IGCSE is the foundation your A-Level or IB results are built on — and it rewards preparation over raw talent more than almost any exam. That is good news: the path to A*s and 9s is learnable, and we walk students down it every year.
Know exactly how you're graded
Cambridge IGCSE is reported on the 9–1 scale or the A*–G scale, depending on the subject and region. A 9 (or an A*) is the very top, and it is awarded for consistent, precise, well-communicated answers — not for occasional brilliance. Precision is the whole game.
IGCSE examiners reward exactness. Top marks come from saying the specific thing the mark scheme wants, in the right depth — not from writing more.
Past papers are the syllabus in disguise
The single fastest route to a top IGCSE grade is systematic past-paper practice. Papers repeat predictable question types year after year; once you have worked through several series with the mark schemes, you begin to see exactly what each question is really testing.
- Work through the last 4–5 years of past papers per subject.
- Mark every answer against the official scheme and note the wording it rewards.
- Keep an error log — the same slips repeat until you name them.
- Target the extended/higher tier if you are going for the top grades.
Command words decide your marks
'State', 'describe', 'explain' and 'evaluate' each demand a different depth of answer, and a huge share of lost marks comes from answering the wrong level. Learn the command words, and match your answer — and its length — to the marks on offer.
One mark ≈ one distinct point. If a question is worth four marks, we train students to make four clear, separate points. Examiners tick points, not paragraphs.
Revise the way memory actually works
Active recall and spaced repetition beat re-reading every single time. Turn each topic into questions, test yourself from blank paper, and space the reviews across weeks. It feels harder than highlighting — because it is the part that actually works.
| Subject | What earns the top grade |
|---|---|
| Maths | Method marks, neat working and speed from repeated timed practice. |
| Sciences | Precise definitions, correct units, and clean graph/experiment technique. |
| English | Structured responses, textual evidence and controlled writing. |
| Humanities | Balanced arguments with specific evidence and a clear judgement. |
Marks are not lost in the exam hall. They are lost in the weeks you promised yourself you would revise 'later'.
Why students prepare for IGCSE with Vidimentor
At IGCSE, students rarely lack ability — they lack a system and honest feedback. That is where a Vidimentor tutor changes the outcome: we build a realistic plan across your subjects, mark your practice like an examiner, and clear doubts the moment they appear, so small gaps never grow into lost grades.
- A tutor who knows your exam board (Cambridge or Edexcel) and its mark schemes
- Relentless past-paper practice, marked the way a real examiner marks
- Command-word coaching so a 4-mark answer earns all four marks
- A personal mentor who tracks every subject and flags slippage early
- Doubt-clearing on WhatsApp between classes
- A free demo class before you decide
See the difference a specialist IGCSE tutor makes
Book a free 1-on-1 demo class. Meet your tutor and mentor, watch how we teach to the mark scheme, and get a plan built around your goal — with zero obligation.
Book a Free Demo Class →Frequently asked questions
How do I get an A* or a 9 in IGCSE?
Work through several years of past papers with the mark schemes, answer to the command words, keep an error log, and revise with active recall. Top grades come from precise, well-practised answers — exactly what a 1-on-1 tutor trains you to produce.
What is the difference between the 9–1 and A*–G IGCSE grades?
They are two grading scales Cambridge uses depending on subject and region. On 9–1 a 9 is highest; on A*–G an A* is highest. Both reward the same thing: consistent, accurate, clearly-communicated work.
When should I start preparing for IGCSE?
Keep light, spaced revision going through the two-year course, and begin steady past-paper practice a few months before the exam series. Early consistency beats last-minute cramming.
Can a Vidimentor tutor improve my IGCSE grades?
Yes — a specialist tutor diagnoses your weak topics, marks practice against the official schemes, teaches command-word technique, and clears doubts quickly. That is often the difference between a B and an A*.
The bottom line
IGCSE is where strong academic habits are born. Master past papers, respect the command words, and revise the way memory works — and the top grades stop feeling out of reach. A Vidimentor tutor makes that path faster and far less stressful, and your first class is free.
Targeting A*s and 9s in your IGCSEs?
Book a free demo with a Vidimentor IGCSE specialist and get a subject-by-subject plan.
Book a Free Demo Class →