South-East England and London exam centres. These exam centres have either taken private candidates in the past, have indicated that they would consider it, or are listed on an exam board website as a possible centre, but are yet to be confirmed. Please feel free to add or edit information we rely on the home-ed community to keep this up to date. You will need to create a Wikia account first. For local recommendations, it can be a good idea to join your local home education Facebook group.
London[]
East London[]
Ark Education Centre Ark Education Centre, Unit 2, 388, High Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1TL Tel: 020 3441 7272, Email: info@arkexamcentre.co.uk. We are an Approved Centre to conduct GCSE and GCE examinations for Pearson Edexcel, AQA, OCR and CAIE awarding bodies. Ark Exam Centre provides inclusive assessment options for a wide range of learners, irrespective of their educational status, age, or background. Whether you are a Home Educator, Distance Learner, Excluded Learner, or Private Candidate, we offer a secure and welcoming environment with a dedicated team focused on delivering exceptional service. Our staff will support you from initial inquiry to certification.
David Game College 31 Jewry Street, EC3N 2ET Tel. 020 7221 6665 ext. 116 Private tutorial college. Edexcel and AQA. Written exams only. Did not offer Teacher Assessed Grades for 2021, but were very clear from the start that that would be the case.
East London Skills for Life - Stratford The Broadway, Stratford, London, E15 4BQ. Tel:0208 221 2688. Email:info@eastlondonskills.com . GCSEs, IGCSEs, A Levels and Functional Skills. Edexcel, AQA and OCR. Competitively Priced. Central location with excellent transport links. Website info looks out of date so best to contact them.
Exam Centre London/Merit Tutors 54 Upton Lane, London E7 9LN Tel: 020 8616 2526 Email: info@examcentrelondon.co.uk Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC, CAIE, including Functional Skills. Note that this centre and Excel Centres in Stratford, listed below, are run by the same company (Bestgrade), but only this branch is registered for Cambridge Exams.Can facilitate A-Level practical endorsement for biology, chemistry and physics through nearby schools. https://www.examcentrelondon.co.uk/a-level-practical-endorsement/
Excel Tutors - Commercial Rd - 167(Second Floor), Commercial Road, London E1 2DA. Tel: 0207 0011 411. Email: exams@exceltutors.org.uk Small tutorial college. GCSE, IGCSE, A levels and Functional Skills.OCR, Edexcel, AQA, WJEC.
Excel Centres - Stratford. 14 Leytonstone Rd, Stratford, London E15 1SE. Tel: 0208 503 1133. Email: info@excelexamcentres.co.uk Edexcel, AQA, but not CAIE. (Exam centre London listed above can facilitate CAIE, if it's a written exam). They may offer science practicals. NOTE: They will do the Speaking Assessment and Controlled Assessment for GCSE English. Offer IGCSE Spanish speaking assessments. Note that this centre and Exam Centre London/Merit Tutors in Forest Gate are run by the same company.
AQA also lists the following centres in East London for private candidates (unconfirmed)
AEC Tutors 221A High Street North, East Ham, E6 1JG. Tel: 0208 548 1312. Email: info@aectutors.co.uk CAIE, Edexcel, AQA, OCR. Information is here:https://www.aectutors.co.uk/book-a-private-exam Unconfirmed, but looks promising from the website.
Hafs Academy, Unit 3, 26 Maryland Road, Stratford, London, E15 1JW Tel: 020 8555 4260 Email: info@hafsacademy.org.uk Private candidates are mentioned in their exam policy documents, but no other information available.
South London[]
See also Kent section
Excel Centres (Catford),, 115 Rushey Green Road, Catford, SE6 4AA Email: info@excelexamcentres.co.uk Also at New Cross Unit 2, 257 New Cross Road, SE14 5UL and Walworth 350 Walworth Rd, SE17 2NF
Pascal's College - See Kent entry.
Bright Young Things - Various tutorial centres, including Harrow, but their exam centre is at The Exam House in Chesham, Bucks. See The Exam House entry under Buckinghamshire for info.
Safeschool- 253 Eltham High Street, Eltham, SE9 1TY Email: info@safeschoolbexley.co.uk Scroll down here for info about private candidates. Specialist home-ed tuition centre, AQA only. "We do accept external candidates at SAFE, however, we have a limit on numbers, and generally will only take candidates for exams we are already running. You will need to fill out a suitability form for your child, and will be able to visit the centre for a viewing before making any decisions.Can only take limited numbers of students and for a limited range of exams". Access arrangements: "Please contact us for a discussion a minimum of two years before your child is due to take their exams – this will give sufficient time to ascertain normal way of working, and to appoint any necessary assessors." Coursework/practicals: "For qualifications that have a non-examined component (English and Science), external candidates will have to come in for a number of timetabled lessons to complete this work under controlled conditions...The cost of these sessions will be additional to the cost of the qualification entry."
