School Exams - British Council Pakistan

Informed Choices

	School Exams


	Qualifications for entry into UK higher and further education

Do you want to study at an institute for further or higher education? Do you want to study for professional qualifications in the UK? Then the General Certificate of Education (GCE) could help you. You can register and take a Edexcel International or a Cambridge International Examinations qualification with us.

		What is GCE?

The GCE is one of the most internationally recognised qualifications. You can take this qualification at the Ordinary (O) or the Advanced (A) levels, depending on what you need it for and the course you intend to follow. The Ordinary level has been replaced by GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) in UK schools; however,it is still available to international students. We advise you to take a preparation course that specifically follows a syllabus if you want to take either of these exams.

		What is a GCE O-level?

An O-level is standard UK qualification usually taken at the age of fifteen/sixteen. An O-level provides a foundation for further study or employment. They are available in a wide range of subjects covering the whole curriculum. Within the subject areas which are generally available, there is often a choice of several syllabuses. You can take any number of O-levels, depending on the qualifications that your chosen institutions ask for. Most students take between seven and ten O-levels after studying for two to three years in their chosen subjects.

		Why should I take an O-level?

	You need to take an exam at O-level before you can study at A-level. You also need to check that the O-level qualification you want is recognised by the institution where you want to study your A-level.

		What is a GCE A-level?

An A-level is an Advanced level GCE qualification used internationally as pre-university requirement. This exam is normally taken after two years of A-level study and is available in a broad range of subjects covering the whole curriculum. The new qualification comprises six units and can be taken either in stages (see Advanced Subsidiary below) or as a terminal examination. Usually, A-level courses immediately follow on from O-level courses and most candidates enter between two and four subjects at the age of eighteen.

		Why should I take an A-level?

	Good A-level results can give you access to undergraduate studies at some of the best higher education learning institutions in the world. A-level qualifications can also give you access to professional and vocational courses.

		What is a GCE AS-level?

The Advanced Subsidiary is offered in most subjects and became available for the first time in 2001. The Subsidiary is a new way of facilitating staged assessment. The subject content of the new A Level syllabuses has been subdivided into two parts: the AS syllabus content, which is expected to be covered in the first half of the course, and the second part of the syllabus, commonly referred to as A2, taken at the end of the second year of study. In terms of the UCAS tariff, the Advanced Subsidiary is worth half the points of a GCE Advanced level qualification.

		When can I take GCE exams?

	CIE exams are held in May/June and October/November each year, Edexcel exams are held in May/June and January each year. Registration for GCE exams usually begins at least three to four months before the start of each exam session.

		Where can I take GCE exams?

GCE exams are conducted at various exam venues in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore & Peshawar.

We also conduct exams in some outreach centres to cater for the need of students who are based at some distance from the four cities above. Further details can be obtained from your local British Council office.

		How can I verify my result?

A candidate or institution who requires verification of results issued by CIE may apply for verification of results using the Verification Application Form

The CIE verification fee is Rs 2,190 per certificate requiring verification.

*Customer who is applying for more than one certificate’s verification will pay an additional Rs 2,190 for each subsequent verification.

		How can I send provisional result to my chosen educational institute?

If you need your provisional results to be sent straight to a particular institution complete Priority Result Information form. Cambridge will send the provisional statement of results to your chosen educational institution on the day that results are released. Results are produced using the name given for the candidate at the time of their exam.

British Council deadlines for accepting applications for June 2012 session is 18 July.

Fee is PKR 8,906.