How to Take A Level Exams Privately

Whether you’re self-studying, home educated, learning online, or retaking after a break, becoming a private candidate gives you the freedom to sit exams on your own terms. Every year, thousands of students across the UK register as private candidates, for a variety of reasons.

The process might feel complicated at first, but don’t worry. With the right preparation and planning, you’ll earn the exact same qualifications as school or sixth-form students. 

This guide breaks it down step by step, so you’ll know exactly how to register, where to sit your exams, what it might cost, and what to expect on exam day.

What Does It Mean to Be a Private Candidate?

A private candidate (also called an external candidate) is someone who enters exams independently, without being attached to a school or college. Instead, you register with an exam centre that accepts private entries.

This option is perfect if you’re:

• Home educated, and need to formalise your studies with recognised qualifications

• Studying online with a distance-learning provider

• Resitting A Levels to improve your grades for university or career goals

• An independent learner who prefers to study at your own pace

And here’s the reassuring part: private candidates are awarded the exact same A Levels as students in schools. When you apply to university or jobs, there’s no distinction at all. What matters is your grade, not the route you took to achieve it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking A Levels Privately

Let’s break down the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Choose Your Subjects and Exam Board

Most students take three A Levels, but if you’re retaking your A Levels or adding to your qualifications, you might only need one or two. 

Start by choosing the A Level subjects that best align with your university or career plans. For example:

• Medicine applicants usually need Biology and Chemistry.

• Engineering requires Maths, often alongside Physics.

• Journalism courses may value English, Sociology, and/or Politics.

Once you know your subjects, pick an exam board. The main boards are:

• AQA (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel (Pearson) (opens in a new tab)

• OCR (opens in a new tab)

• CAIE (Cambridge International) (opens in a new tab)

They all set A Levels of equal value, but specifications (the exact content and style of exams) differ slightly. When choosing, consider:

• Centre availability, as not all centres accept all boards.

• Check how many past papers, mark schemes, and revision materials (like Save My Exams) are available.

• Private-candidate friendliness – CAIE and Edexcel are usually easier to access for private entries.

Download the specification for each subject from the exam board’s website before making your decision. It’ll show you exactly what’s covered.

Step 2: Find an Exam Centre

Once you’ve chosen your subjects and exam boards, the next step is to secure an exam centre where you’ll actually sit your papers.

The most common option is a private exam centre, as these are specifically set up to support students entering independently. They’re usually experienced in handling private candidates and can guide you through the registration process smoothly.

Some independent schools also accept external candidates. Availability can vary, but it’s worth checking in your local area, especially if you’d prefer a smaller exam setting.

A number of further education (FE) colleges allow private entries, although this is less common. If you already live near a college, it’s worth contacting them directly to ask.

Here’s how to find one:

• Use the “Find a Centre” tool on your chosen exam board’s website

• Search online directories of private exam centres

• Contact local schools or colleges directly to ask if they accept private candidates

Important things to remember:

1. Register early. Some centres close entries as early as six months before the exams. Leaving it late can mean higher fees—or no availability at all.

2. Check availability by subject. Not every centre offers every subject or exam board. Science practicals, for example, are more limited.

3. Compare costs. Fees vary hugely between centres, so it’s worth inquiring at more than one.

Step 3: Register for Your Exams

When you’ve found a centre, you’ll need to complete their registration form. Expect to provide:

• A valid form of ID (passport, driving licence, or birth certificate)

• Proof of address

• The subject and entry codes (these are listed in the exam board’s handbook)

Once registered, the centre will confirm:

• The dates and times of your exams

• The venue details

• The fees and payment deadlines

Most centres will only confirm your entry once payment is complete, so budget ahead. Keep your confirmation letter or email safe, as you’ll need to take it with you on exam day.

Step 4: Prepare for the Exams

This is where you put the hard work in. As a private candidate, you have flexibility in how you prepare:

• Self-study with textbooks and free exam board resources

• Tutors for one-to-one guidance

• Online A Level courses with structured teaching and assignments

To make your preparation effective:

• Use the exam specification as your study guide; it’s your checklist of what could appear in the exam.

• Plan an A Level revision timetable that spreads work over weeks and months, not just days.

• Practise past papers under timed conditions to sharpen your exam technique.

• Make use of A Level revision resources like Save My Exams for revision notes, and exam-style questions.

Studying privately does require discipline, but the upside is that you can learn at your own pace and in the way that suits you best.

Step 5: Sit the Exams

Most A Level exams take place in May and June. Some boards also offer October/November sittings.

On the day, bring:

• Valid photo ID

• Your exam confirmation from the centre

• Any approved equipment (black pens, pencils, calculator, ruler, etc.)

Private candidates sit alongside school candidates in exam halls. The process is the same: you’ll sign in, store your belongings, and be guided by invigilators. The key is to stay calm, follow the rules, and focus on showing what you’ve learned.

What About Subjects With Coursework or Practical Work?

Some A Levels, like Sciences and Art, include practical assessments or coursework. These can be trickier for private candidates because:

• Not all centres have facilities or staff to supervise coursework

• Science practicals require specialist labs and trained assessors

• Art and Design involves portfolio work that must be authenticated

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but you’ll need to check carefully before registering. Some centres offer supervised practical sessions (at an extra cost), or you may need a tutor to oversee your work.

If you’d prefer a smoother route, focus on subjects assessed entirely by written exams, like Maths, Psychology, or History.

How Much Does It Cost to Take A Levels Privately?

Costs vary depending on your centre and study approach, but here’s a rough guide:

So, on average, you might spend £300–£500 per subject, though costs rise if you add tuition or coursework-based subjects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sit A Level exams online?

You can’t sit A Level exams online; the formal papers must be taken in person at an approved exam centre. What you can do, though, is study A Levels online. Distance learning providers let you work through the course at your own pace, and when exam season comes around, they’ll help arrange a centre where you can sit your exams.

Are A Levels taken privately accepted by universities?

Absolutely, universities view privately sat A Levels exactly the same as school-based ones. Your grades carry exactly the same weight.

Can I take one A Level privately or do I need to take three?

You can enter to sit just one A Level subject exam privately. However, most university courses require three full A Levels (or equivalent), so check the entry requirements for your future plans.

Final Thoughts

Taking A Levels privately gives you freedom, independence, and control over your studies. It might feel like a big challenge, but thousands of students do it successfully every year, and so can you.

The key is to plan ahead: register early, choose your subjects carefully, and give yourself enough time to prepare. Don’t hesitate to lean on support, whether that’s tutors, online courses, or Save My Exams A Level resources.

Remember, these exams are your opportunity to shape your future. Taking them privately isn’t a shortcut or a second-best option, it’s a powerful way to prove your determination, resilience, and independence.

Your A Levels are achievable. With the right preparation, you’ll walk into the exam hall ready to succeed.

References

• AQA | Student & Parent Support | Private Candidates (opens in a new tab)

• A Level – Excel Exam Centres (opens in a new tab)