Southfields Academy 333 Merton Road, Wimbledon, SW18 5JU. Tel: 020 8875 2600. Email: info@southfields.wandsworth.sch.uk or try exams@southfieldsacademy.com Formerly Southfields Community College
The Tutorial Foundation, Bromley BR1 - See entry under Kent.
Centres that have accepted private candidates in the past
The Marine Society College 202 Lambeth Rd, Lambeth, SE1 7JW Their private candidates page is here and currently (2021) states "Following a review, we no longer offer exam centre provision".
West, North and NW London (including Middlesex)[]
Campbell Harris 185 High Street Kensington, W8 6SH. Private tutorial college and independent exam centre. How to register and Exams offered AQA, Edexcel, OCR, or WJEC (not sure about CAIE). Access arrangements. Speaking and Listening assessments for IGCSE languages. Also offers courses and practical assessment for A-level sciences. Will deal with some NEA/coursework for GCSEs, but needs to be completed under supervision of their tutors and is therefore an expensive option! Has been used by many home-educating families over the years. For current prices email caleb.smith@campbellharris.co.uk or telephone 020 7937 0032 between 10:30am and 4:30pm weekdays.
Cherry Hill Tuition Hounslow, Middlesex, TW3 1JS. Tel: 0208 577 0088. Email: info@cherryhilltuition.com GCSE, IGCSE and A-level. OCR, AQA, Edexcel, CAIE, WJEC. Summer and Winter sittings. Language exams. Biology, Chemistry and Physics practicals for GCSE & A Level examinations. "Art exams may also be accommodated depending on the exam board." Accepts coursework from some online providers.
Cranford Community College,High Street, Cranford, Hounslow, Middlesex,TW5 9PD. Contact here. Edexcel, AQA, OCR, CIE and WJEC. Alevels/GCSEs/IGCSEs. Can accommodate students with special requirements. Unknown if they accepted candidates in 2021, but said to be very accommodating in normal times. (updated June 21)
Ealing Independent College W5 83 New Broadway, W5 5AL. Tel: 020 6579 6668 GCSE, IGCSE and A-level. Summer sittings. Written exams and foreign language speaking tests. Edexcel, AQA, OCR and WJEC. Access arrangements mentioned on website (£150 for assessment - 2021).
Kensington Park School (was Duff Miller) 59 Queen's Gate, London, SW7 5JP Tel: 020 7225 0577 Private tutorial college. No confirmation if still accepting private candidates.
London Brookes College 42 The Burroughs, Hendon, NW4 4AP. Tel: 0208 202 2007. Email: Exams@londonbrookescollege.co.uk Private tuition and exam centre. AQA, CAIE, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC. GCSEs, IGCSEs, and A levels, plus some other qualifications (BMAT, ELAT, HAT, PAT). Science practicals, languages and GCSE controlled assessments. Will do ICT practical. Can facilitate access arrangements. Scroll down this page and click on tabs for more info about private candidates.
Oak Heights School 3 Red Lion Court, Alexandra Road,Hounslow Central, Middlesex TW3 1JS. Tel:020 577 2463 Email: j.daly@oakheights.co.uk Independent school offering written exams and science practicals. GCSEs, IGCSEs and A levels. Major exam boards, including CAIE.
The Learning Hub, Vale Farm - Wembley HA0 Tel 0208 908 123. Email: admin@tlhgroup.co.uk Private tuition centre and exam centre for Edexcel, OCR and CIE. In 2017 they stated they would not accept private candidates unless they were signed up for tuition there as well BUT in 2019 they were apparently accepting external candidates again. If you're thinking of using this exam centre, do contact them and check!
Tutors & Exams (Wimbledon) Methodist Centre, Griffiths Road, Wimbledon SW19 1SP. Tel 024 76221008. Dedicated exam centre for external candidates with experience of supporting home-educated students. Languages, ICT, Computer Science and more. Has a dedicated Science laboratory based in Birmingham for A Level Science practicals all year round and access to another science laboratory at a London school for Science practicals outside term time. Access Arrangements (SEN) friendly. A short walk from Wimbledon South Tube Station and Wimbledon Train Station.
AQA also lists the following centres in North London/Middlesex for private candidates (unconfirmed)
Adult Learning Academy Ground Floor, 197-205 High Street,Ponders End, Enfield, EN3 4DZ.Tel: 0208 804 4114 AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC. Looks like they might be able to facilitate A levels with coursework and GCSE English Language. Could have age restrictions.
