One of the most common questions parents ask when considering home education is: “How will my child take their GCSEs?” The good news is that although the process is slightly different from school, it’s very straightforward once you know your options.
In this post, we’ll talk about how home educated children sit GCSEs, where to find exam centres, what it costs, and how to prepare.
Do Home Educated Students Have to Take GCSEs?
Legally, GCSEs are not compulsory for any child in the UK, whether they are in school or home educated. Parents simply need to ensure their child receives an education that is suitable to their age and ability.
That said, GCSEs are often the most recognised qualifications for further study or employment. Many home educated families choose GCSEs so their children can progress to college, apprenticeships, or A-levels.
How Do Home Educated Students Sit GCSEs?
Since home educated students are not enrolled in a school, they must register as private candidates. This means they arrange to sit the exam at an approved centre, which could be:
- A local school that accepts external candidates
- An independent exam centre (many exist across the UK)
- An online school or learning provider that also organises exams
It’s important to contact exam centres well in advance — many have deadlines up to 6 months before the exam date.
What Subjects Can Home Educated Students Take?
Home educated students can choose from the full range of GCSE subjects, including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Languages, and more.
Some subjects, like GCSE English Language or Science, include practical or spoken components. Not all exam centres accept private candidates for these, so it’s worth checking before you commit. Many families start with the core subjects: GCSE Maths, English, and Science.
How Much Does It Cost?
Because home educated students aren’t funded by a school, parents are responsible for GCSE exam fees. Costs vary, but on average you can expect to pay around £200-£400 per subject.
Some of the more unusual subjects can be a bit more pricey. Also, the fee will be higher the later you apply, so it’s best to book early where possible.
The total also depends on the exam centre and the exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, etc.).
Please note, these price ranges have been lifted from Tutors and Exams. There are a range of exam centres available, and the fees vary between them.
How Do Families Prepare?
Home educated students prepare for GCSEs at home in a variety of ways:
- Following textbooks and exam board specifications
- Using online courses and video lessons
- Hiring a tutor for extra support
- Joining group study sessions or co-ops
- Practising with GCSE past papers
Many parents find that the flexibility of home education allows their child to study at their own pace, often building stronger confidence than they had in school.
Top Tips for Parents
- Plan early – exam boards and centres have strict deadlines.
- Check subject requirements – especially for courses with practicals or spoken assessments.
- Budget for fees – costs can add up, so plan for the number of subjects your child will take.
- Use official specifications – exam boards publish detailed guides on what is covered.
- Encourage practice – doing timed past papers helps children feel prepared.
In Summary…
By registering as private candidates and sitting exams at an approved centre, supported by their parents’ planning and preparation.
While the process requires more organisation than school, many families find it empowering. It gives children the chance to focus on the subjects that matter most to them, study at their own pace, and gain the qualifications they need for the future.
If you’re considering this route, start researching local exam centres for home educated students now — the earlier you begin, the smoother the journey will be.