FAQ​

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Where will the exams take place? 

The exams will take place at Woodlands Community Hall, Larch Road, Headley Down, GU35 8AS

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Woodlands community Hall is currently going through the exam registration process with JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) to enable the hall to be registered as an exam centre. We expect this process to be completed by January 1st 2026

 

When will the exams take place?

The exams will take place on the same day and time set by the exam board for your subject. 

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For example 

AQA Drama - 8th May 2026

OCR Music GCSE - 3rd June 2026

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You take the exam under exam conditions, at the published time of the exam, usually alongside other candidates. 

If your child might need extra time or help to enable them to sit exams please about Access Arrangements at least a year before you plan to sit exams.

 

How much does it cost?

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• Exam entry fee - £220 

• 1-2-1 tutor - £30 per hour 

• Group sessions - £12.50 per hour

• All subjects late exam registration has an additional fee of £60

• All subjects very late registration has an additional fee of £120 

 

There are no refunds after you have been entered on to the exam 

Late entries dates are different for each exam with 3 months before the exam the typical late entry date, very late is typically 2 months prior to the exam. 

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What structure should I expect?

Each subject will have an agreed schedule for the candidate which will be individual to their needs, this may include 1-2-1 or group tutor sessions, mock papers and home learning. 

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For subjects with practical elements these will be recorded by the tutor is a medium suitable for the subject, video and audio combined being the most likely option.

For subjects with course work these will be marked by your tutor and sent to the exam board for validation.  

 

The written exam for all subjects will take place on the date set by the examination board and assessed by the exam board. 

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What experience to our tutors have?

The tutors all have relevant qualifications to the subject they are teaching including industry experience where appropriate. They are all experienced on working with young people that are not in main stream education and in most cases can tailor their teaching plan to suit 

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Each young person has individual learning needs which our tutors will accommodate where possible based on their own experience and teaching style. Where there isnt a suitable tutor match we will discuss with you alternative options. 
 

Other useful information you may wish to consider 

 

How many GCSEs do I need?

Universities mostly require Maths and English GCSEs, together with the other three subjects of your choice, making 5 the bare minimum number of GCSEs. However, most students often take between 8 and 10 GCSE subjects, with 12 being the maximum.

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Why Take GCSEs?

• Personal Choice: GCSEs are not compulsory for home-educated children; they are a personal choice. 

• Future Pathways: Some home educators take them to prepare for further education (like college) or specific career interests. 

• Flexibility: You can take exams at a younger age than a typical school year or spread them out over a longer period.

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When should you take GCSEs?

There is no age limit to do GCSEs, though some exam centres may have age requirements

Try to register with an exam centre *at least * six months before the exam date.

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Studying for your GCSE

For students preparing for their GCSEs, we recommend a more intense weekly schedule that includes:

• 3-4 hours per week for English, Maths and Science

• 2-3 hours per week for other subjects

• Independent assignments and regular assessments are set to track progress

You can study independently from textbooks and online resources, or use Distance learning courses or tutors. 

 

Home educators can study for GCSEs on their own at home (using textbooks, online tools etc.) or using local study groups or using tutors/course providers 

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