City Educators 3rd Floor, Alperton House, Bridge Water Road, Wembley, Middlesex. HA0 1EH, Tel: 020 8903 7386.Email: info@cityeducators.co.uk Exam boards: AQA, Edexcel and OCR. Science practicals. "In order to register for sitting the exams in City Educators, the candidates are requested to visit the office and see the exam officer for the consultation. The exams form are available in the office and on the website. "
Harrow Independent College, 308 -310 Eastcote Lane, South Harrow, HA2 9AH Tel: 020 8423 6227. Email: admin@harrowindependentcollege.co.uk
Hewens College Hewens Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 8JP. Tel: 020 8573 1039 Email: Hewenscollege@trhat.org
Khalsa College (London) University Building, 35 Pinner Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 4ES. Tel: 020 8427 5132. Exams office: registrar@sikh-uni.ac.uk Exam boards: AQA, OCR, CAIE, Edexcel. "Examination centre for private and external students"
London Academy Spur Road, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 8DE. Tel: 020 8238 1100 Email: office@londonacademy.org.uk
New London Educational Trust, Sceptre House, 75-81 Staines Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW3 3HW. Tel:0208 570 7766. Contact form GCSEs, A levels, Functional Skills. Exam boards: AQA, Edexcel. "We conduct exams for our internal students as well as external/private candidates."
Oasis Academy Hadley, 143 South Street, Enfield, Middlesex, EN3 4PX Tel: 020 8804 6946
Polish Educational Society Examination Centre, 238 King Street, London, W6 0RF. Offers Polish language GCSE and A level exams. Registered for AQA, so possibly open to other subjects. "GCSE and A Level exams in Polish take place in the summer term each year. The venue for examinations is the Polish Social and Cultural Centre (POSK) located in the London Borough of Hammersmith."
Red Balloon Learner Centre, 13 Kenton Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 2BW Tel: 020 8864 6433 Email: joan.reilly@nwl.rblc.org.uk
Regent Independent College (was Acorn House College) 39-47 High Stree, Southall, Middlesex, UB1 3HF. Tel: 020 8571 9900
Rosedale College Wood End Green Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2SE Tel:020 8573 2097 Email: Rosedalecollege@trhat.org
Unique Sixth Form (Best Tutors),1 Booker Road, Edmonton, London, N18 2US Tel: 020 8807 4170 Email: info@besttutors.co.uk There is information about private candidates here
The Helix Education Centre, (Pupil Referral Unit) 94 Uxbridge Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 6DH Tel: 020 8353 4170. Email: offica@thehelix.harrow.sch.uk
The Skills Hub, Providence Road, Yiewsley, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB7 8HJ Tel: 01895 447 102 Email: Reception@yphub.org
Westminster Tutors, 86 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LQ Tel: 020 7584 1288 Didn't accept private candidates for Teacher Assessed Grades in June 2021, but the website suggests usually does accept private candidates. "...we are unable to offer any practical exams, coursework moderation or controlled assessments for external candidates. For Modern Foreign Languages, oral exams are offered subject to tutor availability."
Berkshire[]
Luckley House - Luckley Road, Wokingham, RG40 3EU Tel: 0118 978 4175 Email: Office@luckleyhouseschool.org No CAIE or AAs - updated summer 23
St Bartholemews School, Andover Road, Newbury, RG14 6JP Email: office@stbarts.co.uk Tel: 01635 521255 (Reception open 8:30am -5:00pm) All exam boards. No practical papers/assessments.
Centres that have accepted private candidates in the past
Denefield School Long Lane, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6XY. Tel:0118 9413458 CAIE and some other boards. Examinations Officers - Mrs Blake Exams@denefield.org.uk (Not accepting as of summer 23)
Kendrick School, London Road, Reading, RG1 5BN Tel: 0118 9015859 General email: admin@kendrick.reading.sch.uk Exams Officer is Katherine Coburn. Contact exams@kendrick.reading.sch.uk (Not accepting as of summer 23)
The Emmbrook School. Emmbrook Road, Wokingham, RG41 1JP. Tel: 0118 978 4406. Email: enquiries@emmbrook.wokingham.sch.uk "Very welcoming. (Not accepting as of summer 23)
AQA also lists the following centres in Berkshire for private candidates (unconfirmed)
New Barn School, Home Farm, Units 6 and 7, Welford, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6HR Tel: 01488 505 145
Park House School, Andover Road, Newbury, RG14 6NQ. Tel: 01635 573911 Email: office@parkhouseschool.org
Theale Green School, Church Street, Theale, Reading, Berks, RG7 5DA. Tel: 0118 930 2741 Email: inmail@thealegreen.w-berks.sch.uk
Buckinghamshire[]
Aylesbury Grammar School Walton Road, Aylesbury HP21 7RP. Accepted private candidates at around £120 per subject in 2018. At the time they required early registration for summer exams.
