This website focuses on the following three examination boards. For more information, please visit the websites for AQA AS and A Levels, Cambridge International AS and A Levels, and Pearson Edexcel International AS and A Levels. Please note that as examination boards change the subjects offered, it is best to check the specific AQA, CAIE, and Pearson Edexcel websites for up-to-date information. There are other examination boards offering AS and A Levels, so research online for more options.
There are a wide range of AS and A Level subjects taken in schools, many of which are available to home educators, private candidates and distance learners. However, as different examination boards do not always allow private candidates to take specific AS and A Level subjects, please check the individual websites or scroll below for more information.
There are a wide range of AS and A Level subjects taken in schools, many of which are available to home educators, private candidates and distance learners. However, as different examination boards do not always allow private candidates to take specific AS and A Level subjects, please check the individual websites or scroll below for more information.
What are AS and A Levels?
AS and A Levels are advanced qualifications that are academically rigorous, internationally accredited public examinations usually taken after completing IGCSEs or GCSEs. These advanced qualifications are the usual assessment criteria to gain entry into UK universities, and can be transferred into completed credits at many US universities.
If a combination of seven or more Cambridge AS and A levels are taken from different subject groups, an AICE Diploma can be awarded by registered schools.
If AS and A Levels are taken purely for the sake of learning, you do not need to take examinations. However, if you are serious about showing what you know and what you have achieved at AS and A Level, it is advisable to take the examinations.
If a combination of seven or more Cambridge AS and A levels are taken from different subject groups, an AICE Diploma can be awarded by registered schools.
If AS and A Levels are taken purely for the sake of learning, you do not need to take examinations. However, if you are serious about showing what you know and what you have achieved at AS and A Level, it is advisable to take the examinations.
COVID-19 impact and implications
AS and A Level students all over the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many examinations have been cancelled, and though some examination boards have offered exam sessions, they are not always available in every country. Since March 2020, teachers have been able to offer assessments as an alternative to end-of-course examinations. These are known as Teacher-Assessed Grades (TAGs) or Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs). Private candidates do not always have access to TAGs or CAGs as they are not full-time students of the Registered Examination Centres.
2020-21 has been a tumultuous and impactful year for many people. Learners may be uncertain about their educational future, examinations, and admission to university. My advice is to try to show evidence of your AS or A Level learning, whether that is through TAGs or CAGs; portfolios of content and skills for each subject; project-based learning; tutors who can vouch for your progress in subjects; or anything that demonstrates your content knowledge and competency in any subject.
2020-21 has been a tumultuous and impactful year for many people. Learners may be uncertain about their educational future, examinations, and admission to university. My advice is to try to show evidence of your AS or A Level learning, whether that is through TAGs or CAGs; portfolios of content and skills for each subject; project-based learning; tutors who can vouch for your progress in subjects; or anything that demonstrates your content knowledge and competency in any subject.
What is a private candidate?
A private candidate (or external candidate) is someone who is not enrolled in the Registered Examination Centre where they will take the final examination papers. A private candidate can be: a home schooler or home educator; someone doing a correspondence or distance learning course; someone studying evening courses; or a part-time student (just to name a few).
Private candidates take on full responsibility for completing their studies, finding and corresponding with a Centre that accepts private candidates, and turning up for examinations on time.
Private candidates take on full responsibility for completing their studies, finding and corresponding with a Centre that accepts private candidates, and turning up for examinations on time.
Which examination boards offer AS and A Levels to private candidates?
