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iGCSE's recognised exactly the same as GCSEs? and help on choosing an exam board?

I'm a 21 year old returning to education after a break. I'm applying for access courses/extended degrees to start September 2014 and as I'm a mature student who's been away from education, i figured taking GCSEs and iGCSEs help to show I'm committed to studying again, hopefully giving me a better chance of being accepted. (before anyone says, I've specifically chosen not to do A levels as studying at level 3 will ruin any free funding I would get for access courses)
I just wondered if IGCSEs are recognised exactly the same as GCSEs. I dont really need these for anything, I just wanted to get myself into studying again before I get thrown in the deep end, and show I'm still an able student after time out of education. But I would like them to still be recognised as a qualification.

Also, I'm looking to do maths and physics.
I know I can take maths as a normal GCSE, as there is no coursework with the likes of AQA, but I would definitely have to do an IGCSE for Physics.
I have no idea about which exam board to choose, whether to do GCSE maths or not etc.
Does anyone have any guidance/experience on choosing a board as a mature, private student?
Thanks :biggrin:

Reply 1

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Reply 2

caz2112

Hi - Yes they are considered equivalent by OfQual. Although among educators the IGCSE is generally considered more rigorous. Schools have been swapping to IGCSE as negative publicity surrounds the GCSE. A large part of this is there are no modules and it all has to be sat as a final exam.

I'd check firstly where there are centres to sit the exams, and whether both options are available to you from a practical point of view.