Edexcel International A-Level Biology Tutor — IAL Specialist & Former Examiner
Specialist Edexcel International Advanced Level Biology tuition from Tyrone — a Chartered Biologist and former Edexcel examiner with over 25 years of teaching experience. I help international students worldwide master the Pearson Edexcel IAL Biology specification, navigate the modular exam structure, and achieve the grades they need for UK and international university entry.
Last updated: February 2026
Proven Results: What Students and Parents Say
I have a 100% grade improvement rate. With all 5-star reviews on Trustpilot and Google, my students consistently achieve grades above their predicted results — including international students studying the Edexcel IAL.
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Google ★★★★★8 reviews Trustpilot ★★★★☆11 reviews
Google ★★★★★Wow what a great tutor supported my daughter to understand the depth of A level Biology improving exam results from 50% to 87%, i highly recommend Tyrones tailored approach to learning it certainly yields results
Trustpilot ★★★★★Having had several A-level biology…Having had several A-level biology tutors before, none matched Tyrone's ability to deepen my understanding of the material. His dedication to ensuring his students excel is remarkable, and his strategic planning has perfectly equipped me to secure top marks in class. Tyrone's extensive teaching expe...
Google ★★★★★Tyrone was a great tutor and increased our son’s confidence in tackling the A’level biology exams so that he ended up getting a higher grade than he’d been predicted. It was easy to book tutor appointments, with plenty of availability. Would definitely recommend Tyrone.
Google ★★★★★Choosing a tutor is a big decision. We struggled to find the 'right' biology A level tutor for our daughter. There is a big difference between tutors who can teach/reinforce content and tutors who can teach your student to dissect an exam question, allocate the marks and get the marks every time... ...
Google ★★★★★The best biology tutor, if you are trying to do well in your studies, make sure to give Tyrone the time of day, amazing person, extremely patient and very good at making you understand. I’m a pretty hard person to leach cause I’m real lazy so I promise you he’s really good.
Google ★★★★★Tyrone was an amazing tutor, who helped me so much with A Level Biology when I was struggling with the content in Y13. I liked the way that he explained each topic thoroughly, at a good pace and he always asked me if I had any questions before continuing to teach me, as I felt that the way that the ...
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In just 8 months — secured first choice university
Over 2 years of consistent tuition
In just 3 months of focused tutoring
What Is Edexcel International Advanced Level Biology?
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) in Biology is a modular qualification designed specifically for international students. Unlike the UK Edexcel A-Level (which is linear with all exams at the end), the IAL allows students to take unit exams in both January and June each year, giving you strategic flexibility over when you sit each paper.
The IAL is widely used by British curriculum schools, international schools, and private candidates worldwide. It is fully recognised by UK universities — including Russell Group institutions — and carries the same UCAS tariff points as a UK A-Level.
The specification code is XBI01. Units 1 and 2 form the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS), while Units 3, 4, 5 and 6 complete the full International Advanced Level (IAL). Students can cash in the IAS as a standalone qualification or continue to the full IAL.
Meet Your Edexcel International Biology Tutor: Tyrone
Qualifications and Background
Official Edexcel International A-Level Biology Resources
I always encourage my students to use the official Pearson resources alongside our tuition sessions. These are the key links you will need:
📋 IAL Biology Specification (XBI01)
The full International Advanced Level Biology specification — know exactly what can and cannot be examined in each unit.
View Specification →📝 Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Official past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports for all 6 units. Practising with real papers is the single most effective revision strategy.
View Past Papers →How I Help Edexcel International Biology Students
Every student is different, so every tutoring programme is personalised. But my approach always combines deep content knowledge with practical exam technique training — and as a former Edexcel examiner, I bring a unique perspective that most tutors simply cannot offer.
Examiner-Led Teaching
As a former Edexcel examiner, I teach you exactly what the mark schemes reward. You will learn the specific phrases, structures, and approaches that earn full marks — knowledge that comes directly from marking thousands of papers.
Modular Exam Strategy
The IAL’s modular structure gives you strategic options. I help you plan which units to sit in January vs June, identify resit opportunities, and create a timeline that maximises your overall grade.
Past Paper Practice
We work through real Edexcel IAL past papers together, with detailed feedback using actual mark schemes. I explain not just what the correct answer is, but why other answers lose marks.
