Yes, you can home school through A-Levels — you study independently or with tutors and sit the exams as a private candidate at an approved centre, exactly as with GCSEs. But A-Levels are not simply "bigger GCSEs". Four things change, and each needs arranging before the entry deadline rather than after.
1. A-Levels are summer-only and linear
Modern A-Levels are linear: all the exams are sat at the end of the course, in the summer series only — there is no November sitting. For the 2027 series the papers run from 10 May to 18 June, with results on Thursday 12 August 2027 (a week before GCSE results). Entries close on 21 February 2027. Most candidates take two years over the course, but as a private candidate you set your own pace: one year, two years or three, as long as you are ready by the series you enter for. See our A-Level 2027 timetable.
If you want the option of sitting papers in stages, International A-Levels (Pearson Edexcel IAL) are modular, with January and June sittings, and are mostly exam-only. UK universities accept them.
2. Sciences need a practical endorsement
This is the biggest change. A-Level Biology, Chemistry and Physics carry a separately reported practical endorsement: a pass/fail assessment of at least twelve required practicals, carried out and assessed at a centre by a trained teacher. It does not affect your grade, but universities for science-based degrees expect a pass. A private candidate therefore needs a centre that will run the practicals for external candidates — far fewer do than accept written entries. Plan this first; our science practicals guide explains the options.
3. Some subjects carry coursework
Several A-Levels include non-exam assessment (NEA): History has a coursework essay, Geography an independent fieldwork investigation, English Language and Literature combinations a coursework folder, and creative subjects a portfolio. NEA needs a centre willing to supervise and mark it — again, a smaller pool. Exam-only A-Levels (Maths, Further Maths, English Literature, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Business, Law, Religious Studies, Politics and most languages' written papers) are the straightforward choices for home education.
4. University applications need predicted grades
UCAS applications made before results day rely on predicted grades and a reference. A school provides both; a home-educated student has to arrange them. Common routes are a tutor who has taught you, a distance-learning college you are enrolled with, or a centre that runs mock assessments and issues predictions from them. Sort this out in the autumn of your application year — UCAS's main deadline falls in January, and a reference cannot be produced overnight. Applying after results, with actual grades, is also an option many home-educated students take.
Choosing subjects with home education in mind
- Check the university entry requirement first — some degrees require a specific A-Level (and, for sciences, the practical endorsement).
- Prefer exam-only specifications unless you have a centre lined up for NEA or practicals.
- Match the board to the centre. A centre approved for AQA may not be approved for OCR. Confirm before you buy textbooks.
- Three subjects is the norm for university entry; four is rarely needed.
Costs and timing
A-Level entry fees are higher than GCSE, and practical or NEA components usually carry an additional centre charge. Our fees page lists per-subject prices. Late entries after 21 February attract surcharges — see exam entry deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Can you do A-Levels at home without a college?
Yes. You need an approved centre to sit the exams and, for sciences or coursework subjects, to assess those components — but no enrolment at a school or college.
Are home-educated A-Levels accepted by universities?
Yes. The certificate comes from the exam board and is identical to a school candidate's.
How long does it take to do A-Levels at home?
Typically two years, but there is no fixed period; you enter for the summer series in which you are ready.
Can I retake an A-Level as a home-educated student?
Yes, in the next summer series. See our guide to A-Level retakes.
Planning A-Levels from home? Start with our home education exams guide or book your entries — practical and coursework subjects especially need an early start.
