How to Book Your GCSE or A-Level Exam as a Private Candidate in London

Becoming a private exam candidate gives you flexibility — perfect for homeschooled learners, adult returners, or international students. But understanding how to book GCSE or A-Level exams in London can be tricky if you’ve never done it before.

This step-by-step guide from Exam Centre London explains everything — from choosing your exam board to preparing for exam day. Whether you’re taking AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or WJEC, you’ll find all the essential details to make your booking stress-free.

Who Can Be a Private Candidate?

You can sit GCSEs or A-Levels as a private candidate if you are:

• Homeschooled and not enrolled in a school
  
  

• An adult retaking exams to improve grades
  
  

• An international or distance-learning student
  
  

• A student who missed school registration deadlines

  
  
  

Step-by-Step: How to Book Your Exam

1️⃣ Choose Your Exam Board

Check which board your subject follows — such as:

• AQA
  

• Pearson Edexcel
  

• OCR
  

• WJEC / Eduqas
  
  

Each board has its own syllabus and exam dates, so confirm which one you’ve studied before booking.

2️⃣ Check Entry Deadlines

Exam boards publish deadlines months in advance. For Summer 2026 exams, entries typically close around February - March.

👉 Check the latest entry deadlines here.

3️⃣ Contact an Approved Exam Centre

Once you know your board, contact an approved exam centre that accepts private candidates for your subjects.

👉 You can book directly with Exam Centre London — our team helps you through the full process.

4️⃣ Prepare Your Documents

Bring:

• Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
  
  

• Proof of name and address
  
  

• Any access arrangement forms (if applicable)
  
  

5️⃣ Confirm Your Booking & Pay Fees

Once your documents and exam codes are confirmed, you’ll receive a booking confirmation. Always verify your subject codes to avoid mistakes.

👉 View our transparent Exam Fees Page.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Exam days at Exam Centre London are organised, quiet, and fully compliant with **JCQ Regulations **.

✅ Arrive 30 minutes early
✅ Bring your photo ID
✅ Keep belongings in secure storage
✅ Follow invigilator instructions carefully

👉 Check our page for learn more Exam Tips.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Missing registration deadlines — sign up early
  
  

• Selecting the wrong exam code — double-check with your centre
  
  

• Forgetting ID or confirmation slip — always bring both
  
  

• Not checking special arrangements early enough
  
  

Pro Tip: Subscribe to your exam board’s updates for any last-minute timetable changes.

After the Exam

Once exams are done:

• Results are issued on GCSE Results Day (August) and A-Level Results Day (mid-August).
  
  

• Certificates arrive a few weeks later.
  
  

• For remark requests or missing results, contact your centre directly.
  
  

FAQs

Q1: Can I sit GCSEs as a private candidate in London?
Yes! You can book directly with approved centres like Exam Centre London for a wide range of subjects.

Q2: Do I need school enrollment to take exams?
No — private candidates don’t need to be enrolled in a school.

Q3: Can I book Functional Skills instead of GCSE?
Yes. If you need an alternative, read our guide on Functional Skills Exams.

Q4: Can I take practical subjects as a private candidate?
Some subjects with controlled assessments may have limited options — check with the exam board before entry.

Conclusion

Booking your GCSE or A-Level exam as a private candidate doesn’t have to be complicated. With Exam Centre London, you’ll get expert guidance, clear deadlines, and full exam-day support — from registration to results collection.