Every year, students across Pakistan choose the British Council as their trusted partner for international qualifications. Whether you’re preparing for your IGCSEs, O Levels, or AS and A Levels, or a teacher supporting learners through these qualifications, the British Council provides access to official information, registration services, and reliable preparation resources in collaboration with leading UK-based awarding bodies.

Careful preparation and a well-planned revision timetable can reduce exam stress and help you perform at your best. Please note that the British Council does not provide direct teaching or tutoring for these exams. The subject syllabuses, past papers, and other study materials are available through the official websites of our awarding bodies.

Resources from our awarding bodies

The British Council works to make international education accessible in Pakistan by supporting students who register for UK international school qualifications as private candidates. To help them prepare for their exams, UK-based awarding bodies — including Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel, and OxfordAQA — provide official syllabuses, past papers, and other preparation materials. These resources are developed and managed by the awarding bodies themselves and are an essential part of the international education journey for all students.

Cambridge International Education resources

Cambridge International offers a wide range of official exam preparation materials for students taking IGCSEs, O Levels, and AS/A Levels. These include:

  • Subject syllabuses and specifications.

  • Specimen papers and examiner reports.

  • Past exam papers and marking schemes.

All of these resources can be accessed via the Cambridge online resource centre, helping students understand exam structures and what examiners look for in answers.

Explore Cambridge resources

OxfordAQA resources

OxfordAQA provides practical guidance and resources for students preparing for international qualifications. Key support includes:

  • Useful resources for parents and students.

  • Post-results services and special consideration procedures

  • Advice for parents supporting learners.

  • Information on university pathways with OxfordAQA qualifications.

These resources help students plan their studies, understand assessment processes, and explore opportunities after completing their qualifications. 

Discover OxfordAQA support

Pearson Edexcel resources

Pearson Edexcel provides past exam papers for International GCSEs and AS/A Levels through their Past Papers search tool. This extensive library of past papers and mark schemes allows students to practise and improve their exam skills.

Note: The most recent papers (from the last 12 months) are available to teachers only, but a wide range of past exams is still accessible to learners.

Access Pearson Edexcel resources

Preparing for your IGCSE, O Level, AS and A Level exams

Preparing for international qualifications takes time, consistency, and access to the right information. Below you’ll find key steps to help you get ready — from understanding your exam documents to building an effective revision plan and feeling confident on exam day.

Important documents for your international qualifications

Before your exams, make sure you have all the right documents ready.

Statement of Entry (SoE): Confirms your exam registration and includes your chosen subjects, exam dates, and personal details.

  • Private candidates: Collect your SoE and Venue Letter from the British Council two to three weeks before your exam series begins. You’ll receive an SMS and/or email once they’re ready — make sure to collect them within three working days.

  • School students: You’ll receive your SoE from your school before your exams.

A parent or guardian may collect these documents on your behalf if they present a valid passport or national ID.

Before your exams

 Now is the time to start preparing seriously. Create a structured revision timetable and:

  • Check the most up-to-date syllabus for each subject

  • Understand the exam format (e.g. multiple choice, essay-based, or practical)

  • Set realistic study goals and plan your revision sessions in advance

Once you’ve chosen your international qualification and completed your exam registration, you can focus on planning your revision, reviewing past papers and syllabuses, and exploring guidance for exam day to make sure you’re fully prepared. After your exams, you’ll be able to check your results and explore next steps.

 

In this section