Chiltern Hills Academy, Chartridge Lane, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 2RG. Tel: 01494 782 066. Emai: tdell@chacademy.co.uk This is listed on the JCQ list of exam centres for Autumn 2021 exams.
Denbigh School, Burchard Crescent, Shenley Church End, Milton Keynes,MK5 6EX. Tel: 01908 505 030. Email: rawlinsonm@denbigh.net (Exams officer). This centre is listed on the JCQ exam centre list for Autumn 2021 exams.
The Exams House (Buckinghamshire branch) 128 The High Street, Chesham HP5 1EB Tel: 01494 911116 Exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, CIE and OCR. Access arrangements. Specialising in candidates who are not well served in schools and need specialist attention for exam sitting. NB. This is an inexperienced centre which some home educating families found communication difficulties with in 2021.
Tutors and Exams (High Wycombe) 46-48 Oxford Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XG. Tel: 024 7622 1008. Dedicated exam centre for external candidates with experience of supporting home-educated students. Languages, ICT, Computer Science and more. Has a dedicated Science laboratory based in Birmingham to deliver A Level Science practicals all year round and access to another science laboratory in a London school for Science practicals outside term time. Access arrangements (SEN) friendly.
AQA also lists the following centres in Buckinghamshire for private candidates (unconfirmed)
CTS Education, 1-9 Barton Road, MK Two Business Centre, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 3HU. Tel: 01908 821 091. Email: info@ctseducation.org
SIEVEMK Gateway, 1st Floor, The Point, 602 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 3GN. Tel: 01908 662 166. Email: info@sievemk.org.uk The centre lists Functional Skills level 1 and 2 in their booking menu and is OCR registered, but no further info is available.
Kent[]
See also South London section for Bromley/ SE London centres
Ashford Arts Centre - Website has scant information, but there is a Facebook page here Small centre which can do art and music as well as some other subjects which are difficult to access for home educators.
Beacon Academy - Crowborough See Sussex section for details. Currently accepting private candidates (Sept 2023)
Canterbury Academy/Canterbury High School Have said for 3 years (2024, 2023, 2022) now that they can't accept new external candidates due to a large internal cohort. Also no longer have an internal assessor so if they do open again to external candidates, they won't be offering access arrangements. Knight Ave, Canterbury. CT2 8QA. Tel: 01227 463 971. Was still taking external candidates in autumn 2018. Will consider access arrangements. Contact Ms Gates on DGates@canterbury.kent.sch.uk (Contact might be old information)
Dover Christ Church Academy Melbourne Avenue, Whitfield, Dover, Kent, CT16 2EG Tel: 01304 820126 Email: info@dccacademy.org.uk Was accepting private candidates in Autumn 2018. Contact Mr Howard. (Contact might be old information)
Kent Adult Education - Reported by KCC as accepting private candidates for summer 2024 (no further details).
Kent College - Canterbury Independent school. 2024 quoted £350 per exam. No access arrangements. Was accepting private candidates in 2018/19 for written exams only - no orals or coursework. Registered with CAIE and all major boards. Contact Mr Watton on jwatton@kentcollege.co.uk (contact might be old information)
King's School - Canterbury - As of 2022/23 King's School is no longer accepting private candidates. Independent school. Tel: 01227 595501. info@kings-school.co.uk Response Sept 2020:"The King's school would normally be able to accept private candidates who do not require access arrangements for written exams in the summer. We cannot accommodate spoken exams, science practicals or any other non-written assessment. With the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation, Kings reserves the right to refuse or cancel entries from private candidates at any point up to the submission of entries (February of the exam year). Private candidates must also be aware that King's will not be able to offer calculated grades in the even that exams are cancelled by the awarding body, government or any other agent outside the school." "£75 per subject, Cheaper for every exam booked in one year after that. Mix of Edexcel/Cambridge. Cheap and lovely admin" (comment from 2019)
Longfield Academy Main Road, Longfield, DA3 7PH. Tel: 01474 700 700 Email: info@longfieldacademy.org Wasn't accepting private candidates in summer 2021 due to cancelled exams, but used to accept for summer sittings (no coursework, practical or speaking elements). Worth contacting in Autumn 2021 to see if they are accepting for 2022 exams.
