If you believe that the traditional classroom setting is not for you and would like to do your A-Levels independently, this is a terrific concept because it would enable you to receive private instruction or homeschooling. But is taking A-Levels privately even an option?
Yes! You can study privately for your A-Levels. Even though you must enroll in a school or college, you are not considered a student there. With this, you could work wherever you wanted, alone and at your own pace.
This enables you to complete the course at home, elsewhere, with a tutor, at home school, or on your own while taking the final test there.
Hence, we will continue to examine A-level private learning and the situations where NEAs or scientific practical provide challenges. Continue reading to learn more.
Table of contents
- Can you take A-Levels privately?
- How do you take A-level exams privately?
- Which exam boards allow private candidates?
- How much do private A-Levels cost?
- Why would you take your A-Levels privately?
- What are the Benefits of Completing Your A Levels Privately?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Can you take A-Levels privately?
A-Levels can be studied privately by students. Although, they must first ‘attend’ a school or college, but won’t be enrolled there. They will then provide further details, such as identification and topic preferences, so that the school may send this on to the exam board.
Students should be aware that, for private students, the exam board must authorize the institution or college. After that, pupils can choose how they want to learn the material. This might be accomplished by independent study using books and other resources. Some students may decide to work with a tutor one-on-one.
Some people could decide to homeschool their siblings as well. Another scenario is when a student is retaking the test while also reviewing the material from the course.
Read also: How Many GCSEs Do You Need For University? | 2024
How do you take A-level exams privately?
The school or college you have ‘entered’ will be where you take your A-Levels. You’ll have to submit more details when you enter. This could be:
- Your name and date of birth (as it is shown on a valid ID)
- Contact details.
- The examination code (this could be from the exam board)
- Your unique candidate identifier (UCI) which you can find on any previous exam paperwork or qualifications.
- Payment fee for the exam.
You will take the exam at the same time as every other student on the exam board.
Which exam boards allow private candidates?
The following links should be used if you want to learn more about private learning as well as which exam boards accept private candidates.
Use them to locate institutions and nearby test centers that accept private applicants.
You can read this: Do Universities Prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?
How much do private A-Levels cost?
Students in the UK aged 16 to 18 are not charged for A-level courses. Some institutions may, under certain conditions, waive part or all of your course tuition if you are between the ages of 19 and 23.
If you’re older than 23, though, the price will vary on your learning provider, the course, and your study habits.
The price of a private A-Level depends on a variety of factors, including your learning provider, age, study options, and A-Level test fees. However, you have the option of studying for your A-Levels in a physical classroom or online through a provider.
Learning providers fundamentally instruct you on the necessary knowledge, whether online or in a college classroom. Since the resources are available online and the scheduling is more flexible, online learning is typically less expensive.
You must go to in-person classes each week, usually at a college, if you decide on the classroom option. But you have to buy your supplies. This course is often less popular because it is more expensive to take both the course and the course materials.
Online study is more convenient and well-liked because you may do it whenever and anywhere you choose.
Typically, attending a college or Sixth Form might cost several thousand pounds, while taking courses online only costs a few hundred.
Why would you take your A-Levels privately?
There are numerous benefits to taking A-Levels privately. First, it can be due to a person’s desire to complete an A-Level that they were unable to complete in sixth form. It can be one required to complete a university course that they didn’t take.
Moreso, some students may find it more convenient and pleasant to take their A-Levels privately. You can take classes online with private A-Levels, which further increases studying flexibility.
Similar to this, if a student has to retake a subject and their school forbids it, they would have to take the course elsewhere.
The student may decide to work alone if they are unable to do so in a classroom setting or simply don’t like it there. One-on-one tutoring or private instruction, such as homeschooling, may be beneficial for some students who struggle more or are disabled.
Many individuals who apply for A-Levels privately are also adults who either failed their A-Levels and want to retake them or couldn’t complete a particular A-Level the first time around.
The option of taking A-Levels privately makes it more enticing. Private candidates can study online or in a college classroom setting. It seems much simpler to balance a career and A-Levels online than to attend school full-time.
Read also: When Do You Do Year 12 Mocks? Year 12 Mock Examination 2024
What are the Benefits of Completing Your A Levels Privately?
By receiving a top-notch education that is unique and tailored to your needs, completing your A-levels privately will prepare the job path you choose to pursue.
However, when choosing your path to your next qualification, it is expedient to take the advantages of studying privately for your AS and A-Levels into account, regardless of the subjects you may be interested in.
You can check this: Is Home Schooling Legal In The UK?
Learn at your own pace
A structure that allows you to learn at your own pace allows you to move through the content at a pace that is most comfortable for you rather than being forced into a predetermined social group.
Flexibility is the main gain in this situation. You might discover that you breeze through your assignments or you lag on some of the more challenging subjects. With private tutoring, you are in charge of your workload, eliminating any risk of falling behind or skipping crucial knowledge.
Studying independently for AS and A-Levels enables you to finish the course material, go over all the material, practice on past exams to improve your test writing, and improve time management.
All of this takes place in a welcoming learning environment in a secure setting, giving you the drive to study. Additionally, you receive useful and individualized feedback to keep you on track. You can concentrate when you learn at your own pace.
Quality online learning materials
It’s crucial to think about the resources you’ll need to access to complete your academic goals while considering studying privately for AS and A-Levels.
It is more difficult to convert written information into online formats for online and remote courses. Tutors can accommodate a variety of learning styles by carefully preparing their lessons and making use of the technology at their disposal.
You will have the in-depth information required to ace your examinations if you thoroughly study the module content. By ensuring that you are completely familiar with the subject matter, mock tests will help you feel confident and well-prepared. They will monitor your learning by frequent monthly assessments and progress reports.
