What are the General Certificates of Secondary Education (GCSE)?
These British standardised national qualifications are usually taken at the age of sixteen. These certificates are also available to international students under various names such as: GCE Ordinary level (EDEXCEL) and IGCSE (CIE). Scottish pupils take similar tests, the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE Standard Grade). These examinations qualify for entry into further education.
What are General Certificates of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Level)
These qualifications are comparable to the Belgian school leaving diploma and are prepared in two years. The exams are usually taken at the age of eighteen. Over a year pupils study four to five subjects in which they take the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) GCE. During the second year pupils prepare themselves in three subjects for the Advanced GCE, also known as A-levels. These examinations qualify for admission to undergraduate courses.
In Scotland the school leaving qualification is obtained with the completion of a SCE Higher Grade in four to five subjects.
Where and when can I take GCE exams in Belgium?
The British School of Brussels will accept entries from private candidates to examinations in January (Edexcel) and June (CIE and Edexcel). Only subjects that do not involve practical exams can be accommodated. Thus facilities for subjects such as A level Physics or Chemistry which include practical experiments as part of the assessment cannot be provided. Please note also, that exams requiring coursework are not available as the BSB cannot moderate coursework for external candidates, some exams do have an alternative written paper. For more information, see Exam facilities in Belgium - GCE & GCSE exams (MS Word 60KB)
Other GCE examinations
Contact the relevant Examining Board(s) directly (see below) to find out where your nearest centre is located. If there is no accredited centre in Belgium you will need to travel to a centre abroad.
How and where do I apply?
Before applying we strongly recommend that you consult the exam board syllabuses through the the following links:
Once you have made your choice:
EDEXCEL or CIE exams
You need to contact the British School of Brussels. You should complete their form and return it with the appropriate fees. The British School of Brussels will deal with the full registration procedure as well as the invigilation of your examinations.
For examinations offered by the other examination boards
You need to get details from the centre offering the examinations you want to sit. If they do not have a centre in Belgium, the following reputable institution is able to offer an examination supervision service.
Boston University in Brussels
Ms Bee Lin Yeo
Associate
Testing Department
Boston University in Brussels
Boulevard du Triomphe, 174
B-1160 Brussels, Belgium
T + 32 2 640 7474
F + 32 2 640 6515
E beelin@bu.edu
www.bu.edu/brussels
What are the exam fees?
Fees will vary according to what exams you decide to sit. The exam fees consist of two parts - the exam board fee and the local fee. The exam board fee consists of an initial entry fee and an individual fee per subject taken. The local fee covers exam administration expenses.
How can I prepare for GCE examinations?
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