We are so proud of our international one-year GCSE (IGCSE) students and everything that they have achieved since joining us only nine months ago!

As is now a King's tradition, pupils and staff involved in our IGCSE programme came together in the Old Palace just before half-term for a fabulous awards ceremony, delicious barbecue, and fun shirt signing.

Every September, a group of pupils from all corners of the globe come to King's to study the one-year IGCSE programme. The two-term intensive course sees young people studying in their non-native speaking language, and the average number of subjects taken is six.

Mr Matthew Norbury, our Director for International Students, said: "On a magnificent May afternoon, the academic and pastoral achievements of the King’s Ely 2025-26 one-year cohort were celebrated in the Old Palace Lecture Theatre and Garden. Representing seven nationalities, the sixteen students were recognised for their academic progress, achievements, and contributions to the school since arriving in the UK last September. 

"Having studied five to seven IGCSEs in two terms, they are half-way through their final exams, with almost 70% of the group continuing at King’s for A-Levels next year. The afternoon concluded with a brilliant barbecue banquet where the pupils enjoyed the end of year King’s Ely shirt signing tradition.”

Moving to another country and studying subjects in a second or even third language in a little under 28 weeks before sitting exams - what an achievement. We wish our IGCSE students every success for results day in August!