Mascalls Academy, Paddocks Wood. (website link removed due to Trojan warning) Tel: 01892 835366 Email: enquiries@mascallsacademy.org.uk Facebook page Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC.
Mid Kent College. 2024 said they do not take external candidates. Tel: 01634 402020 Situation in flux, but have accepted private candidates in the past. Please contact the local home-ed network to find out more. You may be told that exam fees are technically a voluntary donation, but this is a technicality peculiar to this centre alone - please ensure you pay the full amount of any 'suggested donation' as otherwise, the centre will cease to be available to external candidates in future.
Northfleet School for girls Northfleet, DA11 Reported by a home educator, June 2021, as "fantastic".
Not so 'Fantastic' this year (2024) Nb. Emailed in 2023 & they agreed access to GCSE exams for summer 2025 sitting, we've now made contact to book for 2025 exams & also tentatively asked about the availability of very basic Access Arrangements. They have ignored our emails and not responded, leaving us without an exam centre, after agreeing to allow access previously. Would advise you to avoid this centre.
Oakwood Grammar - Reported by KCC as accepting private candidates for summer 2024 (no further details).
Pascals College in Beckenham, BR3. Private Candidate page here: http://www.pascalscollege.co.uk/untitled.html Small, private college. All boards, IGCSEs and GCSEs including controlled assessments and language Speaking and Listening Tests, A-level science practicals, GCSE science practicals, and half-day science practical courses. Access arrangements.
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School -Abbey Place, Faversham, ME13 7BQ. IGCSEs (including ICT practical). Tel: 01795 533132 Email: offica@queenelizabeths.kent.sch.uk . In 2016 they were willing to take AS Spanish candidates, including providing the examiner, but only for AQA
Runway Training - Functional Skills 190 High Street,Tonbridge, TN9 1BE. Tel: 01732 402 402 : A member of the Facebook group for HE Exams has spoken to Runway Training, based in Tonbridge, Kent. They do English and maths Functional Skills testing and will even come out to your house to do it at an extra fee. They quoted £170 for exams on their own premises or £270 to come out 50 miles to the enquirer, and seemed very helpful.
Safeschool- 253 Eltham High Street, Eltham, SE9 1TY See entry in South London section for more information.
The Tutorial Foundation - 76 Freelands Road, Bromley, BR1 3HY. Tel 0208 460 0181 option 2 or email; exams@thetutorialfoundation.co.uk Private tutorial centre. Highly recommended by home-educators, but pricey. All boards. Will do science A-level practicals, foreign language speaking tests (GCSE and A Level French, Spanish, Italian, German, Turkish, Arabic, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) and Dutch), some controlled assessment etc. Will take any age, but under 16s require an escort on the premises.
Centres that have accepted private candidates in the past
Lernejo Home Ed Support and Prince of Wales Youth Centre exam centre. No longer accepting private candidates. Noted here as it historically had many HE candidates.
St George's School (secondary section) Meadow Road, Gravesend, DA11 7LS. Tel: 01474 533082. General email: office@saintgeorgescofe.kent.sch.uk Nb. 28/04/2023 Update: This School is no longer taking external candidates, Debbie is no longer there and they refuse any access for 2024/5 exams.
AQA also lists the following centres in Kent for private candidates (unconfirmed)
Benenden School (Kent) Ltd, Cranbrook Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, TN17 4AA. Tel: 01580 240 592. Email: schooloffice@benenden.school
Bishop Justus Church of England School, Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley, BR2 8HZ. Tel: 020 8315 8130. AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC. Exams Officer: Mrs. J Gallier - Bishop.Exams@bishopjustus.bromley.sch.uk
Great Oaks Small School, Ebbsfleet Farmhouse, Jutes Lane, Minster, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 5FH. Tel: 01843 822 022 Email: office@greatoakssmallschool.co.uk
Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre, (new website being developed, so link might fail). Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6LT. Tel: 01580 764 222
I S P Sittingbourne School, Church Street, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3EG. Tel: 01795 422 044. [need to confirm details]
Portal House School, Sea Street, St Margarets-at-Cliffe, Dover, CT15 6SS. Tel: 01304 853033. Email: office@portal-house.kent.sch.uk Exams Officer: Mr D Morgan
Rowhill School, Main Road, Longfield, DA2 7PW. Tel: 01474 705 377. Email: secretary@rowhill.kent.sch.uk
St Edmund's Catholic School, Old Charlton Road, Dover, CT16 2QB. Tel: 01304 201 551. Email: office@st-edmunds.com
Sevenoaks School, Claridge House, High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HU. Tel: 01732 455 133. Email: admin@sevenoaksschool.org
Nb. 28/04/2023 Update: This School (Sevenoaks School) is no longer taking external candidates.
