GCSE & IGCSE Exam Entry
Register as a private candidate at our JCQ-approved Ilford centre. Clear fees, deadlines and exam-day support.
GCSE & IGCSE Fees
Fees cover the awarding body entry charge plus all centre administration. GCSE entries are usually Edexcel, AQA or OCR. IGCSE entries are usually Edexcel or Cambridge CAIE.
Main fees
| Subject | Included | GCSE | IGCSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | Standard written papers | Ask centre | Ask centre |
| English Language | Includes speaking & listening | Ask centre | Ask centre |
| English Lang / Lit resit | Carry-forward option where accepted | Ask centre | Ask centre |
| Combined Science | 6 papers, practical carry forward | Ask centre | — |
| MFL written only | Written papers only | Ask centre | — |
| MFL with speaking | Includes speaking assessment | Ask centre | — |
| All other subjects | Per paper or standard written entry | Ask centre | Ask centre |
| Additional paper | Extra CAIE paper where required | — | Ask centre |
Level 3 Certificates Exam Fees
| Exam Board | Subject | Information | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQA | Level 3 Certificates | — | £200 before late fee |
Late entry charges
Cancellations: Withdrawals before the 1st entry deadline receive a refund minus a £100 admin fee per subject. After the 1st deadline — no refund.
Private candidate entries without the school admin.
Ark Exam Centre accepts GCSE and IGCSE entries directly, then guides candidates through the practical registration requirements before the deadline.
Accepted candidates
We support private entries for candidates who are outside a standard school entry route.
- 01 Home-educated students
Register independently without a school entry.
- 02 Private candidates
For candidates not currently entered through a school.
- 03 Adult learners
Return to education and sit formal GCSE or IGCSE papers.
- 04 Distance learners
Complete your exam entry after studying remotely.
- 05 Resit candidates
Retake after previous results, including November resits.
- 06 School-entry support
Use our centre where your school cannot enter you privately.
Awarding bodies
Exam series
Summer seriesMay/June entries usually open from October to February.
November seriesMaths and English resits, with entries usually open from August to October.
Practical subjects: Some GCSE subjects require coursework or controlled assessment. We can supervise these through our Coursework & NEA service.
Access arrangements: If you have extra time or other adjustments, include this when applying. See Access Arrangements for deadlines and evidence requirements.
Practice before the exam: Build confidence with a mock exam under real exam conditions before the official series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers for private GCSE and IGCSE candidates registering with Ark Exam Centre.
Yes. We accept private candidates, home educators and adult learners for all GCSE and IGCSE examinations with Pearson Edexcel, AQA, OCR and Cambridge CAIE.
We offer GCSEs with Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR, and IGCSEs with Cambridge CAIE and Pearson Edexcel.
Summer series entries typically close in February. November series entries typically close in October. See our Entry Deadlines page for exact dates.
Yes. GCSE Maths and English Language are available in the November series for private candidates who need to retake.
Check availability before you book.
Contact us to confirm your subject, awarding body and exam series, then complete the registration form.