Several examination boards offer AS and A Levels in the United Kingdom (UK), but only Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE) allows private candidates to sit examinations at Registered Examination Centres in the USA. In addition, only CAIE offer the AICE Diploma. Taking this into account, I believe that private candidates will have the most success with the following examination boards:
AQA
http://www.aqa.org.uk/
Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org
Pearson Edexcel
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html
If you are interested in OCR or WJEC subjects, please visit their websites as my focus is on AQA, CAIE and Pearson Edexcel:
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR)
http://www.ocr.org.uk/index.aspx
and
Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)
http://www.wjec.co.uk/
http://www.aqa.org.uk/
Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CAIE)
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org
Pearson Edexcel
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html
If you are interested in OCR or WJEC subjects, please visit their websites as my focus is on AQA, CAIE and Pearson Edexcel:
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR)
http://www.ocr.org.uk/index.aspx
and
Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)
http://www.wjec.co.uk/
Subjects that offer exam-based assessments (rather than a combination of coursework, non-exam assessments [NEA] and exams) are more suitable for private candidates and external candidates. Some Registered Examination Centres will allow private candidates and external candidates to take foreign languages, but it is important to check with the particular centre, especially as there is usually a practical examination to complete. In fact, it is worth noting that not all examination subjects can be offered to private candidates or external candidates, so it is important to check each subject syllabus or specification that an individual intends to access.
One last important point to reiterate – a private candidate or external candidate takes on full responsibility for accessing the selected subject materials, syllabus or specification, and resources, past papers, and finding a Registered Examination Centre. The centre should ideally be found before you start studying, or at least a year in advance of the examination session.
One last important point to reiterate – a private candidate or external candidate takes on full responsibility for accessing the selected subject materials, syllabus or specification, and resources, past papers, and finding a Registered Examination Centre. The centre should ideally be found before you start studying, or at least a year in advance of the examination session.
Which AS and A Levels are available to private candidates?
AS and A Levels are available in a wide variety of subjects for private candidates. Each examination board offers: a wide choice of accredited examinations; support material such as syllabuses or specifications; past papers and marking schemes; and schemes of work.
It is important to note that examination boards can and do change their specifications or syllabuses from year to year – so check each subject’s syllabus or specification before embarking on study and find a Registered Examination Centre accepting private candidates. It would be extremely frustrating and disheartening to work for up to two years on AS and A Levels, only to find that the syllabus has changed or that private candidates are not accepted at your chosen examination centre.
It is important to note that examination boards can and do change their specifications or syllabuses from year to year – so check each subject’s syllabus or specification before embarking on study and find a Registered Examination Centre accepting private candidates. It would be extremely frustrating and disheartening to work for up to two years on AS and A Levels, only to find that the syllabus has changed or that private candidates are not accepted at your chosen examination centre.
Subjects offered by AQA
AS and A Levels offered by AQA are designed for UK students. There are many subjects available, but most coursework-based or practical-based subjects are not available to private candidates for examination. Private candidates must check through the subject specifications carefully, if they wish to take the qualification to examination. It is best to check through the particular subjects on the AQA website as some will be more suitable to private candidates than others.
At the moment, the full list of subjects to choose from includes the following:
Accounting; Art and Design; Bengali; Biblical Hebrew; Biology; Business; Chemistry; Computer Science; Dance; Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles; Design and Technology: Product Design; Drama and Theatre; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature A; English Literature B; Environmental Studies; French; Further Mathematics; Geography; German; History; Law; Mathematics; Media Studies; Modern Hebrew; Music; Panjabi; Philosophy; Physical Education; Physics; Polish; Politics; Psychology; Religious Studies; Sociology; Spanish
At the moment, the full list of subjects to choose from includes the following:
Accounting; Art and Design; Bengali; Biblical Hebrew; Biology; Business; Chemistry; Computer Science; Dance; Design and Technology: Fashion and Textiles; Design and Technology: Product Design; Drama and Theatre; Economics; English Language; English Language and Literature; English Literature A; English Literature B; Environmental Studies; French; Further Mathematics; Geography; German; History; Law; Mathematics; Media Studies; Modern Hebrew; Music; Panjabi; Philosophy; Physical Education; Physics; Polish; Politics; Psychology; Religious Studies; Sociology; Spanish
Subjects offered by CAIE
Students in CAIE registered schools can aim for the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE Diploma) at AS and A level, whereby a student chooses subjects from four curriculum areas. Each AS level subject counts as a single credit, whereas an A Level subject counts as a double credit. The AICE Diploma is achieved when a student earns at least seven credits, with at least one credit from each of the three main curriculum areas, AND one credit from Global Perspectives. Please note, that as AS Level Global Perspectives requires a school-directed coursework element, the AICE Diploma is not available for private candidates.