Sir Roger Manwood's School, Manwood Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9JX. Tel: 01304 610 200. Email: info@srms.kent.sch.uk
The Lighthouse Upper School, 24 Clarendon Road, Margate, CT9 2QL. Tel: 01843 482 043.
Wickham Court School, Layhams Road, West Wickham, Kent, BR4 9HW. Tel: 0208 777 2942.
Hampshire[]
Faregos Exam Centre Fareham, PO14 4AB. Email: Exams@faregos.org Small centre run by home educators.
Currently registered with CIE, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and AQA. Faregos can cater for access arrangements and arrange their own assessments with their own SENDCO and specialist assessor.
Will accept candidates for Edexcel IGCSE French, German and Spanish, including orals. Facilitates Music, Art and Film Studies through affiliate tutors. This is a "not for profit group" run by home educators, mostly volunteers who are or were themselves home educating parents, for the benefit of all. Contact exams@faregos.org Very popular centre, so exam spaces often fill early.
Wessex Tutors 44 Shirley Road, Southampton, SO15 3EU. Tel:023 8033 4719 Email: enquiries@wessex-tutors.co.uk An examination centre for AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and IGCSE. No science practical exams, but will accept for A level science if it is a retake, only. "Wessex Tutors can accept private candidates for most exams, but please check with us before making your entry."
Centres that have accepted private candidates in the past
Farnborough College of Technology , Boundary Road, Farnborough Tel: 01252 405555. Email: info@farn-ct.ac.uk Not accepting as of Summer 2024
AQA also lists the following centres in Hampshire for private candidates (unconfirmed)
Churcher's College, Petersfield, Hants, GU31 4AS. Tel: 01730 236 835. Email: enquiries@churcherscollege.com
Hollywater School, Have asked to be removed from the site as are a special school and don't do exams. 09/02/24
Fareham Academy, St Anne's Grove, Fareham, Hants, PO14 1JJ. Tel: 01329 318 003. Email: enquiries@fareham-academy.co.uk
Fernhill School Neville Duke Road, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 9BY. Tel: 01276 702 540. General Email: adminoffice@fernhillschool.org.uk Exams Officer: Mrs Crewdson Email: tcrewdson@fernhillschool.org.uk Private candidates are mentioned in their policy document linked from here: "..Fernhill School will accept enquiries from private candidates for entry into GCSE examinations...The Examinations Officer will hold a preliminary meeting to gather information. The Head of Centre has the final decision to accept or decline a private candidate. If accepted, the private candidate must provide photographic identification and current contact details. A private candidate must pay for the examination at current published fees along with a £30.00 administration cost. This includes the cost of invigilation for the examination. This cost may vary if there is more than one exam or private invigilation is required..." (Checked July 2021)
Jubilee School, 84-86 Jubilee Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 7RE. Tel: 023 9225 0963. Email: jubilee@acorneducationandcare.com 09/02/24 - do not take Private Candidates
Sherfield School, Reading Road, Sherfield-on-Loddon, Hook, Hants, RG27 0HT. Tel: 01256 884 800. Email: info@sherfieldschool.co.uk
The Mark Way School, Batchelors Barn Road, Andover, Hants, SP10 1HR. Tel:01264 351 835. Email: Adminoffice@markway.hants.sch.uk (Special School)
The Portsmouth Academy, St Mary's Road, Portsmouth, PO1 5PF. Tel: 023 9281 2822. Email: info@theportsmouthacademy.org.uk (Miss McKenzie was the Exams Officer in 2020, but no current info.)
Woodlands Community College, Minstead Avenue, Southampton, SO18 5FW. Tel: 023 8046 3303.
Surrey[]
City of London Freemen's School, Ashtead Park, Ashtead, KT21 1ET. Tel: 01372 822 495 Nicketa Williams nwilliams@clfs.surrey.sch.uk
Sutton College (SCOLA) Exams department Tel: 020 8405 7010/11. Email:exams@suttoncollege.ac.uk. For current info and to find out if they are accepting private candidates see their exams and private candidates page, which is updated every August for the next academic year. Previously, exams have been for those age 16 and over.
Southborough High School,Hook Road, Surbiton, KT6 5AS. Mrs. Najeeb (Examinations Officer) Email: LNajeeb@southborough.kingston.sch.uk or Tel: 020 8391 4324 ex. 37. Information for External Candidates document Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC/EDUQAS. Written exams. "We are able to offer qualifications that include a NEA (non-examined assessment) or a practical element ONLY if you are planning to retake these subjects and your coursework can be carried forward for that specification" Modern foreign languages available, but candidate must arrange "a suitable person to conduct the speaking component for themselves."
