When it comes to qualifications, English schoolchildren have more choice than ever. Everyone knows about GCSEs and A-levels, yet few pay much attention to the alternatives, such as the International Baccalaureate and the International A-level.
Why are these alternatives overlooked? Because they are the preserve of independent schools. The independent
sector has the great advantage of not being compelled to follow the national curriculum guidelines, which prevent state schools from offering alternative exams. The new government, under Michael Gove’s liberating education agenda, is attempting to give state pupils access to different qualifications, but it is going to take a while. Independent schools, by contrast, have had plenty of time to establish alternative examination systems and mould their education methods to fit.
Surprisingly, the IGCSE, which has earned great praise for its open-ended questions, in-depth syllabuses
and rejection of coursework, is the most contentious exam on offer in independent schools.
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