How to Sit GCSE Exams Privately
There are numerous reasons why students choose to sit GCSE exams privately. This approach is suitable for mature students, homeschooled students, and those that are privately tutored or self-taught. That said, some extra preparation is needed for booking an exam centre. Not to worry, we explain further how to sit GCSE exams privately in the article below.
In addition, we offer online GCSE cram courses. These cover maths, biology, chemistry, physics, and English. Facilitated virtually, they can be easily integrated into your child’s schedule. Our courses also come with preparation sessions the day before sitting GCSE exams. This allows for a refresher when needed most. If you’d like more information on our cram courses, click here.
Where to find a private GCSE exam centre
As mentioned, you’ll need to find the right centre for your child to privately sit GCSE exams. This will depend mainly on whether or not they’re going to sit International GCSE (IGCSE) exams. The reason being that GCSE exams follow a May/June schedule, while IGCSE exams can be sat in November, May, and June.
With this, it’s recommended to start the process as early as possible. Some students begin it in year 9. Doing so will allow some time to explore suitable options for your child. The following websites are good places to start.
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IGCSE: Joint Council for Qualifications and Tutors & Exams
Private GCSE exam fees
Now that we’ve touched on how to find an appropriate GCSE exam centre, you’re likely wondering about the cost. This depends on the type of exam your child is taking (GCSE vs IGCSE) and number of subjects. Each subject generally costs between £100-£200. In addition, testing centres can add £20-£100+ in admin / processing fees. Therefore, for five subjects, you can expect to spend £520-£1100+ on private GCSE exams.
Preparing to sit GCSE exams
If you’re going to invest money into private GCSE exams, then you’ll want your child prepared as possible. It’s generally recommended that they study for at least 120 hours per subject to be ready. This is another reason why some students start the process in year 9. Of course, the right moment to begin studying will depend on when your child is ready and how many subjects are needed.
While it may seem overwhelming to plan so much in advance, there are online tools and resources available. For example, if studying alone, it’s a good idea for your child to join a virtual study group.
All these resources are designed as a buildup to our crash course, mentioned in the introduction. With all this, a private distraction-free workspace is advised for your child. This will allow them to get the most out of such virtual tools.
Things to keep in mind when going to GCSE Exams
We hope this article helped you better understand where and how to sit GCSE exams privately. In addition to everything covered, it’s worth pointing out that private centres follow the same requirements as public testing centres.
This means if your child is caught with prohibited items, the same will be automatically voided. It goes without saying that if you’re going through the extra effort to book a private exam, it’s important to thoroughly read the testing centre’s conditions.
As a general rule, the following items must be left at home:
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Mobile and Wi-Fi devices - be careful, some calculators have Wi-Fi
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Paper
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Food (unless medically required)
In addition, you’ll usually be expected to provide:
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Personal information / contact details
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Full name and date of birth
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Valid identity card / passport
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Subject entry codes
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Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI) and Unique Learner Number (ULN), if previously issued
It’s our goal to help your child be as prepared as possible for the GCSE exam. If you’d like more information on our services and how we can assist, feel free to reach out. Our qualified experts can point you in the right direction.