We often receive enquiries from parents and independent learners who want to start their studies autonomously, but do not know where to start in choosing the right syllabus and subjects. They also need guidance for the process of taking exams to ultimately achieve their desired qualifications.
This is an overview of how to find a tutor or tuition company, and how to navigate the exams process.
What subjects are available to me as a private candidate or home educator?
Home educated and online school students can usually access the full range of subjects, though some might be more challenging because there is a practical aspect. These include art & design, and food & nutrition. It can also be difficult to properly assess the practical aspects of design & technology and PE.
What exam board should I choose?
That is your choice entirely and will require a bit of research. If you are studying with a distance learning provider, online school, tuition company, or a tutor, they will be able to tell you what specification you are learning, and the entry codes you need. However, if you are not, then the choice is up to you.
The best place to start is with the awarding organisations’ websites. Search for the qualification you wanting to achieve, such as GCSE English Language or history for example, find the specification (or syllabus in CAIE terminology) and read it carefully. Then look up the other awarding organisations’ qualifications and compare the content, including teaching resources, lists of publications, exemplar materials and past papers.
Make sure you look at all this carefully, particularly the syllabus, as this has all the information you need about content, how you will be assessed for the qualification, and what you will be assessed on.
It is worth remembering that you can enter for International GCSEs and International A Levels. These qualifications will have different content and are broader, but may suit you better as some of the subjects have no practicals or coursework.
International GCSEs and International A Levels are recognised by UK colleges and universities.
Booking Your Exams
When you feel ready and prepared to sit your exams you need to choose an exam season and book your exams. The main season in the UK is the ‘summer’ series which is held in May and June. The autumn season is held in October and November. Please note certain subjects and exams may not be available in all exam seasons.
Remember that exams run to strict timetables and there are deadlines for making your bookings.
Exams can be booked through external exam centres, and you can find further information, including a list of centres, here.
What are the deadlines for entering for exams?
Exam centres have entry deadlines that are earlier than the awarding bodies as this enables them to process entries in a timely manner. There are several deadlines and if you don’t meet these you may incur late fees. Check with your chosen exam centre on their deadlines, and what information you will need to provide, and when.
What are access arrangements?
Access arrangements is the term used by awarding organisations and exam centres for additional needs required to enable the candidate to sit their exams. This might include the need for additional time, rest breaks or the provision of a laptop or other resources. Access arrangements must be the candidate’s normal way of working, and evidence will be needed of this.
What access arrangements are available?
The most common access arrangement is additional, or extra time. This is for candidates with low processing speeds – such as those with ADHD or autism – that require more time in their exams. Several tests will have to be completed to ascertain what processing scores are. Mocks will also need to be conducted to determine the “normal way of working.”
Supervised rest breaks (SRB) are for candidates who have temporary, or permanent, injuries or health issues that require breaks throughout the exams. The time for SRB’s will be added onto the end of the candidate’s exams.
You should have a manageable plan in place to sit your exams. It will be beneficial to visit the exam centre in advance and complete a mock there under exam conditions to familiarise yourself with the process and the surroundings.
What ‘evidence’ will I need for access arrangements approvals?
The evidence required will depend on the access arrangement. If you have an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), it must include a provision for exams and the specific access arrangement needed. If you do not have an EHCP, you will require a portfolio of evidence which may include mock exams, statements from education providers and processing score testing.
What happens leading up to and on exam days?
Exams days are prepared months in advance, and you will receive all the essential information you need to know well in advance.
On exam days, we request that candidates do not bring anything other the equipment they need for their exams. Mobile phones are prohibited in the exam room, and having any unauthorised material or items in your possession within an exam room constitutes malpractice and will require the awarding bodt to be notified. It will be their decision whether any sanctions are imposed on you.
When you arrive at the centre, a member of staff will greet you around 45 minutes prior to the start time of your exam. You will have to produce identification and you will be told where you will be sitting for your exam.
The equipment you need will be specific to your exam papers. For example, if you are doing maths, you will need a scientific calculator and geometry set. For most other qualifications, make sure you have at least a black pen, pencil, highlighters (for question highlighting only), pencil sharpener and ruler. Always make sure you have a spare pen too! If you have an English exam, make sure you have clean copies of textbooks and anthologies where required.
Exam results and certificates
Results/grades are issued by awarding organisation on prescribed dates for each examination series, typically two months after the final examination has taken place. Certificates are issued around 15 weeks after the publication of results.
