A-Level Mathematics for Private Candidates
A-Level Mathematics is entirely written, with no coursework and nothing to be supervised or moderated by a school. That makes it the cleanest A-Level for a private candidate: you enter, you revise, you sit three papers.
Specification code
7357
Awarding body
AQA
Entry fee
£390
Coursework / NEA
None
Can you take A-Level Mathematics as a private candidate?
A-Level Mathematics has no coursework and no practical component. It is assessed entirely by three written papers, which makes it one of the most straightforward A-Levels to sit as a private candidate.
Retake candidates improving a grade for a university offer, home-educated students, and adults returning to study for a course that requires A-Level Maths.
Requirements verified against the awarding body on 7 September 2026 —private candidate guidance ·specification
How is A-Level Mathematics assessed?
A-Level Mathematics (7357) is assessed by 3 written papers and no coursework. You sit all of them in the same exam series, at the same tier.
| Paper | Length | Marks | Weighting | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 2h | 100 | 33⅓% | Any content from the specification |
| Paper 2 | 2h | 100 | 33⅓% | Any content from the specification |
| Paper 3 | 2h | 100 | 33⅓% | Section A pure; Section B statistics or mechanics |
Mathematics entry fees
Mathematics
7357 · AQA
£390
Mathematics
9MA0 · Pearson Edexcel
£390
Fees cover the awarding body entry, invigilation at the centre and processing of your results. See the full fees list or check entry deadlines to avoid late charges.
Mathematics questions from private candidates
Can I take A-Level Maths as a private candidate?
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Yes, with no restrictions. There is no coursework, no practical work and no teacher assessment, so nothing has to be arranged beyond the entry itself.
How is A-Level Maths assessed?
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Three written papers of two hours each, worth 100 marks apiece and equally weighted at 33⅓% of the qualification. Papers 1 and 2 can draw on any content; Paper 3 has a pure section plus an applied section in statistics or mechanics.
Do all exam boards use the same structure?
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No. The structure above is AQA's. Edexcel and OCR assess the same qualification with different papers, so check the specification you are entered for rather than assuming — particularly if you studied from one board's textbook and are entering with another.
Is a calculator allowed?
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Yes, in all three papers. A-Level Mathematics assumes a calculator throughout, unlike GCSE where one paper is non-calculator. Check the awarding body's rules on permitted models before the exam.
Other A-Level subjects
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