IGCSE: advantages and how to achieve it in Spain

All parents are looking for a solid education for their children, an education that will allow them not only to develop as future adults and to socialize well with other children, but also to be able to channel their future employment through an education system that will really serve them both in the present and in the future.

In this sense, the accreditation or validation of qualifications is an added bonus that can be very useful, and one of the most widely recognized international programs is the IGCSE, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education.

What is the IGCSE certificate

The IGCSE is the international version of the General Certificate in Secondary Education (GCSE). It is an internationally recognised diploma awarded at the end of the last year of secondary school. It is therefore awarded to students who complete the 4th year of ESO.

The IGCSE Spain is dedicated to students between 14 and 16 years of age who have to complete grades 9 or 10, i.e. 3rd or 4th year of ESO. It lasts two years, although there is the possibility of attending only one year. This is the case when pupils enter this programme in the second year.

This training provides ideal preparation for the International Baccalaureate and is also highly valued by universities and companies all over the world. This syllabus offers various pathways to suit students of all profiles. The focus is on different languages, not only English, and some core subjects are taken as a basis.

From there, other subjects can be introduced to promote multidisciplinary learning in which interconnections between subjects are prioritised. The IGCSE prepares pupils for further education by developing essential educational skills such as speaking, problem solving, teamwork and research.

Each academy, school or school is free to choose its own subjects, but the programmes should have a clear objective, which is to prepare pupils for an international profile without cultural bias.

Advantages of the IGCSE certificate

Now that we know what the IGCSE is and what it is, it is time to talk about its advantages. What does it mean for families if their children achieve this international accreditation? First of all, we are talking about a diploma that is recognised practically all over the world by companies and universities. Many schools of higher education, especially in the UK, require this diploma in the administration process.

The students, during the two academic years of this programme, face the challenge of overcoming the subjects included in the syllabus, but in addition to this they gain flexibility and the ability to adapt to change, as the educational environment promotes intercultural relations.

At the same time, students develop their ability to work and communicate in another language. As this is an eminently practical programme, the idea is to prepare students for new educational challenges and to favour their inclusion in educational centres in other countries. Finally, this programme develops students’ intellectual curiosity.

How to get it in Spain: IGCSE in SLAM

There are many schools in Spain that offer the possibility of obtaining the IGCSE. However, at SLAM School we would like to highlight our own programme. We offer the Pearson International GCSEs, with globally recognised qualifications and academic and assessment content specifically designed for international students.

Pearson is the largest awarding body for qualifications in the UK. Across the various educational programmes, not just at GCSE, students achieve OTHM qualifications (approved by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation in England).

Grades 9 and 10 at SLAM School, which are the grades to be passed for IGCSE, have the following subjects:

  • English
  • Geometry
  • Chemistry
  • World History
  • Foreign Language
  • Computers
  • English 2
  • Algebra 2
  • Physics (or equivalent science)
  • American Government/Economics
  • Foreign Language
  • One subject of the student’s choice


Upon completion of these two courses, the student obtains IGCSE accreditation to continue their education. At SLAM School we offer the option to continue in the system with Grades 11 and 12, which is a full approach to the International Baccalaureate.

What are the requirements to obtain the IGCSE?

From an academic point of view, students wishing to access this programme must have passed all the subjects of the 1st and 2nd year of ESO. In addition, it is essential to have a good level of English, as classes and exams are conducted in this language.

At SLAM School we also offer pre-IGCSE courses with grades 7 and 8. There, students can gain English language skills and get closer to practical and experiential learning.

The IGCSE is one of the most internationally recognised accreditations in education. Passing this programme can serve as a springboard to be accepted at universities in Anglo-Saxon countries and gain weight in the labour market. At SLAM we encourage you to find out about our pathways in this field.