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Private schools turning to international qualifications, survey finds

Posted on 13th November 2008

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A growing number of private schools are choosing to enter students in international qualifications rather than traditional A-levels and GCSEs, it has emerged.

The Independent Schools Council has carried out a survey of nearly 570 institutions, finding that half entered pupils in the International GCSE - said to be more difficult than the mainstream alternative.

In total the number of pupils sitting at least one subject in the qualification rose by 31 per cent, while twice as many pupils have opted for the International Baccalaureate over the A-level.

Another record-breaking year for exam results has prompted criticism that A-levels and GCSEs are not challenging enough for students.

Headmaster of King's College School in Wimbledon Andrew Halls stated that A-levels in particular are now "veering towards the mindless".

The pass rate for this year's GCSE students was 65 per cent, an increase on the 2007 level of 63.3 per cent.