Non-Examination Assessment (NEA) refers to components of a qualification — such as coursework, programming projects, fieldwork reports or portfolios — that cannot be assessed purely by written examination. The centre is responsible for supervising, authenticating and submitting this work to the exam board. Finding a centre willing to do this for private candidates is often the single biggest challenge in completing these qualifications independently.
How NEA works for private candidates at Ark
Route 1 — Working with a Distance Learning Provider
If you are studying with a Distance Learning Provider recognised by our centre, we can receive your marked coursework from that provider, authenticate it and submit it to the exam board on your behalf. Contact us before registering to confirm your provider is recognised.
Route 2 — Working with an Ark-approved tutor
If you are not working with a recognised Distance Learning Provider, you will need to work with one of our approved tutors for a minimum of 10 hours. This is required so your tutor can genuinely supervise and authenticate that the work is your own before we submit it.
How to register for NEA at Ark
Subjects we offer NEA for
A Level Computer Science — Programming Project A Level Now available
A Level Computer Science includes a substantial programming project (the NEA) worth 20% of the final A Level grade. This is a long-term supervised project — typically taking a minimum of 12 weeks to complete — in which candidates design, develop, test and document a software solution to a real-world problem.
Ark Education Centre offers NEA supervision, authentication and marking for OCR A Level Computer Science (H446) candidates. Our staff have the technical computing expertise to supervise programming work and mark it to OCR criteria.
- Available for OCR A Level Computer Science (H446) only
- Project worth 20% of final A Level grade
- Candidates must be supervised from the start of the project to completion
- Includes investigation, design, development, testing and evaluation phases
- Marks submitted to OCR by mid-May for external moderation
- You must contact us before beginning your project — do not start without speaking to us first
GCSE and A Level — General NEA Subjects GCSE A Level
We work with Distance Learning Providers offering qualifications that include NEA components across a range of subjects. Our most frequently enquired subjects include:
- IGCSE English Language (written coursework component)
- A Level English Language
- A Level English Literature
- A Level History (historical investigation)
- A Level Computer Science — OCR only (see above)
This is not an exhaustive list. If your subject includes an NEA component that is not listed, please contact us to discuss whether we can accommodate it.
GCSE Astronomy — OAS Academy Partnership GCSE
We accept GCSE Astronomy candidates who are enrolled with OAS Academy (Online Astronomy Society Academy), our recognised Distance Learning Partner for this subject. OAS Academy has been delivering GCSE Astronomy by distance learning for over 10 years and is one of the leading providers of this qualification.
If you are studying GCSE Astronomy with OAS Academy, we can accommodate you for both the written examinations and the coursework submission. Please register with OAS Academy first, then contact us to arrange your exam and coursework entries.
- Students must be enrolled with OAS Academy before registering with us
- We handle both written exam entry and NEA submission
- Coursework must be submitted to OAS Academy by their internal deadline
Visit OAS Academy at www.onlineastronomycourses.co.uk
GCSE Geography — Fieldwork & IGCSE Alternative GCSE
GCSE Geography requires compulsory fieldwork as part of the qualification. If you are enrolled with a Distance Learning Provider recognised by our centre, we can accommodate you for the written examinations. Please contact us to discuss the process and confirm your provider before registering.
For candidates who cannot undertake fieldwork, we recommend considering IGCSE Geography as an alternative. Both Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International offer IGCSE Geography, where an additional written examination paper replaces the fieldwork component entirely — making it more accessible for independent learners.
- IGCSE Geography (Edexcel or Cambridge International) — no fieldwork required
- Additional written examination paper replaces the fieldwork component
- See our GCSE and IGCSE fees page for fee details
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Ready to discuss your NEA requirements?
Contact us before registering so we can confirm your subject, exam board and Distance Learning Provider, and explain the process for your specific qualification.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit my NEA coursework to Ark Education Centre as a private candidate?
Yes, if you are studying with a Distance Learning Provider recognised by our centre. If you are not working with a recognised provider, you will need to work with one of our approved tutors for a minimum of 10 hours before we can authenticate your work. Please contact us before registering to confirm your situation — we will advise on the best route for your subject and exam board.
Which exam board do you offer A Level Computer Science NEA for?
We offer A Level Computer Science NEA supervision, authentication and marking for OCR (H446) candidates only. AQA A Level Computer Science does not accept private candidates for the NEA. You must register for OCR if you are studying A Level Computer Science independently. Please contact us before beginning your project — the NEA must be supervised from the very start.
When should I submit my NEA work?
Exam board marks submission deadlines are typically mid-May for the summer series. You must submit your completed work to Ark well before this — usually by late February or early March — to allow time for marking, internal moderation and submission to the board. We will confirm your exact internal deadline when you register. Late submission cannot guarantee acceptance by the awarding organisation.
Can I sit GCSE Astronomy as a private candidate?
Yes. We accept GCSE Astronomy candidates enrolled with OAS Academy (Online Astronomy Society Academy). You must enrol with OAS Academy first, then register with us for the written examinations and coursework submission. Visit www.onlineastronomycourses.co.uk for course details and enrolment.
Questions about your NEA?
Call 020 3441 7272 or WhatsApp 07311 920941 — we recommend calling rather than applying online for NEA enquiries so we can properly assess your requirements first.