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The International School of St. Petersburg (ISSPb) is an accredited LRN (Learning Resource Network) examination centre. This enables ISSPb students, as well as independent candidates from Russia and abroad, to register for and sit international iGCSE and A Level examinations based on the British education system.
LRN is a UK-based awarding organisation offering British-style international qualifications aligned with UK examination standards. Its international iGCSE and A Level qualifications follow the same subject frameworks and assessment principles used by established UK examination boards such as Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE), Pearson Edexcel, OxfordAQA, WJEC (Eduqas), the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and AQA.
The International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb provides a complete examination service, from initial application and registration through to the secure administration of examinations and the issue of official UK certificates. All examinations are organised in full accordance with international examination regulations and follow a clearly defined, transparent process.
Submitting Applications for iGCSE and A Level Examinations
Preliminary applications for international iGCSE and A Level examinations at the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb are accepted until 25 December of the current academic year. During this stage, candidates and their families:
- select their iGCSE or A Level subjects
- receive guidance on examination structure and assessment formats
- become familiar with the requirements of the British examination system
- confirm their intention to participate in the examination session
Early application enables the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb to plan examination sessions effectively, ensure accurate administration, and comply fully with all awarding body procedures.
Academic Support at the Application Stage
During the application period, ISSPb offers professional academic support services designed to improve examination readiness, including:
- diagnostic testing in selected subjects
- evaluation of suitability for the iGCSE and A Level assessment model
- guidance on subject combinations and examination components
- targeted preparation programmes for candidates requiring additional academic support
Diagnostic assessment identifies strengths and areas for development, while structured preparation programmes help candidates consolidate subject knowledge, adapt to international examination requirements, and build confidence.
Official Examination Registration
Formal registration for iGCSE and A Level examinations takes place between January and February. During this period, the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb:
- enters candidate details into the official LRN registration system
- verifies personal and academic information
- confirms participation in the examination session
Centralised registration through the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb ensures:
- compliance with all awarding body regulations
- accurate documentation
- secure and transparent administrative procedures
Conducting iGCSE and A Level Examinations
International iGCSE and A Level examinations are held at the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb during the May-June examination series.
Examinations are conducted:
- in person
- under conditions that meet international examination standards
- under the supervision of trained and accredited invigilators
Candidates are able to sit British international examinations in a familiar academic environment in St. Petersburg, without the need to travel abroad.
Examination Results and Certificates
Examination results are released in line with the official awarding body timetable. Successful candidates receive official UK-issued certificates confirming their achievement in international iGCSE or A Level subjects.
These certificates form part of an internationally recognised academic portfolio and may be used for applications to schools, colleges, and universities worldwide, subject to the individual entry requirements of each institution.
Recognition of iGCSE and A Level Qualifications in Russia and Internationally
International iGCSE and A Level qualifications taken at the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb may be considered by universities and colleges worldwide as part of an application portfolio, subject to each institution’s specific academic and language entry requirements.
Internationally, this may include:
- universities in the United Kingdom, including members of the Russell Group
- universities across Europe (including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland)
- universities in the United States and Canada
- universities in the Middle East (including the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia)
- universities in Asia (including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and South Korea)
- international schools and colleges worldwide
In Russia, this may include:
- international and bilingual schools
- private and state universities
- programmes with international or bilingual accreditation
English language requirements
In many cases, a pass in iGCSE First Language English (or an equivalent international English qualification) may be accepted by universities as evidence of English language proficiency in place of an IELTS test, depending on the institution’s admissions policy.
However, applicants should note that some countries and immigration authorities may still require a separate IELTS or equivalent English language test for student visa purposes, even where a university accepts iGCSE First Language English for academic admission.
Admission and recognition decisions are made by individual institutions and depend on their specific academic and language requirements.
A Reliable Foundation for Further Education
Taking international iGCSE and A Level examinations at the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb provides students with access to a wide range of educational pathways in both Russia and abroad. These qualifications support progression to senior secondary education and higher education and demonstrate academic preparation within the British curriculum framework.
iGCSE Examination Results at the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb
The International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb has been delivering international iGCSE examinations since 2023. Since the introduction of these examinations, the International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb candidates have achieved consistently strong academic outcomes.
Recent examination data show:
- a 100% pass rate across all iGCSE subjects
- approximately 70% of grades awarded at Grade 7 or higher
- performance above published UK national averages in a number of subjects, including Art and Design, Business Studies, Economics, English Language, Geography, History, Mathematics, Sociology and Combined Science
These results reflect the effectiveness of The International School of St. Petersburg ISSPb’s academic programmes and the high level of preparation provided for international iGCSE examinations.