Senior School · Years 10 and 11
GCSEs
GCSEs are the standard qualification for 14 to 16 year olds in the British education system. Students study a range of subjects over two years and sit formal examinations at the end of Year 11. Results are graded 9 to 1, with 9 the highest. For a full overview of how GCSEs and A-Levels work, see the GCSEs and A-Levels guide.
At ISJ, the GCSE programme covers 11 subjects. The core is English Language, Mathematics, and the three sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). Beyond that, students choose from English Literature, History, Economics, Computer Science, Art and Design, and a Modern Foreign Language.
The Programme
Breadth and Rigour
The subject range is designed to keep options open. A student considering medicine needs strong sciences. A student drawn to law or politics benefits from History and Economics. A student with creative ambitions has Art and Design alongside a strong academic core. The GCSE programme supports all of these pathways.
Subject specialists lead every class. Teaching is rigorous, structured, and focused on depth of understanding rather than surface coverage. Pupils are expected to think critically, write clearly, and develop the independent study habits they will need at A-Level.
Assessment
How GCSEs Are Graded
GCSEs are graded 9 to 1. A grade 4 is a standard pass. A grade 7 is equivalent to the old A grade. The most competitive sixth forms and universities look for a strong spread of 7s, 8s, and 9s.
Assessment is primarily by examination at the end of Year 11, with some subjects including coursework or non-examination assessment. Throughout the two years, teachers track progress through regular internal assessments, providing detailed feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
What Comes Next
Into A-Levels
GCSE results determine A-Level subject choices. Strong performance at GCSE opens the widest range of options at A-Level. The transition is seamless at ISJ Senior School because the same teachers, the same expectations, and the same culture carry through from Year 10 to Year 13.
University preparation begins in Year 11, with early conversations about courses, countries, and application systems. By the time students enter Year 12, they have a clear sense of direction. The results this model produces across the Schools Trust network are detailed on the outcomes page.