What is the difference between Foundation and Higher Tier at GCSE?

GCSEs are a very important part of your life. Your GCSEs can be the main factor in deciding which A-level you will be getting. It can also be a deciding factor in increasing your chances of getting selected for the job. Though when you are taking your GCSEs, you must be aware of the different types of tiers in the exam. There are two types of tiers in your GCSEs- Foundation and higher tier.

Quick Takeaways

• The main difference between both them is in the foundation tier you can only get up to grade 5 whereas for the higher tier, you can get up to grade 9. 
• If you see on the basis of just content then there is no doubt that you must go for the foundation tier exam. On the other hand, if you see the grades you may want to take a higher tier. 
• We can say that which tier you should take up depends upon your own knowledge and capabilities.

However, you must read till the end to know more about the difference between the foundation and higher tier in detail.

What is the foundation tier exam at GCSE?

When you are sitting for your GCSE, and are aiming for grades 1-5, it is known as the foundational tier exam. This means that when you are taking up the foundational tier, you can get a maximum of grade 5. Obviously, when you are taking up low grades exams, you will find the course content easy and less. You must also remember that when you are taking the GCSEs, you can take them privately.

What is the higher tier exam at GCSE?

If you are going for your GCSE, and are aiming for the subjects with the higher grades 6-9, you will be taking up higher tier exams. It means that you can take up the highest grade exam in it. As they are of more grades, you will need to learn more and tough course content. Further, you must remember that you may get fail the GCSEs if you study higher tier.

What is the difference between Foundation and Higher Tier at GCSE?

You need to take up different GCSEs for A-levels. You either may take it up at the foundation or higher tier at some of the best GCSEs. As already mentioned that the main difference between both foundation and higher tier exams depends upon the grades earned. This means that when you are taking up the Foundation tier you will only get the maximum marks at 5. Whereas, for taking up a higher tier you will get the maximum marks at 9.

You will be studying almost the same content for both exams, though you will be studying more during your higher-tier exam. When you are taking up the foundational tier exam in GCSE, you will need to write up short answers in this type of exam. However, in your higher-tier exam, you will need to write detailed answers to the questions. 

In addition to it, the marking scheme for both exams is also different. Therefore you must see which exam is focusing on the area you are best in. As we already discussed, the content of the foundation tier is much less than the higher tier, which means that the syllabus for the foundation tier can be completed faster. It also means that you will get more time to revise your syllabus for the foundation tier and will be studying less syllabus. If you are homeschooled, you do not need to take GCSEs. It means that you will not need to take any GCSE. Although, if you miss the GCSE exam, you will have to resit for them.

Is it better to do higher or foundation?

Obviously, if you see on the basis of just content then there is no doubt that you must go for the foundation tier exam. But this really means that you should choose it? The answer could be no. As if you are taking the foundation tier, then it will only allow you to have the maximum mark of 5. So choosing a foundation or higher tier exam during your GCSE will depend upon you and you can take them privately. You can also take IGCSE instead of GCSE. Although if you want to know which one is better for you, you can check for the advantages and disadvantages which are mentioned below. You must take up GCSE mock test so that you do not fail the exam.

Advantages and disadvantages of Foundation Tier

Following is the table which shows both advantages and disadvantages of the foundation tier-

Advantages

• It will have less content for you to learn. So if you are a student who does not love to study, you must choose the foundation tier.
• You will not only see less content but an easy one also. This means that there will be less stress for you.
• There will be both easy short questions and multiple-choice questions.
• As the content is easy and less than the higher foundation, you can easily pass the exam.

Disadvantages

• You can only obtain a grade up to 5. This means that if you are good at studying this might not be an option.
• To pass this exam you will need to get more marks. This means that you will need to put in extra marks for studying.

Advantages and disadvantages of Higher Tier

Following is the table which shows both advantages and disadvantages of higher tier-

Advantages

• You can get the highest grade with the help of this exam. 
• To pass this exam you will need fewer marks compared to the foundation tier.
• You can easily get into A-levels with the help of higher-tier exams in GCSEs.

Disadvantages

• It includes tough and more content to study.
• The paper of the higher tier exam is tougher and there will be lengthy questions to cover.
• This exam may also not suit you if you are best at answering short lengthy questions.

Conclusion

Your GCSEs could be the reason for getting the subject you want for your A-levels. Not only this, your GCSEs may be the reason for your higher studies as well. You may need it, even during your job interview. When you are going for GCSEs, you will have two exams, foundational as well as higher tier exams in it. Though both exams are important, the foundation tier exam is much easier than the harder tier. They have short questions in the exam as well. However, you can only get up to grade 5 in your foundation tier exam.