The four groups of subjects to choose all AS and A Levels from are as follows:
Group I: Mathematics and Sciences
Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Design and Technology; Environmental Management (single credit); Further Mathematics; Information Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology
Group II: Languages
Afrikaans Language (AS Level only); Afrikaans Language (A Level only); Arabic; Chinese Mandarin; English Language; French; German; Hindi; Japanese Language; Language and Literature in English (AS Level only); Portuguese; Spanish (First Language); Spanish; Tamil; Urdu
Group III: Arts and Humanities
Accounting; Art and Design; Business; Classical Studies; Design and Textiles; Digital Media and Design; Divinity; Economics; Environmental Management; Geography; Hindi Literature; Hinduism; History; Islamic Studies; Language and Literature in English (single credit); Law; Literature in English; Physical Education; Psychology; Sociology; Spanish Literature (single credit); Travel and Tourism
Group IV: Interdisciplinary and skills-based subjects (optional)
English General Paper; Thinking Skills
As a private candidate you have the flexibility to choose any subjects that interest you, but it is advisable to choose subjects that will help your high school transcript and better transition into college or university, if that is your goal. Not all subjects are available for private candidates to take as examinations, so please check them carefully.
As CAIE subjects were easier for me to facilitate teaching my home educated children, as well as tutoring online and teaching in a school, I am far more knowledgeable and experienced with CAIE. If you cannot take a subject to examination, I can help you create a portfolio of your work that closely matches the course and extends it with projects, practical experiences, and so on. For tutorial or scheduling support with CAIE specific subjects, please contact me.
The four groups of subjects to choose all AS and A Levels from are as follows:
Group I: Mathematics and Sciences
Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Design and Technology; Environmental Management (single credit); Further Mathematics; Information Technology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology
Group II: Languages
Afrikaans Language (AS Level only); Afrikaans Language (A Level only); Arabic; Chinese Mandarin; English Language; French; German; Hindi; Japanese Language; Language and Literature in English (AS Level only); Portuguese; Spanish (First Language); Spanish; Tamil; Urdu
Group III: Arts and Humanities
Accounting; Art and Design; Business; Classical Studies; Design and Textiles; Digital Media and Design; Divinity; Economics; Environmental Management; Geography; Hindi Literature; Hinduism; History; Islamic Studies; Language and Literature in English (single credit); Law; Literature in English; Physical Education; Psychology; Sociology; Spanish Literature (single credit); Travel and Tourism
Group IV: Interdisciplinary and skills-based subjects (optional)
English General Paper; Thinking Skills
As a private candidate you have the flexibility to choose any subjects that interest you, but it is advisable to choose subjects that will help your high school transcript and better transition into college or university, if that is your goal. Not all subjects are available for private candidates to take as examinations, so please check them carefully.
As CAIE subjects were easier for me to facilitate teaching my home educated children, as well as tutoring online and teaching in a school, I am far more knowledgeable and experienced with CAIE. If you cannot take a subject to examination, I can help you create a portfolio of your work that closely matches the course and extends it with projects, practical experiences, and so on. For tutorial or scheduling support with CAIE specific subjects, please contact me.
Subjects offered by Pearson Edexcel
Private candidates can access AS and A Levels for Pearson Edexcel examinations. Coursework-based subjects can be available to private candidates as long as the centres allow this access. It is best to check through the particular subjects on the Pearson Edexcel website as some will be more suitable to private candidates than others.
The Pearson Edexcel website was not as easy for me to navigate and the company has recently changed several AS and A Level specifications. Please check the subject specifications carefully if you intend to study any of the subjects at AS or A Level, and visit the Pearson Edexcel website for more information.