Also, check this: How to Get an A* in A-Level Maths ( Ultimate Guide)
Remote learning
The distances between places in our globe are growing. Like many other areas, education has been forced into working online via COVID-19. In the long run, student’s success depends on their ability to adjust to this transition, and studying remotely has several advantages.
You can decide whether to learn from home or in a more conventional environment now that you have the option to do so from anywhere in the world.
You can learn from folks you wouldn’t normally be able to from a distance. It provides opportunities and aids in international networking, which will only grow more important in the working world.
Consider the difference between working full days and traveling to school or finishing your education from the convenience of your home vs. holding down a full- or part-time job.
You can take the entire classroom with you wherever you go, ensuring you always have full access to your education.
Highly skilled tutors
With the help of a private tutor, you may fully use the tools and assistance offered during your studies, giving yourself the best chance to succeed in whatever you decide to do after that. You can be confident that you are prepared for success if your lecturers are experts in their fields.
The objective is to receive efficient online education and guidance throughout your chosen course or courses. Tutors must possess the qualities necessary to teach online, such as responsiveness, technological proficiency, communication skills, and the ability to track student progress.
A key element in a student’s success is the presence of a supportive tutor. When learning is being delivered remotely, the responsiveness and availability of the tutor become crucial factors in attracting, keeping, and graduating online learners.
Related post: Are Bursaries and Scholarships Taxable in the UK?
Fast track and reduce time
Perhaps you want to finish your education more quickly so you can pursue higher study or a work opportunity. Fast-tracking your education is a common strategy for making sure you can add to your resume within a certain time limit and is a more direct path to attaining your educational goals.
You can take the board exams whenever is most convenient for you, in a variety of settings, and over a variety of periods.
Exams can be taken at predetermined times all year long, so you are likely to find a time that works for you. There are many options for manageable installment payments that don’t require extra money for after-school tutoring.
Work and play alongside qualifications
It’s important to schedule your education around your personal and professional obligations. It could be challenging for you to balance your other obligations, such as guitar practice or sporting events.
Maybe you’re trying to figure out how to fit in your extracurricular activities and study for the certifications you want to obtain.
The opportunity to blend your studies with your favorite pastimes on a schedule that suits your needs is one of the advantages of opting to complete your AS or A Level qualification privately.
See also: Do In-State Schools Students Have to Follow a National Curriculum?
Individual attention
The learning environment at school, which is frequently criticized for not always being beneficial to the growth of talented learners, slower learners, or kids with learning difficulties, is one issue that both students and parents deal with.
Parents may feel they need to take additional measures, such as spending money on additional tutoring if their children are not entirely content with the learning outcomes of their class.
Small group or individual study is a crucial component of selecting private study for your credentials and can be very helpful.
A dedicated contact is available to support you as you progress through your studies, thanks to the individual attention that enthusiastic teachers provide, with a focus on all-around development and test preparation for universities.
Since learning is rarely one size fits all, different qualifications are offered to ensure that the focus remains on the individual student.
Learning in small classrooms allows you to receive the individualized attention you require for success and to continue forming relationships with and learning from your peers.
Personal development through self-study
Beyond earning your degree, there are benefits to doing your AS and A-Levels privately. You can reach towards expanding your development using this study strategy. You can learn priceless abilities like self-discipline, personal responsibility, and self-motivation.
The assistance of your peers and tutors and your involvement with the available educational materials have been emphasized as essential elements of successful learning for pupils.
It is advised to extend your learning beyond textbooks and use it to hone your skills through independent study. Your increased self-assurance will help you take advantage of networking chances and widen your network of contacts.
Your curiosity, self-esteem, and confidence can soar with much hard work, giving you the best chance to reach your academic objectives.
A growing number of people are choosing to finish their AS and A-Level coursework privately to further their education. It is crucial in today’s busy environment to complete your education remotely while maintaining your extracurricular interests.
See also: Can You Get A GCSE Remark?
Frequently Asked Questions
AS levels involve 180 guided learning hours. They are equivalent to just under half an A-level and, if studied full-time alongside other courses, generally take a year to complete. A-levels involve 360 guided learning hours and generally take two years to complete if studied full-time alongside other courses.
You’ll typically choose three or four subjects to take. Some students take more subjects if they’re planning to apply to a competitive university (e.g. Oxford, Cambridge) or course (e.g. medicine, law), for example. Most universities’ A-level entry requirements boil down to three A-level grades.
Your NEA is the responsibility of your educational institution. They must monitor your NEA, check its legitimacy, and, in some situations, mark it. Your test board will grade your NEA in some subjects.
Find a good school or institution that allows you to finish your fieldwork there if it is necessary. If, however, you selected the international course, there is no fieldwork and all tests are written.
You must locate a school or institution where you can complete any required practicals for your scientific course. If you selected the international course, there are no practical assessments; instead, there are written tests, similar to fieldwork.
Conclusion
Early A-Levels typically require school approval. For instance, it would be simple to petition the school to permit you if you were in Year 11 and wanted to take a language A-Level early.
Although taking them early is generally not advised because you can benefit from reviewing the material for a longer period, it is conceivable if you think it would be beneficial.
References
- Thinkstudent.co.uk – Can You Take A-Levels Privately?
- Stayahead.me – Benefits of Completing Your AS and A Levels Privately
Recommendations
- T Levels vs A Levels: Are T Levels Harder than A Levels
- How Do You Get A Scholarship For Private Schools?
- How Long is Sixth Form in the UK? A Guide To Private Sixth Form In The UK
- What Are A-Level Qualifications? Everything You Need To Know About The A-Levels
- Can you Retake or Re-sit A-Levels?
- 10 Best Ecology Colleges 2024 For Students at All Levels