Updated 23-September-2026
Maybe you left school without A Levels. Maybe you need them now for a university course, a career change or a professional qualification. Whatever the reason, it isn't too late. Every year adults of all ages sit A Levels as private candidates, and many of them do it while working or raising a family.
We run A Level exams for private candidates at our Ilford and Forest Gate centres in East London. This guide explains how adults can take A Levels, how long it takes, what it costs and how to book your exams for summer 2027.
There's no age limit for A Levels. As an adult you study on your own, online or on a short intensive course, then sit the exams as a private candidate at an exam centre. Many adults take one or two subjects in about a year. For the summer 2027 exams (from 10 May 2027), the standard booking deadline at Exam Centre London is 15 February 2027.
Yes. A Levels have no upper age limit and no rule about when you last studied. Universities look at your grades, not the age at which you got them.
Adult learners we see at our centre usually fall into one of these groups:
University applicants who need specific A Levels, such as Chemistry and Biology for medicine or Maths for engineering
Career changers who need A Levels to get onto a degree, nursing or teaching route
Adults improving an old grade from years ago to meet a course requirement
Parents learning alongside their children, or adults finishing what they started at sixth form
International residents who need a UK qualification for university entry
No. You sit exactly the same exams as school students, on the same days, marked in the same way. Your certificate doesn't show that you were a private candidate or how old you were.
You don't have to go back to a sixth form. Most adults choose one of three routes:
Yes, many adults do. It's hard work, because a full A Level is normally taught over two years. It's realistic if you take one or two subjects, study around 8–10 hours a week and start in the autumn for exams the following May and June. Taking three subjects in one year while working full time is very demanding.
For course details, see our one-year intensive courses in A Level Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
If you're taking A Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics, you also need a separate practical endorsement. Many universities ask for a "pass" in it, especially for medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and most science degrees. As a private candidate you can't do the practicals at home. They have to be supervised and assessed by a centre.
We run the practical sessions in fully equipped labs in Newham as a short, focused course. See our A Level endorsement page for details, and book early because places are limited.
If you're applying to university before you sit your exams, UCAS needs predicted grades and a reference. Without a school, many adults don't know where to get these.
Our UCAS registered centre service can help. You sit at least two mock papers per subject in exam conditions, and we give you predicted grades, a reference and application support. For 2027 entry, mocks need to be completed by 5 January 2027 so your predictions are ready in time.
A Levels are only sat once a year, in the summer series. If you're aiming for university entry in autumn 2027, these are the dates to plan around:
Check your subject's exact paper dates on our exam timetables page.
Your total cost depends on how you study. At Exam Centre London:
Exam fees go up if you book after the deadline, so booking early saves money. We also offer interest-free instalments. See the full list on our exam fees page.
Look at the entry requirements for your course. Note the subjects, the grades and whether a science practical endorsement is required.
Pick one board per subject (AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, Cambridge or WJEC) and study from that specification. If you've started an A Level before, it's usually easiest to stay with the same board. Not every centre offers every board, so check with us before you start studying.
Follow our exam booking procedure: create an account, choose the summer 2027 series, then add your subjects and exam board.
Pay online by 15 February 2027 to avoid late fees. You'll get a confirmation email as soon as your payment goes through.
Before the exams we send your statement of entry, which lists your candidate number and exam dates. Check it carefully and tell us straight away if anything is wrong.
If you have a learning difficulty, disability or medical condition, you may be able to get access arrangements such as extra time. These must be applied for well before the exams. Book the science practicals and UCAS mocks at the same time as your exams.
If you've never sat an exam as a private candidate before, read what to expect on exam day.
Start with one or two subjects. It's better to get two strong grades than three weak ones.
Work backwards from the exam dates. Aim to finish the content by March so April and May are for past papers and revision.
Use past papers from your exact board. Examiners reward specific answer styles, and mark schemes show you what they want.
Protect fixed study times. Short, regular sessions fit around work and family better than occasional long ones.
Take a mock in real exam conditions. It shows you your timing and the gaps you still need to fill.
Book early. Early bookings avoid late fees and make sure you get a place at your chosen centre.
For more study advice, read our guides to using past papers effectively and balancing work, life and exam preparation.
No. Anyone can take A Levels at any age. You sit the same exams as school students, and your certificate is exactly the same.
Yes. You can study on your own, online or with a tutor, then book the exams as a private candidate at an exam centre such as Exam Centre London.
Most adults take one or two A Levels in about a year, starting in the autumn for exams the following May and June. Some spread it over two years to fit around work.
Yes. Universities judge your grades, not your age or where you studied. For science subjects, check whether your course also needs the practical endorsement.
At Exam Centre London, A Level exam entries cost £390–£405 per subject if you book by the standard deadline. Courses, mock exams and UCAS support are optional extras.
Exam Centre London is a trusted exam centre for private candidates in Ilford and Forest Gate, East London. We host A Level exams for all major boards, plus science practicals, UCAS mock exams and one-year intensive courses.
Book your summer 2027 A Level exams before 15 February 2027, or contact our team on 0208 616 2526 or info@examcentrelondon.co.uk to talk through your options. You can also see all our A Level exams.
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