As far as I am aware, the list of subjects currently available is as follows:
Arabic (2018); Biology B (2015); Business (2015); Chemistry (2015); Chinese (2017); Design and Technology: Product Design (2017); Drama and Theatre (2016); Economics A (2015); Economics B (2015); English Language (2015); English Language and Literature (2015); English Literature (2015); French (2016); Geography (2016); German (2016); Greek (2018); Gujarati (2018); History (2015); History of Art (2017); Italian (2017); Japanese (2018); Leisure Studies (2008); Advanced Extension Award in Mathematics (2018); Mathematics (2017); Media (2008); Music (2016); Music Technology (2017); Persian (2018); Physical Education (2016); Physics (2015); Politics (2017); Portuguese (2018); Psychology (2015); Religious Studies (2016); Russian (2017); Spanish (2016); Statistics (2017); Travel and Tourism (2008); Turkish (2018); Urdu (2018).
The Pearson Edexcel website was not as easy for me to navigate and the company has recently changed several AS and A Level specifications. Please check the subject specifications carefully if you intend to study any of the subjects at AS or A Level, and visit the Pearson Edexcel website for more information.
As far as I am aware, the list of subjects currently available is as follows:
Arabic (2018); Biology B (2015); Business (2015); Chemistry (2015); Chinese (2017); Design and Technology: Product Design (2017); Drama and Theatre (2016); Economics A (2015); Economics B (2015); English Language (2015); English Language and Literature (2015); English Literature (2015); French (2016); Geography (2016); German (2016); Greek (2018); Gujarati (2018); History (2015); History of Art (2017); Italian (2017); Japanese (2018); Leisure Studies (2008); Advanced Extension Award in Mathematics (2018); Mathematics (2017); Media (2008); Music (2016); Music Technology (2017); Persian (2018); Physical Education (2016); Physics (2015); Politics (2017); Portuguese (2018); Psychology (2015); Religious Studies (2016); Russian (2017); Spanish (2016); Statistics (2017); Travel and Tourism (2008); Turkish (2018); Urdu (2018).
Why are some subjects not available to private candidates?
Some subjects have coursework, also known as non-exam assessment (NEA), or practical elements as part of the final examination qualification. As the coursework and practical elements would need to be done under strict conditions in a controlled environment with professional teachers, this is not usually available to private candidates.
Some subjects have an ‘alternative to practical’ examination choice which allows the private candidate to take the subject. There is also the opportunity to take language examination subjects if the practical element can be taken at a nearby Registered Examination Centre prior to the written examinations.
If you are interested in taking language examinations, check with the examinations officer at your chosen Registered Examination Centre. The officer will tell you if you are able to enter for a particular subject with a coursework, NEA, or practical element.
Some subjects have an ‘alternative to practical’ examination choice which allows the private candidate to take the subject. There is also the opportunity to take language examination subjects if the practical element can be taken at a nearby Registered Examination Centre prior to the written examinations.
If you are interested in taking language examinations, check with the examinations officer at your chosen Registered Examination Centre. The officer will tell you if you are able to enter for a particular subject with a coursework, NEA, or practical element.
Do I have to take the final AS and A Level examinations?
No. Some learners want to access AS and A Level because the subject interests them, but at the end of the day they find that it is too expensive or not relevant to take the final examinations. Most of the subject-specific syllabus or specification material (including lesson plans, questions, teachers’ notes, research, etc.) can be found on the internet. This makes studying an area of interest within reach to anyone that can get to a computer.
If you want to have some accreditation for your hard work, skill building, and knowledge acquisition, you will want to take the examinations. Consider this option carefully though, as taking examinations is not cheap. However, it does work out as the cheapest form of private education that you can buy.
If you want to have some accreditation for your hard work, skill building, and knowledge acquisition, you will want to take the examinations. Consider this option carefully though, as taking examinations is not cheap. However, it does work out as the cheapest form of private education that you can buy.
