I/GCSEs and Universities
For popular courses at high-ranking universities - generally Oxbridge and the Russell Group universities, although Durham and York are often added to this list - results at I/GCSE are essential in determining whether a pupil has any real chance of gaining an offer of a place. Oxford and Cambridge state openly that virtually everyone to whom they offer a place has at least SEVEN A* grades at I/GCSE and in practice most of those to whom places are offered have even more A* grades to their credit.
For courses like Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and some Management Science courses and, increasingly for popular subjects like English and Law, Russell Group universities expect applicants to have at least half their I/GCSE passes at A* grade and for some of the most competitive courses no B grades at all.
Admission to higher ranking universities is a very competitive business. All our pupils - and their parents - need to be aware of this. It is crucial that every boy or girl at Haileybury fulfils his or her potential by focusing on getting the best grades possible at this I/GCSE stage. Results obtained at I/GCSE really can have a big impact on their future lives.