Time Zone Flexible
I tutor students across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Sessions are scheduled around your local time. Every lesson is recorded so you can rewatch at any time.
Tuition Options
One-to-One Tuition
Individual sessions typically lasting one hour, tailored entirely to your needs. Ideal for focused, personalised attention on the specific IAL units and exam techniques that matter most to you.
Learn more →Small Group Tuition
Study alongside 2–8 other students. A cost-effective option that works well for international school students preparing for the same unit exams together.
Learn more →What Makes the Edexcel International A-Level Biology Challenging
The Edexcel IAL Biology specification covers demanding content across 6 units. While the modular structure offers flexibility, students must still master the same rigorous biological concepts as the UK specification. International students often face additional challenges — studying in a second language, limited access to lab practicals, and preparing for exams without the same level of school support available in UK sixth forms.
Common Challenges I Help International Students Overcome
Unit 6: Practical Biology & Research Skills
Unit 6 tests your understanding of practical techniques, experimental design, and data analysis — even though you may have limited access to laboratory work. I teach you the underlying principles so you can answer practical-based questions with confidence.
Mathematical Skills
Edexcel requires a high level of mathematical competence. Students must be confident with statistical tests, logarithms, standard deviation, and calculations involving concentrations, dilutions, and magnification. I build these skills systematically alongside the biology content.
Extended Response Questions
Many international students find long-answer questions particularly challenging, especially when studying in a second language. I teach the specific structure, key terminology, and logical flow that examiners reward — with plenty of practice and feedback.
Strategic Unit Planning
With exams in January and June, deciding which units to sit when is a critical strategic decision. Taking too many units at once can spread you thin; leaving too many for the final series adds pressure. I help you plan the optimal schedule.
Synoptic Connections Across Units
Units 5 and 6 draw on knowledge from the earlier units. Students who learn topics in isolation often struggle to make connections. I teach you to see the bigger picture and link concepts across the entire specification.
Understanding the Edexcel International A-Level Biology Exam Structure
The Edexcel IAL Biology (XBI01) is a modular qualification with 6 unit exams. Units 1–2 form the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS). All 6 units together form the full International Advanced Level (IAL). Exams are available in January and June each year.
International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS)
Unit 1 — Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health (WBI11)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Marks: 80 | Weight: 20% of IAL
Covers biological molecules, diet and food production, gas exchange and transport, and biodiversity. Mix of multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions.
Unit 2 — The Variety of Living Organisms (WBI12)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Marks: 80 | Weight: 20% of IAL
Covers DNA, genes and protein synthesis, cell division, stem cells and differentiation, biodiversity, classification, and practical skills. Same question format as Unit 1.
International Advanced Level (IAL) — Additional Units
Unit 3 — Practical Biology and Research Skills (WBI13)
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes | Marks: 50 | Weight: 10% of IAL
Tests knowledge of practical techniques, experimental design, data handling, and evaluation. Draws on content from Units 1 and 2.
Unit 4 — Energy, Environment and Microbiology (WBI14)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Marks: 80 | Weight: 20% of IAL
Covers photosynthesis, respiration, ecology, energy flow through ecosystems, microbiology, and immunity. Includes data analysis and extended writing.
Unit 5 — Energy, Exercise and Coordination (WBI15)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Marks: 80 | Weight: 20% of IAL
Covers the nervous system, hormonal coordination, homeostasis, exercise physiology, muscle contraction, and genetics including gene expression and biotechnology.
Unit 6 — Practical Biology and Investigative Skills (WBI16)
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes | Marks: 50 | Weight: 10% of IAL
Tests practical skills, investigative techniques, and research methodology. Draws on content from all previous units. Includes planning investigations and analysing results.
For the full specification, visit the official Edexcel International A-Level Biology specification page.
Edexcel International A-Level vs UK Edexcel A-Level Biology
Students and parents often ask about the differences between the IAL and the UK Edexcel A-Level. Here is a clear comparison:
Exam Structure
IAL: 6 modular unit exams, available January and June. UK: 3 linear papers, sat only in June at end of course.
Resit Options
IAL: Individual units can be resat to improve your grade. UK: You must resit all 3 papers if retaking the qualification.
