tier choice Archives | Hashtag M-Cubed

iGCSE 0580 Core or Extended: How to Choose Between Cambridge’s Two Maths Tiers

23 August 2026 by Tracy Davis

Globe and textbooks on a desk, illustrating Cambridge iGCSE Mathematics 0580 for international school students

Cambridge iGCSE 0580 Core caps at Grade 5; Extended goes up to Grade 9. The honest test for September of Year 10, and what each tier means for UK universities and A-Level Maths.

Foundation or Higher GCSE Maths: How to Choose (and When to Switch)

22 October 20261 June 2026 by Tracy Davis

A student writing with a pencil on paper, considering the choice between Foundation and Higher tier GCSE Maths

Foundation tops out at Grade 5; Higher runs 4-9. The certificate doesn’t show the tier. A practical guide to picking the right one, and switching tiers in Year 11 when it matters.