Not every student takes GCSEs through a school. Home-educated young people, students resitting an exam and learners who missed a course can all enter as private candidates. It is entirely possible, but it takes planning, because you have to find an exam centre and meet deadlines yourself.
What is a private candidate?
A private candidate is someone who sits public exams without being enrolled at the centre as a student. You are responsible for teaching or arranging teaching, finding a centre, entering on time and paying the fees. You can learn at home, with a tutor, online or at an evening class.
Step by step
1. Decide on the subjects and exam boards. Choose qualifications that suit assessment outside a school. The specification and past papers are on the exam board's website.
2. Consider International GCSEs. Many International GCSEs are assessed mainly by exam, which makes them easier to take privately. See our guide on IGCSE and GCSE.
3. Find an exam centre. Not every school or college accepts external candidates, and those that do may limit the subjects or numbers. Ask local schools, colleges and independent exam centres early. Fees vary between centres.
4. Check the deadlines. Each centre sets a closing date for entries, and exam boards have their own. Contact centres well in advance, often in the autumn before a summer exam.
5. Plan the timetable. Work backwards from the exam dates, leaving time for past papers and revision.
6. Check practical and non-exam elements. Some subjects need a practical or non-exam assessment that the centre must be able to supervise. Science subjects need practical work to be covered, and the centre will tell you what it needs. Subjects such as art, drama or those with a speaking test can be difficult for private candidates.
Costs
You pay the exam centre's entry fees, plus any administration or invigilation charges, and the cost of teaching or tutoring. Fees differ between centres, so ask for a written quote.
Preparing
Private candidates have no school timetable, so structure is the biggest challenge. A weekly plan, regular past papers and a tutor for harder topics all help. Many families use a tutor for the subjects they do not want to teach themselves.
Related
If you are home educating, our guide to home education in England covers the legal background, and home education support shows how we help with planning and tutoring. For exam preparation, see qualifications and exam support, or GCSE resits if your student is retaking English or maths.
