 units (Units 1,2,3) for AS cashin toward an AS certificate
3 units (Units 4,5,6) for A2 cashin toward an A2 certificate

If you cash in for Units 1,2,3 you will be awarded an AS certificate for CHEMISTRY.
If you cash in for Units 4,5,6 you will be awarded an A2 certificate for CHEMISTRY.

Example 2. Humanities subjects such as History have 4 units
2 units (Unit 1,2) for AS cashin toward an AS certificate
2 units (Unit 3,4) for A2 cashin toward an A2 certificate

If you cash in for Units 1,2 you will be awarded an AS certificate for HISTORY.
If you cash in for Units 3,4 you will be awarded an A2 certificate for HISTORY.

Note that you cannot be cashed in for A2 certificate (the full A-level qualification) until you have completed all units toward that qualification.

You must indicate at enrolment that you wish to cash in. Cash ins will not be applied for candidates who opt to cash in at the end, once the results for all units are final or if they are using units toward a particular qualification (as in the case of shared units toward Regular Math / Further Pure Math / Pure Math).

Late cashins can be applied for but are charged and take time to be applied. This is particularly important if a student needs a final grade for qualifying to university as the university deadline might be approaching and if they did not cashin earlier, they will have to wait and it might be two or three weeks which is past their deadline. It is always better to cash in if eligible.

Important: If doing re-sits, only the highest of the most recent two sittings are counted. If you re-sit a unit for a 3rd time then the grade for the 1st attempt is cancelled, no matter how good it is.

A good place to start is the UCAS website at www.ucas.com. There are a number of education fairs held in Hong Kong each year and a lot of the UK universities attend. ITS provides extensive advice, counseling and support on the entire university application process from choosing a course to submitting the application. This includes personal statement writing, report submission, predicted grades and entrance test & interview preparation when appropriate.

This service is available at ITS in Hong Kong or online.

Have a look at our UCAS information pages here and here. When you are ready contact us.

Most universities in Australia and the USA will accept GCE/International A-levels as evidence that you have completed high school. Universities will probably have additional admission requirements but the qualification is usually accepted quite widely.

Most universities in the USA will require an entrance exam such as SAT or ACT. It is up to each school to decide on your entrance requirements so make sure to ask each school that you apply to what you need to submit. It is unlikely that you can apply successfully with A-levels alone.

Different centres open for registration at different times. Contact your exam centre well in advance

The registration date is generally several months before the exam session you are interested in. Contact your exam centre well in advance to check for the date as missing it can produce a late fee.

You need to contact an exam centre. Generally you will need to make an appointment and attend an interview, just to make sure that your choices are correct.

Yes you can. Make an appointment with ITS Exam Services to discuss your options.

They are not obliged to and more popular destinations are unlikely to. If you miss your target grades you will enter a process at UCAS called "clearing". This is designed to match unfilled courses to students with acceptable qualifications. If, after this process, you do not have a course and you still wish to pursue one you will have to reapply anyway and retakes may well be part of this strategy.

No. This is a new exam marked separately. Taking a refresher course with ITS would be a good way to improve your chances at getting a better grade.

Not if you are retaking a unit with the same exam board. You can retake any unit you want. The board will take your best result for that unit and that is the mark that will be considered for an award.

Retakes can only be taken during a session when the exam is offered.

You will receive the best mark of the unit or units being retaken. As long as your exam centre applies again for the appropriate cash-in, a new certificate will be generated if you qualify for an award.

In the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, it is possible to access a large number of independent schools which take students from international locations and of all school ages. In order to find one that is suitable for you, look at the frequently asked questions which include links to information about the education system in the UK. ITS has many years experience sending students to UK schools. You can also contact our UK education consultants for specific information.

The UK has compulsory education for all students between the ages of 5 and 16. Children usually begin primary school at five years old and generally move to secondary school when they turn eleven.

There are national exams known as Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) which can independently assess both students and schools against the national standard for subjects.

In secondary school students take the GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) when they are 16 years old.

There are schools which are funded by the government (state-funded schools) and schools which are privately- funded (known as private or independent or public schools). Students who attend a state-funded school receive their education free of charge. In privately-funded schools, students pay fees and are usually selected through an entrance test and sometimes an interview. ITS helps students prepare for school entrance exams and interviews.

International students usually attend independent schools, especially those with a high academic success rate which helps them move on to a place at a UK university when their schooling is completed. The excellent education offered by many independent schools, and the strong English speaking environment offers a student many opportunities both at school and in the future.

Many independent schools are also boarding schools and charge for both the tuition and boarding they provide students.

Until the end of compulsory education there are three main compulsory subjects – Maths, English and Science. However, there are also foundation subjects and students also study these (or many of them). Foundation subjects include: technology, music, art, history, geography, classics, physical education and modern foreign languages. There are also sometimes subjects such as religious studies.

A-level students usually have free choice over the subjects they wish to study, although it is also important to bear in mind any pre-requisite subjects required for your target university course.

The government’s official website – National Curriculum online – will have information about the National Curriculum online . You can also look at syllabuses and specifications on the website of awarding bodies such as Edexcel, OCR, AQA etc. The Examination timetables (All UK exam boards) - (Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA)) can be found here.

Students usually take the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) when they are 5 or 16 years old. It is common for students to take between 5 and 10 subjects at GCSE level. Once compulsory schooling ends, students might go on to take a vocational programme of study, such as the GNVQs (General National Vocational Qualifications) or the A-levels if they hope to apply to university later. There are of course a range of other qualifications which students might take and which articulate with a number of higher education pathways.

As there can be a lot of competition for school places, especially at top Independent schools, it is common to be asked to sit an entrance test. There is also sometimes an interview. As the new academic year begins in September, it is a good idea to start your preparations one year before you intend to go. Many entrance tests are held in November, although it is possible to secure a place later than that.

If you are an international student taking the IB Diploma the basic offer is made for your 3 IB Higher level subjects. It is very important when choosing these subjects that you understand what options you will have for university when the time comes. ITS has a long-established, highly experienced counselling team who can help you make these decisions and plan your academic course. But to start with, try out this excellent tool from the Russel Group which helps you experiment with your subject choices. Then come and see us.