Practical Assessment
IAL: No separate practical endorsement — practical skills are tested in the written exams (Units 3 and 6). UK: Has a separate Practical Endorsement alongside the written papers.
University Acceptance
Both are fully accepted by UK universities and carry the same UCAS tariff points. The IAL grade (A*–E) is equivalent to the UK A-Level grade.
Content Overlap
The biology content is very similar across both qualifications. The main differences are in how the content is assessed and the flexibility of the exam schedule.
International Students I Have Tutored
I have experience tutoring Edexcel International A-Level Biology students from countries across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Online tuition means geography is no barrier — all you need is a reliable internet connection.
🇰🇼 Kuwait
British curriculum schools offering Edexcel IAL Biology.
🇦🇪 UAE
Students in Dubai and Abu Dhabi studying at British international schools.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
British and international school students across the Kingdom.
🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Students at international schools following the Edexcel IAL pathway.
🇫🇷 France
British expat families and international school students.
🇨🇭 Switzerland
International school students preparing for UK university entry.
If you are studying Edexcel International A-Level Biology from any country, I can help. Visit my International Students page for more details on how online tuition works across time zones.
Other Exam Boards I Cover
I cover all major UK and international A-Level Biology specifications. If you are not sure which specification you are studying, get in touch and I will help you find out.
AQA Biology
7402 Specification
Edexcel AEdexcel Biology A
Salters-Nuffield 9BN0
Edexcel BEdexcel Biology B
9BI0 Specification
OCR AOCR A Biology
H420 Specification
OCR BOCR B Advancing
H422 Specification
WJECWJEC Biology
Wales — 1400
EduqasEduqas Biology
England — A400
CIECambridge International
9700 Specification
IBIB Biology
HL & SL
InternationalInternational Students
All Exam Boards
Ready to Improve Your Edexcel International Biology Grade?
Book a free 20-minute consultation — no obligation, just an honest conversation about how I can help you achieve your target grade.
Book Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Edexcel International Biology Tuition
The Edexcel International Advanced Level (IAL) Biology is a modular qualification designed for international students, with exams available in both January and June. The UK Edexcel A-Level is linear, with all exams sat at the end of the course. The IAL has 6 unit exams rather than 3 papers, and there is no coursework or practical endorsement. The content overlaps significantly, but the IAL is structured to suit students outside the UK system.
Yes. I am a former Edexcel examiner. I have marked thousands of Edexcel Biology papers and know exactly what the mark schemes reward, the common mistakes students make, and the precise language needed to earn full marks. This examining experience applies directly to the International A-Level as the mark scheme principles are the same.
Yes. One of the key advantages of the IAL is that exams are available in both January and June each year. You can spread your units across multiple exam series, resit individual units, and plan your schedule strategically. I help students create an optimal exam timeline based on their readiness and target grades.
Yes. Edexcel International A-Levels are widely accepted by UK universities, including all Russell Group institutions, as equivalent to UK A-Levels. They carry the same UCAS tariff points. Many international schools use this qualification specifically because of its UK university recognition.
I tutor students worldwide and am experienced at scheduling around different time zones. Sessions take place via an interactive online platform with a shared whiteboard, screen sharing, and video. I record every session so you can rewatch at any time. I have tutored students from Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, and Gibraltar.
Yes. I cover all 6 units. Units 1 and 2 form the IAS, while Units 3–6 complete the full IAL. I can help whether you are starting Unit 1 or preparing for your final Unit 6 exam.
One-to-one tuition is £80 per hour Monday to Friday and £120 per hour at weekends. Small group tuition is £50 per hour per student Monday to Friday and £80 per hour at weekends, with a minimum of 4 students per group. Please see my charges page for full details.
I have a 100% grade improvement rate across all exam boards. My students consistently achieve grades above their predicted results. You can read testimonials from students and parents on my testimonials page.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended for educational guidance only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Biology Education and its author accept no responsibility for individual exam outcomes. Students are advised to consult their own teachers, tutors, and official Edexcel resources as part of their revision.
Trademark Acknowledgement: Edexcel and Pearson are registered trademarks of Pearson Education Limited. Biology Education is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or formally associated with Pearson or Edexcel. For official past papers, mark schemes and specimen materials, please visit qualifications.pearson.com.