Centres that have accepted private candidates in the past
Sir William Perkins's School Guildford Road, Chertsey, KT16 9BN. Tel: 01932 574 900. Email: office@swps.org.uk (Stopped accepting private candidates in 2019)
Kings College Guildford Southway, Guildford,GU2 8DU. Tel: 01483 458956 Email: exams@kingscollegeguildford.com . Edexcel IGCSEs and some GCSEs - including AQA French and Spanish. No practicals etc. (Stopped accepting private candidates on 2022)
AQA also lists the following centres in Surrey for private candidates (unconfirmed)
Coombe Girls' School, Clarence Avenue, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3TU. Tel: 020 8942 1242. Email: enquiries@coombegirlsschool.org
Just Learn Limited, 9-11 Commonside East, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 2QA. Tel: 020 8648 9662. Email: admin@Justlearn.org.uk Can facilitate AQA. Edexcel, CAIE, OCR. "We are able to offer an array of examination entries for both our School and Tuition Centre Learners. In addition we support Retake, Full Courses."
Moon Hall School, Flanchford Road, Leigh, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 8RE. Tel: 01306 611 372. Email: schooloffice@moonhall.co.uk
Rosebery School, Whitehorse Drive, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7NQ. Tel: 01372 845 493 Email: exam.office@rosebery.surrey.sch.uk Exams Officer is Mrs F Gimber
Strode's College, High Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9DR. Tel: 01753 793 286. Email: info@windsor-forest.ac.uk Further exam info here. Unable to accept private candidates for cancelled exams in 2020/2021, but website implies that they usually do accept PCs: "We welcome external exam candidates....We offer GCSEs and A Levels in most subjects and also consider applications for vocational and functional skills exams. We do not offer IGCSEs. We do not offer access arrangements to external exam candidates. We do not offer NEA, oral or practical exams, if you are applying for a subject with a NEA, oral or practical exam, you must complete this element elsewhere or previously and provide your UCI number on your application in order for us to carry forward your mark. This includes GCSE English. We do not offer CAGs and rankings to external exam candidates." 2021/22 fees quoted as: £140 administration fee per subject + the awarding body entry fee per subject.
Surbiton High School, Surbiton Crescent, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2JT. Tel: 020 8546 5245. External Candidates page. Didn't accept private candidates in summer 2021, but worth contacting for 2022.
Wey Valley College, Southway, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 8AA. Tel: 01483 518 212. Registered for Edexcel and AQA (possibly others). Email: info@wvc.surrey.sch.uk
Sussex[]
Beacon Academy - North Beeches Road, Crowborough, TN6 2AS. Tel: 01892 603 000 Ext.101. Registered for AQA, Edexcel and CAIE. (Contact: Mrs K Cappuccini K.Cappuccini@beacon-academy.org) Currently accepting private candidates (Sept 2023) £100 per paper (recent increase) plus qualification fee.
Frewen College, Brickwall, Northiam, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6NL. Tel: office: 01797 252494. Contact claire.wood@frewencollege.co.uk Was accepting private candidates in 2020. In September 2018, she said: "Our usual charge is £150 per exam (GCSES) but the bursar is willing to talk discounts for a group. We can assess for Access arrangements (reader, scribe, extra time Etc) £150 per assessment. These would need to be done before Christmas for anyone looking to enter in Summer 2019. Use of a computer doesn't require assessment. Just evidence that it is the candidate's normal way of working."
Centres that have accepted private candidates in the past (Worth checking for 2022)
Brighton Waldorf School No longer accepting private candidates. (date unknown)
Farlington School, Horsham, West Sussex - Only did Edexcel IGCSE Science (2014).
Lancing college - No longer accepting private candidates (date unknown)
Seahaven academy - No longer accepting private candidates (date unknown)
Steyning Grammar - No longer accepting private candidates (date unknown)
Varndean College Brighton - Not accepting private candidates in Nov 2018.
AQA also lists the following centres in Sussex for private candidates (unconfirmed)
East Sussex College - Several campuses:
(Eastbourne), Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2UF. Tel: 030 3003 8651.
