Home Education Guide to IGCSEs

Taking IGCSEs through home education gives students the flexibility to learn at their own pace and in their own way. 

Whether you are studying independently, learning with online tutors, or following a parent-led approach, home education is a valid and globally recognised route to earning IGCSE qualifications. 

With the right planning, organisation, and resources, you can achieve excellent results while enjoying the benefits of a personalised learning experience.

Key Takeaways

• Home education for IGCSEs gives you full control over your learning: You can design a schedule that fits your lifestyle, study at your own pace, and focus on the subjects that matter most to your future academic and career goals.

• Register early as a private candidate to secure your exam place: Find an approved exam centre, choose your exam board, and register before deadlines to avoid late fees or limited availability.

• Choose subjects strategically based on your goals and resources: Most core subjects are accessible to home-educated students, but some coursework-heavy or practical subjects may have restrictions.

• Structure and consistency are the keys to success: Create a clear study timetable, use trusted resources like Save My Exams’ IGCSE-specific resources, and build strong independent learning habits to stay on track.

Why Choose Home Education for IGCSEs

Many students choose home education because it allows them to study at their own pace, focus on subjects they enjoy, and fit learning around other commitments. 

It can be a great option for those living abroad, retaking exams, or who prefer an alternative to traditional schooling. You have full control over your study schedule, environment, and resources, which can make learning more engaging and less stressful.

Learn more about what IGCSEs are and how they compare with other secondary qualifications.

How Do Home Educated Students Take IGCSEs

Registering as a Private Candidate

Home-educated students take exams as private candidates. This means you study the syllabus independently but register with an approved exam centre to sit the official IGCSE exams in-person. You’ll need to:

1. Choose an exam board, such as Cambridge (CIE) (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), or Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab)

2. Find a local exam centre that accepts private candidates

3. Register before the deadline for your chosen exam session (which are usually held in October/November or May/June)

4. Pay the exam and administration fees set by the centre

Choosing the Right Exam Board

Cambridge (CIE) (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), or Oxford AQA (opens in a new tab) are the main exam boards offering IGCSEs for home-educated students. These exam boards are all internationally recognised and valid routes to post-16 qualifications. 

Where they can differ is in the subjects they offer and course content, as well as assessment methods and exam timetables.

Not sure which exam board is right for you? Read about the key differences between IGCSE exam boards and get advice on which one is best for you.

What Subjects Can Home Educated Students Take?

Home-educated students can take most IGCSE subjects as private candidates. Key subjects often required by post-16 qualifications and UK universities include Mathematics, English and Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). 

Home-educated students can also choose from other humanities, technical and creative subjects like Business, Religious Studies, Languages and Computer Science.

Some subjects with coursework or practical requirements, such as Art & Design, Drama, or PE, may require more planning if taken as a home-educated student because they require supervised components and access to specialised equipment. 

Make sure to carefully research the requirements of each of your chosen subjects to ensure you’re able to meet them as a home-educated student.

How to Study IGCSEs at Home

Create a Structured Timetable

Even though home education is flexible, structure is important. Plan your studies across one or two years, setting clear goals for each subject. Divide your week to balance subjects and include rest days to avoid burnout.

Not sure how to structure your IGCSE learning? Our guide How to Self-Study for IGCSEs has detailed advice on how to effectively organise your revision. 

Use Online Resources

High-quality online tools can make a big difference. Save My Exams offers topic-organised revision notes, exam-style questions with full mark-scheme-level solutions, and extensive past paper banks, giving you targeted practice and clear explanations to improve your IGCSE exam technique. You can also use video tutorials, textbooks, and online tutoring if you want extra support.

Using effective revision and memorisation techniques is key to making the most of your online resources. Learn how active recall can boost your revision.

Develop Independent Learning Skills

Home education encourages self-discipline and organisation. Set weekly goals, review your progress regularly, and track what you’ve learned. Use Save My Exams’ mock exams to practise under timed conditions and identify areas to improve.

Challenges of Home Education for IGCSEs (and How to Overcome Them)

Staying Motivated

Without classmates or teachers, it’s easy to lose focus. Create a study routine, join online forums or study groups, and reward yourself for completing goals. Read our top tips for staying focused when revising.

Limited Access to Teachers

If you need extra help, consider hiring an online tutor for difficult subjects. Use materials like Save My Exams’ IGCSE-specific resources and official exam board materials to fill any knowledge gaps.

Coursework and Practical Subjects

Some subjects require coursework or lab work that can’t be completed privately. Choose exam-only subjects, or check if your local exam centre offers practical assessments for private candidates.

Advantages of Taking IGCSEs Through Home Education

Studying from home gives you full control over your learning schedule and environment. You can move faster in subjects you enjoy, or take extra time for topics you find challenging. 

It’s an opportunity to tailor your education to your strengths and interests. Home education also allows more time for personal projects, travel, or family commitments. Best of all, IGCSEs earned through home education are identical in value to those taken in school.

After IGCSEs: What Comes Next

Once you complete your IGCSEs, you can progress to A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), vocational qualifications, or apprenticeships. 

Universities and colleges worldwide recognise IGCSEs from both school and private candidates. The skills you gain through home education, like independence, time management, and resilience, will also help you in your next stage of learning. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many IGCSEs should I take as a home educated student?

Most students take between 7 and 10 subjects, but it depends on your goals and time availability.

Can I sit science IGCSEs without doing practicals?

Yes, some exam boards offer alternative papers that test practical understanding rather than lab work. Make sure to check your exam board’s official website to confirm their requirements.

How much does it cost to take IGCSEs privately?

Costs vary by centre and subject, but you can expect to pay between £100 and £250 per subject, including registration and exam fees.

Final Thoughts

Taking IGCSEs through home education is a flexible and respected path that gives you freedom over how and when you learn. With clear planning, consistent study, and access to high quality resources, you can achieve your academic goals.