Latest News & Exam Tips
Stay updated with expert exam preparation strategies, UCAS application guides, and essential news for private candidates.
Which Exam Centres Accept Private Candidates? How to Find One and What to Check
Most schools won't enter an outside candidate. Here is who will, how to find them, and the checklist to run before you hand over an entry fee.
How and When Can You Retake GCSEs? Every Route and Window
You can retake a GCSE at any age and as many times as you like. What changes is when the next window opens and who enters you. Here is every route, with the deadlines that go with it.
When Do GCSEs Start in 2027? Key Dates and How Long They Last
The summer 2027 GCSE series starts on Monday 10 May and finishes on Friday 18 June, with a contingency day on 23 June. Here is the full shape of the exam window and the deadlines around it.
IGCSE vs GCSE: What's the Difference, and Which Should You Take?
Neither is the easy option. IGCSE and GCSE test the same standard in different ways — and the difference that matters for a private candidate is how each is assessed, not how hard it is.
Getting Extra Time Approved: One Candidate's Story
The rules for extra time are written for schools. Here is what the process actually looks like from a private candidate's side, from first email to approval — including the parts nobody tells you.
Do You Have to Retake Science GCSE If You Fail?
Science is not one of the compulsory resits — only English and Maths are. Whether you should retake it depends entirely on where you are heading next. Here is how to decide.