The November exam series is a vital opportunity for many students in the UK and internationally. It’s especially important for private candidates, home-educated learners, school leavers resitting key subjects, and international students aiming to complete their qualifications before the next academic year. While most students sit their GCSEs and A-Levels in the summer, the November session provides a second chance — and in many cases, a faster path to progression.

This article aims to guide you through everything you need to know about November GCSE, IGCSE, AS-Level, and A-Level exams for 2025, covering the major boards including Edexcel, Cambridge (CIE), and AQA. We'll also explain the registration process and why early booking is essential.

Understanding the November Exam Series

Unlike the summer series in May and June, the November series is a smaller but strategic session offered primarily by select exam boards. It gives candidates an alternative to waiting a full year to resit or complete a qualification. This is especially valuable for students who just missed a required grade, had to defer due to personal reasons, or are applying to sixth form, university, or professional programmes.

The November exams are most commonly available for core subjects like English Language, Mathematics, and Science at the GCSE or IGCSE level, but also include a range of AS-Level and A-Level subjects offered by international boards.

Exam Boards Offering November Exams

The most active boards offering qualifications in the November session are Pearson Edexcel, Cambridge International (CIE), and AQA. Pearson and Cambridge offer a wide selection of IGCSE and A-Level subjects, making them particularly popular among international and private candidates. AQA’s November offering is more limited, usually focused on English and Maths GCSEs, often for UK-based students doing resits.

Each board has its own registration window and subject list, so it’s important to consult the official exam timetables or ask your exam centre for the latest information. For example, Cambridge International’s November session is often the largest, especially for students taking IGCSEs in Science, Business, and Global Perspectives.

Who Can Sit These Exams?

November exams are open to both school-registered and private candidates. The latter group includes independent learners, homeschooled students, adult learners returning to education, or anyone who missed or underperformed in the summer session.

Many private candidates use the November session to complete subjects that were disrupted by travel, health, or scheduling conflicts. For students applying to universities in January or February through UCAS, November A-Level results can be particularly valuable.

Importance of Early Registration

The most important step when planning for the November session is to register early. While registration often opens between June and July, the deadlines can come quickly — usually by mid-September. Delaying registration can lead to increased late fees or unavailability of exam slots, especially in major cities like London where demand is high.

Another reason to register early is the preparation timeline. Knowing your exam dates in advance allows you to organise your revision schedule properly and avoid last-minute panic. It also ensures you have time to order study materials and practice past papers specific to the exam board and subject you're taking.

What You'll Need to Register

Registering for the November exams involves a few simple steps. Candidates must provide accurate personal information, a valid photo ID (such as a passport), and the correct subject code for the paper they want to sit. This subject code varies by board and level — for instance, Edexcel and Cambridge often use different codes for the same subject depending on whether the student is taking the core or extended route.

If you’re unsure about which paper or code is right for you, a good exam centre will be able to guide you through the process and ensure your application is completed correctly.

Choosing the Right Exam Centre

For private candidates, selecting a professional, reliable exam centre is as important as studying itself. A supportive centre can make the entire experience much less stressful. Look for a centre that is registered with the relevant exam boards, has clear policies, experienced staff, and positive feedback from previous candidates. The location, atmosphere, and accessibility of the centre also play a role in your comfort on exam day.

Now that you understand how the November exam session works, you’re ready to take action.

Book Your November Exams with Exam Centre London

If you're a private candidate or student looking to sit your GCSE, IGCSE, AS-Level or A-Level exams this November, our team at Exam Centre London is here to help. We are approved for major exam boards including Pearson Edexcel, Cambridge International (CIE), and AQA, and we specialise in providing a smooth, stress-free exam experience for private learners.

Located in East London, our centre offers expert guidance during the registration process, flexible sitting arrangements, and a calm, exam-friendly environment. With years of experience supporting private candidates from all over the UK and abroad, we ensure that your exam day goes exactly as planned.