Sitting GCSEs as a Private Candidate in London: a practical guide for home-educating families

Home-educated children can sit the same GCSEs as school pupils. They take them as private candidates. Families have to arrange this themselves, so the process can feel daunting. This guide sets out each step.

1. Understand what "private candidate" means

A private candidate is someone who isn't entered by a school. You book and pay for a place at an exam centre, and your child sits the same papers, on the same days, as every other candidate. The certificates are identical.

2. Choose subjects with care

Not every GCSE suits private candidates. Some subjects include coursework or non-exam assessment (NEA) that a centre must supervise and mark, which many centres won't take on. Subjects that are 100% exam, or close to it, are easiest to arrange:

• Maths
• English Language (the Spoken Language endorsement needs a separate assessment, so ask your centre about it)
• English Literature
• Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or Combined Science (the required practicals are assessed in the written papers, but your child should still learn them)
• Geography, History, Religious Studies and modern languages (check the speaking element)

3. Find an exam centre early

Start looking 12–18 months before the exams. Places in London fill quickly.

Contact private exam centres, tutorial colleges and some independent schools in and around London.

Ask your local council's home education team whether it keeps a list of centres.

Ask each centre which exam boards and specifications it offers. Your child must study the exact specification that the centre will enter.

4. Know the deadlines and costs

For the May/June series, entries are usually due in February or earlier. Centres often set their own earlier deadline, and late entries cost more.

Fees vary widely. Expect roughly £150–£300 or more per subject once the centre's admin charge is added, and more for subjects with speaking or practical elements. Get a written quote.

5. Plan access arrangements in advance

If your child needs extra time or other support, raise it with the centre straight away. Evidence has to be gathered and approved before the deadline.

6. Build a realistic study plan

Allow about two years per GCSE, although some motivated learners take less.

Work from the official specification and past papers on the exam board's website.

Include timed practice, because exam technique matters as much as knowledge.

Live teaching, a tutor or a structured online course can give your child accountability and feedback that is hard to replicate alone.

7. On exam day and results day

Bring photo ID and your candidate number, and know the centre's rules. Results usually come out in August, and the centre issues certificates to private candidates later in the year.

Quick checklist

• Choose subjects and specifications
• Book an exam centre (12–18 months ahead)
• Confirm fees and entry deadline in writing
• Arrange access arrangements if needed
• Follow a two-year study plan with past papers

Exam rules, fees and deadlines change each year. Always confirm the details with your exam centre and exam board.