(Hastings), Station Plaza, Station Approach, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1BA. Tel: 01424 442 222 / 458 524
(Lewes), Mountfield Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2XH. Tel: 030 3003 8455 The college has an external candidates examination policy. (scroll down) which states (for 2019/2020) "...In addition to all published exam entry fees, external candidates will be charged a non-refundable, £50 per paper entry fee in addition to the awarding body fees. If access arrangements are required, there may be associated costs – Additional Learning Support will assess this on a case-by-case basis...East Sussex College will not be responsible for any Coursework, Non-Exam Assessment or Controlled Assessment components attached to an exam entry. Therefore, external candidates will have already obtained a grade for that component and be entered for a specification that allows the component to be carried forward... East Sussex College cannot administer oral components for language examinations or practical components of a syllabus... It is the candidate’s responsibility to choose an appropriate syllabus and provide these details to the Exams Office. East Sussex College will not advise on choice of syllabus/Awarding Organisation and will not be held responsible for any late fees that arise from amendments."
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, Chalky Road, Portslade, Brighton, BN41 2WS. Tel: 01273 416 300. Email: contact@paca.uk.com
Uplands Community College, Lower High Street, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6AZ. Tel: 01892 782 135 / 786 573 Email: office@uplandscc.com
Oxfordshire[]
This is an ever-changing list. Join the Oxfordshire HE exam centre Facebook group for up-to-date news and discussions about Oxfordshire exam centres.
Cheney School Cheney Lane, Headington, Oxford OX3 7QH. Exams Officer Marie-Anne Fischer mfischer@cheneyschool.org. The school offers most exam boards. Does not offer any access arrangements, so no laptops, separate rooms, extra time etc. Summer exam sitting ONLY. They offered exam grading in summer 2021 to some private candidates who could provide tutor evidence and for a few subjects to home educated students who participated in their online classes. Contact in Autumn 2024 to confirm if will be accepting private candidates in 2025.
EMBS Community College Ltd, 2nd Floor, 213B Barns Road, Cowley, Oxford, OX14 3UT Tel: 01865 776041. Email: info@embs.ac.uk Accepts private candidates for GCSE AQA English and Maths resits only (when contacted in 2020).
Fitzharry's School, Northcourt Road, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 1NP. Tel: reception 01235 520698. Email: office.4127@fitzharrys.oxon.sch.uk All exam boards except CAIE. (Checked 2022)
Greene's Tutorial College 45 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP. Tel: 01865 664421. Email: enquiries@greenes.org.uk Examination fees It works out best if you are sitting several exams with them, as you only pay the admin charge once. CAIE and Edexcel. GCSEs, IGCSEs, A levels and A level science practical endorsement. Can accommodate some subjects with coursework, for additional fee. They will accept candidates needing access arrangements (extra cost) but only if they can provide a completed Form 8 from another centre and an Educational Psychologist's report. Access arrangements incur additional fees. Greene's used to be considered a well-respected and experienced exam centre, but in 2020/21 some families have reported significant dissatisfaction with their communication and fees.
Oxford International College 1 London Place, Oxford, OX4 1BD Tel: 01865 203988. Email: info@oxcoll.com Head of exams is listed as Cheryl Brookes cheryl@oxcoll.com Used to charge per exam paper which could be expensive for CIE exams with 3 papers.
Sibford School, Sibford Ferris, Banbury, OX15 5QL. Tel: 01295 957067. Edexcel, OCR, AQA, CAIE. 2022: Charge exam entry fee charged by the awarding body, plus £65 admin fee (per paper), plus invigilation fees. (Checked AUG 2024)
The Oxford Academy, Sandy Lane West, Littlemore, Oxford, OX4 6JZ. Tel: 01865 774 311. Email: summerexamsqueries@theoxfordacademy.org or enquiries@theoxfordacademy.org This centre is listed by JCQ as accepting private candidates for Autumn 2021 exams. But did not reply to a home educator's enquiries about entering as a private candidate.
Wallingford School, St George's Road, Wallingford, OX10 8HH. Tel: 01491 837 115. Email: exams@wallingfordschool.com This centre is listed by JCQ as accepting private candidates for Autumn 2021 exams.
AQA also lists the following centres in Oxfordshire for private candidates (unconfirmed)
Burford School, Cheltenham Road, Burford, Oxon, OX18 4PL. Tel: 01993 823 303 General email: office@burford.oxon.sch.uk Exam access email response Mrs C Bishop c.bishop@burford.oxon.sch.uk states that they do not support private candidates. Updated 2024.
Chenderit School, Archery Road, Middleton Cheney, Banbury, Oxon, OX17 2QR. Tel: 01295 711 567. Email: enquiries@chenderit.net In 2017 they stated they would accept private candidates for exams that their own students were sitting. No current information.
Cranford House School, Moulsford, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 9HT. Tel: 01491 651 218. Email: office@cranfordhouse.net