Where can a private candidate take AS and A Level examinations?
A private candidate can only take examinations in a Registered Examination Centre, and not all registered centres accept private candidates. In fact, no Registered Examination Centre has to accept private candidates, as it can create extra administrative work or disruption to the school even for a limited time.
So, it is worth realising that school or college individuals who allow private candidates to sit examinations can also close the doors. It is your responsibility to communicate effectively with, and have respect for, the examination officer’s time and effort towards private candidates. After all, any Registered Examination Centre that accepts private candidates is providing a generous service. I always acknowledge the examination officer's kindness to us, as I have seen the added workload first-hand.
If there are questions or issues to deal with, try to resolve them as quickly as possible with the examination officer at the particular Registered Examination Centre. The examining boards are not able to communicate directly with private candidates.
If you can, try to speak with someone who has been through the examination process at the particular Registered Examination Centre that you hope will accept private candidates.
So, it is worth realising that school or college individuals who allow private candidates to sit examinations can also close the doors. It is your responsibility to communicate effectively with, and have respect for, the examination officer’s time and effort towards private candidates. After all, any Registered Examination Centre that accepts private candidates is providing a generous service. I always acknowledge the examination officer's kindness to us, as I have seen the added workload first-hand.
If there are questions or issues to deal with, try to resolve them as quickly as possible with the examination officer at the particular Registered Examination Centre. The examining boards are not able to communicate directly with private candidates.
If you can, try to speak with someone who has been through the examination process at the particular Registered Examination Centre that you hope will accept private candidates.
How many AS and A Level subjects should private candidates take?
This decision is up to the private candidate and the teacher. In the school system, students usually take between three to five AS and A Levels, as most universities in the UK require three A Level subjects for admission. Private candidates may want to compete with their schooled peers and take three or more A Levels, though they can do the courses in a shorter or longer period of time.
If private candidates want to gain entry into university, it is helpful to work with the educational system and show accountability for learning by setting and reaching assessment goals in the form of examination grades. Private candidates who take on full responsibility for their learning do not need to compete with schooled peers and gain 5 AS/A Levels, unless they have a passion to work on so many subjects.
Private candidates who are successful will aim to get enough A Levels to achieve grades or points they need for university entrance. One of the greatest advantages that private candidates have is the flexibility to choose subjects that are broad, balanced, and of significance to them. Successful private candidates are highly self-motivated, inquisitive, and largely self-taught. These qualities make them ideal students for university. If university is the goal, it does no harm to find out from the admissions officer what and how many qualifications are needed to gain entry.
Some students contact their local college to gain entry by ‘non-standard entry’ criteria. In non-standard entry, passes at IGCSE, GCSE, AS and A Level are not always used. In the competitive world of college or university places, non-standard entry can be successful if combined with a portfolio of work completed by the student, essays, or interviews with the colleges. Again, it is worthwhile doing some research into what qualifications the university or college is looking for, if that is your ultimate goal.
If private candidates want to gain entry into university, it is helpful to work with the educational system and show accountability for learning by setting and reaching assessment goals in the form of examination grades. Private candidates who take on full responsibility for their learning do not need to compete with schooled peers and gain 5 AS/A Levels, unless they have a passion to work on so many subjects.
Private candidates who are successful will aim to get enough A Levels to achieve grades or points they need for university entrance. One of the greatest advantages that private candidates have is the flexibility to choose subjects that are broad, balanced, and of significance to them. Successful private candidates are highly self-motivated, inquisitive, and largely self-taught. These qualities make them ideal students for university. If university is the goal, it does no harm to find out from the admissions officer what and how many qualifications are needed to gain entry.
Some students contact their local college to gain entry by ‘non-standard entry’ criteria. In non-standard entry, passes at IGCSE, GCSE, AS and A Level are not always used. In the competitive world of college or university places, non-standard entry can be successful if combined with a portfolio of work completed by the student, essays, or interviews with the colleges. Again, it is worthwhile doing some research into what qualifications the university or college is looking for, if that is your ultimate goal.
