Are you an adult thinking about retaking your GCSEs as a private candidate? The very idea can be intimidating. But you\u2019re certainly not alone. And taking private candidates GCSE exams will prove this to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For adults returning to education or trying to upskill for their job, taking GCSEs as a private candidate is a big step. Getting these vital qualifications will help you unlock opportunities, attain higher degrees, and gain a leg up when applying for new roles. Many employers require 5 GCSEs in a good pass (or higher), with maths and English the most common subjects required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most mature students choose to study for their GCSEs in a one-year course, either online or in-person on weekends and evenings. By retaking your GCSEs and continuing on to your A levels (and maybe even other higher education), you will open up a whole new set of doors into your future. However, it\u2019s not just adults who return to take their GCSEs as a private candidate. Anyone who is taking their exams after being home-schooled, privately tutored, or self-taught will also be taking private candidates GCSE exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, absolutely. You can choose to sit your exams privately even after being taught in a traditional secondary school. However, most people who choose to take their GCSEs private fit one or more of the following categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The short answer? Absolutely anyone can sit GCSEs. However, if you\u2019re not prepared, you\u2019re not likely to do very well on the exams. GCSEs have no formal entry requirements and no educational pre-requisites. Most people associate GCSEs with teenagers between 14 \u2013 16, but the reality is that anyone can take them. You don\u2019t need to be attending secondary school to take formal GCSE exams at a college or a school.
If you\u2019re worried about being the only adult in a GCSEs course, please don\u2019t fret. You’re not the only one. Many adults feel worried that they won\u2019t be able to keep up with the class or understand the core concepts. They feel too out of touch and \u2018rusty,\u2019 and worry they won\u2019t be successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, these feelings soon go away. You\u2019ll get into the groove, and before you know it, you\u2019ll be loving your new life as a student. It\u2019s also worth remembering that your life experience and older age can help you more than you might think. Teenagers tend to be less responsible and more easily distracted from their learning tasks. Mature students tackle their work with a sense of seriousness and a strong work ethic. After all, they\u2019re paying for the privilege of being there!
There are countless benefits of taking your GCSEs as an adult. Your employability will improve, and potential employers will be impressed, which means your wages will likely increase. Leaning keeps your brain healthy and agile and improves your mental faculties over time. Remember \u2013 without risks, there are no rewards. Take the leap!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Booking your GCSE exams is easier than you might think \u2013 just follow these simple steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1<\/strong>: Book a GCSE preparation course to help you prepare for the rigorous exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 2:<\/strong> Choose where you want to sit your exams. For some subjects, you may only have one exam location in your area, which limits your options. However, for the more popular topics, such as Maths and English, there will be a range of sites to choose from, with schools and colleges being the most popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 3:<\/strong> Find out when the GCSEs take place so that you can get your space locked in and booked in advance. The exam dates are set at a national level, and spaces can fill up quickly. If you don\u2019t book in advance, you can easily miss out. You should try to book them at least 6 months in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 4:<\/strong> Don\u2019t see a location and time online that works for you? Call and speak to the exam boards directly. There are occasionally exams scheduled that are not listed online. Similarly, if you don\u2019t see your local college or school on the online lists, call them directly and ask if they allow private candidates to take exams on-site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 5:<\/strong> Pay the fees. As a private GCSE candidate, your exams are not free. You\u2019ll need to pay for each one individually at the time of booking. The costs vary (see below), but you can usually expect to pay around \u00a3100 per exam. This fee is not typically refundable or changeable, so make sure you\u2019re booking the correct date and time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 6:<\/strong> Have the right information to hand, including your name and date of birth, your address and phone number, your Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI), and the correct exam code for your course. If you are unsure of your exam code, speak to your GCSE course coordinator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Step 7:<\/strong> Arrive on time for your exam. Once the big day has arrived, it\u2019s important to show up on time and ready for the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you arrive to take your exam, make sure you have the following essential items with you, as you\u2019ll need them to take the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may not use blue ink, highlighters, or Tippex on your exam papers. You should also ensure that you turn off your smartwatch and mobile phone and put them in your bag \u2013 if they ring or vibrate, you could be disqualified. If you can leave them at home or in the car, even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have any questions about what you may and may not bring into the exam room, get in touch with your specific exam centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of exam centres around the UK that accept private candidates. The exams themselves are not usually included in the cost of your GCSE course, and so you have to organise these on your own. The exams are generally held in colleges and schools \u2013 find more information here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also get in touch with the local exam board (detailed above) \u2013 they can provide you with in-depth information for how you can book your private GCSEs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most GCSE exams occur towards the end of the school year in May and June. Schools also often he most popular GCSEs, Maths and English, towards the beginning of the next school year, usually in October and November. It pays to find out these dates in advance so that you can plan your study schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Private GSCE fees range between \u00a337 to \u00a3200 per exam. These fees depend on the particular GCSE and where you choose to sit them. You can often find a better rate by shopping around and asking different exam centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are taking online GCSE courses<\/a>, it\u2019s up to you to book your exams privately. The three most popular exam boards are AQA, Edexcel, and Cambridge Assessment International. You can find a list of private exam centres across the UK here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you might worry that you are too old to study for and take your GSCEs, you\u2019re never too old to love learning. But, if you ever do start to doubt yourself, just think of James O\u2019Neil in Basingstoke. This 81-year-old grandfather passed his English GCSE more than 65 years after he left school at the age of 16.[v]<\/a> The Irish pensioner, a master welder in his working years, wanted to improve his spelling and grammar after learning much of his primary school education in Gaelic. All for the love of learning!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Mr O\u2019Neil can do it, so can you. Good luck on your new educational path!<\/p>\n\n\n\nTaking Your Private Candidates GCSE Exams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Where and when to sit your final exam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The cost of a private candidates GCSE exam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s never too late to take private candidates GCSE exams<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n