How long do AS and A Levels take to complete?
Usually AS and A Levels are taken over a two-year period, culminating in the private candidate sitting the examinations for each subject in the summer or winter session (session times depend on the examination boards). The examinations can be taken in one session, or over two or more sessions, as AS Levels followed by A2 Levels to give a combined A Level grade for the chosen subject. Check individual exam boards, as some subjects are only offered as stand-alone AS or full A Levels, especially in the UK.
As a private candidate does not have to adhere to school timetables, the time taken can be longer or shorter than the traditional time period. It is not sensible to enter for examinations until the private candidate has covered the subject content and developed subject-specific skills. If you are taking the examinations in order to compete with schooled students for college/university admission, it is important to note that private candidates may need three to five AS and A Level subjects, taken in the same session or not more than thirteen months apart.
As a private candidate does not have to adhere to school timetables, the time taken can be longer or shorter than the traditional time period. It is not sensible to enter for examinations until the private candidate has covered the subject content and developed subject-specific skills. If you are taking the examinations in order to compete with schooled students for college/university admission, it is important to note that private candidates may need three to five AS and A Level subjects, taken in the same session or not more than thirteen months apart.
Who can teach AS and A Levels to private candidates?
The simple answer is, anyone can. You do not need to be an expert in the particular subject being taught, though it helps to research the subject and know the material before you try teaching it to a private candidate. If you want, you might be able to employ tutors who have subject-specific knowledge and expertise. If the private candidate is highly self-motivated and learns quickly, they may want to learn on their own.
However, consider the following:
I have considerable knowledge about home educators’ rights and responsibilities in the UK and in the USA, or I can direct you to the relevant source for information. If you need advice specifically for home educators accessing AS or A Levels, contact me.
However, consider the following:
- If the child has been withdrawn from school to become a private candidate, carefully check your education and home education laws. Whilst home education is legal and a parental right in the UK and the US, the home education laws in the US vary by state. At the very least, you should read and understand the rights and responsibilities you have as a parent of a home educated child, and the rights and obligations of the education authorities to ensure that children of compulsory school age are receiving an education.
- If you have been home educating for some time and have just started AS or A Levels with your child, talk about the goals you both want to achieve. If the goal is accreditation by public examination, obtained by the home educated child sitting final examinations as a private candidate, you will need to research Registered Examination Centres available for private candidates. Much of the subject-specific material needed to attain a good grade can be found on the internet, at the library, or by purchasing particular textbooks.
- If you think your child is studying a subject that you might not be able to teach effectively, or that your child would benefit from an expert in the field, you might want to employ a tutor, or seek the help of friends, family, or neighbours. Check with your home education laws, though, as some expressly state that the parents are responsible for educating the home educated child, or must employ a registered teacher for tutoring purposes.
I have considerable knowledge about home educators’ rights and responsibilities in the UK and in the USA, or I can direct you to the relevant source for information. If you need advice specifically for home educators accessing AS or A Levels, contact me.
What AS and A Levels are needed for college or university admission?
As private candidates are taking full responsibility for the subjects that they study and for the grades that they achieve, they should research their college or university options before choosing AS or A Levels. Each college or university, whether in the UK or in the US, will have particular requirements for admission.
If private candidates aim to go to college or university in the UK, the general requirements are:
If private candidates aim to go to college or university in the USA, the requirements will depend on the individual state's high school matriculation credits for admission into a state university. AS and A Levels are usually beyond what is required for admission to many state universities but they can count for college credit.
It is highly advisable to call the admissions officer or check on the individual college or university website for details about entrance requirements. Some UK universities will only take students who achieve ‘AAA’ grades (three ‘A’ grades in three separate A Levels taken in the same examination sitting), as well as ‘A’ grades in Mathematics and English Language at IGCSE level. Some US colleges or universities will give credit for AS or A Level grades achieved. It is up to you to find out what your hard work is worth before embarking on AS and A Level study.
Once you have the information about the college or university requirements, you can then choose AS or A Levels that fulfil the requirements and are of interest to you. It is worth reiterating that the private candidate needs to be responsible for their educational path and find out what is needed to reach their end goal. Luckily, the internet has easily accessible material for colleges or universities, as well as subject-specific material.
Contact me if you need more guidance with university admission using AS and A Levels.
If private candidates aim to go to college or university in the UK, the general requirements are:
- a minimum of five passes at IGCSE level, including Mathematics and English Language
- a minimum of three A Levels, preferably including the subject area that is targeted for study at college or university
If private candidates aim to go to college or university in the USA, the requirements will depend on the individual state's high school matriculation credits for admission into a state university. AS and A Levels are usually beyond what is required for admission to many state universities but they can count for college credit.
It is highly advisable to call the admissions officer or check on the individual college or university website for details about entrance requirements. Some UK universities will only take students who achieve ‘AAA’ grades (three ‘A’ grades in three separate A Levels taken in the same examination sitting), as well as ‘A’ grades in Mathematics and English Language at IGCSE level. Some US colleges or universities will give credit for AS or A Level grades achieved. It is up to you to find out what your hard work is worth before embarking on AS and A Level study.
Once you have the information about the college or university requirements, you can then choose AS or A Levels that fulfil the requirements and are of interest to you. It is worth reiterating that the private candidate needs to be responsible for their educational path and find out what is needed to reach their end goal. Luckily, the internet has easily accessible material for colleges or universities, as well as subject-specific material.
Contact me if you need more guidance with university admission using AS and A Levels.
Where can I get AS and A Level subject-specific resources?
First, look at the particular examination board’s website, as there is usually some free subject-specific material. Textbooks, workbooks, and subscription-based materials are also available for purchase. If you hire a specialist teacher or tutor, subject-specific material will be used. Another option is paying for a distance learning course in the AS or A Levels chosen – most of the teaching materials and usually tutor support is included in the price of the course.
Check the section entitled Online Resources and links as well as the specific AS or A Levels subjects, as there are plenty of subject-specific resources that I have built up over the years. There are so many available resources online, and in print. It can sometimes be overwhelming, especially at the start of this alternative educational journey. Please contact me if you need more help.
Check the section entitled Online Resources and links as well as the specific AS or A Levels subjects, as there are plenty of subject-specific resources that I have built up over the years. There are so many available resources online, and in print. It can sometimes be overwhelming, especially at the start of this alternative educational journey. Please contact me if you need more help.
Where can I get AS and A Level past examination papers?
The first place to look is on the particular examination board's website. There are usually past papers and marking schemes readily available for download. There are also exam-board specific textbooks with revision exercises and model exam paper answers to help guide you. Belonging to a home education support group can help you find many valuable resources. Make sure to do your research online and ask other learners who are taking the same exams, to get as many resources as possible.
How much do AS and A Level examination subjects cost?
There is a fairly wide variation in costs incurred by private candidates for AS and A Levels, from the cost of specialist materials and books; tutors or correspondence and distance learning fees (if necessary); and examinations papers and Registered Examination Centre fees.
Private candidates have taken the private education option and should therefore expect to pay for everything. However, there are many free resources on the internet, and the local library and librarians can be very useful. If students live near a university, it might be worthwhile to have a tour to see if there are suitable books, journals, etc. If so, some universities have free access to the public, or an annual fee. Private candidates can also find out if home education groups have special purchasing rates with book publishers.
It is difficult to state how much the examination courses cost from start to finish – however, this route can be the cheapest form of private education. To get value for money, do your own research. Find out about your choices in Registered Examination Centres. See if there are university libraries with computer access and book borrowing privileges. Look into suitable tutoring, correspondence and distance learning options. You can budget for the total cost of a two year AS or A Level course, if necessary, so that costs can be spread over time. If another student is doing the same course and the books and materials are non-consumable, the subsequent cost of the examination course will be reduced.
Private candidates have taken the private education option and should therefore expect to pay for everything. However, there are many free resources on the internet, and the local library and librarians can be very useful. If students live near a university, it might be worthwhile to have a tour to see if there are suitable books, journals, etc. If so, some universities have free access to the public, or an annual fee. Private candidates can also find out if home education groups have special purchasing rates with book publishers.
It is difficult to state how much the examination courses cost from start to finish – however, this route can be the cheapest form of private education. To get value for money, do your own research. Find out about your choices in Registered Examination Centres. See if there are university libraries with computer access and book borrowing privileges. Look into suitable tutoring, correspondence and distance learning options. You can budget for the total cost of a two year AS or A Level course, if necessary, so that costs can be spread over time. If another student is doing the same course and the books and materials are non-consumable, the subsequent cost of the examination course will be reduced.
When do the AS and A Level examinations take place?
Depending on the particular examination board, the examinations take place in a summer or winter session, though some of the exams are no longer offered in the winter session (and the winter session may be omitted in the future). If the private candidate needs to complete exams at a certain time of year, this might determine the examination board and subjects that are chosen. It is therefore important to check the individual examination board website for examination dates.
IMPORTANT NOTE
As a private candidate, you have the freedom to choose from a wide variety of subjects, from several examination boards. However, if you intend to sit the examinations at a Registered Examination Centre, it is highly advisable to:
- Check the subject specification or syllabus carefully from the particular examination board. Make sure it is available to private candidates, especially if there is a practical element, as there is for language courses and sciences. If you cannot complete all parts of the assessment (examinations and practicals), do not waste money paying for the examination.
- Contact the examinations officer at the Registered Examination Centre and ask if you can access your chosen subjects as exam papers for the year that you intend to sit them. Make sure the centre is allowed to offer the exam board of the subject you are studying (for example, AQA, OCR, and WJEC are not offered at any Registered Examination Centre outside the UK).
- Make sure that you choose the specification or syllabus for the year in which you intend to sit the examination, as the examination boards change material from year to year.
- Make sure that you choose subjects that you will succeed in – this success can be measured in pure enjoyment of learning the material or in the culmination of public examinations at the end of the course. In either case, success is easier to achieve if you have someone who can teach or facilitate the material, or a tutor or mentor who can help you on your self-learning journey.
COVID-19 impact and implications
AS and A Level students all over the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many examinations have been cancelled, and though some examination boards have offered exam sessions, they are not always available in every country. Since March 2020, teachers have been able to offer assessments as an alternative to end-of-course examinations. These are known as Teacher-Assessed Grades (TAGs) or Centre Assessed Grades (CAGs). Private candidates do not always have access to TAGs or CAGs as they are not full-time students of the Registered Examination Centres.
2020-21 has been a tumultuous and impactful year for many people. Learners may be uncertain about their educational future, examinations, and admission to university. My advice is to try to show evidence of your AS or A Level learning, whether that is through TAGs or CAGs; portfolios of content and skills for each subject; project-based learning; tutors who can vouch for your progress in subjects; or anything that demonstrates your content knowledge and competency in any subject.
2020-21 has been a tumultuous and impactful year for many people. Learners may be uncertain about their educational future, examinations, and admission to university. My advice is to try to show evidence of your AS or A Level learning, whether that is through TAGs or CAGs; portfolios of content and skills for each subject; project-based learning; tutors who can vouch for your progress in subjects; or anything that demonstrates your content knowledge and competency in any subject.
This website is intended to give you support for your own journey, and specifically for the subjects listed below. If you need individualized tutorial support, please don't hesitate to contact me. For specific information on Cambridge AS and A Levels I currently teach and tutor, please visit the following:
This website is intended to give you support for your own journey, and specifically for the subjects listed below. If you need individualized tutorial support, please don't hesitate to contact me. For specific information on Cambridge AS and A Levels I currently teach and tutor, please visit the following: