GCSE English Language for Private Candidates
GCSE English Language is available to private candidates. Your grade comes entirely from two written papers, but you must also complete a Spoken Language endorsement at the centre — it is required, yet it is reported separately and does not change your final grade.
Specification code
8700
Awarding body
AQA
Entry fee
£230 – £250
Coursework / NEA
Spoken Language endorsement
Can you take GCSE English Language as a private candidate?
GCSE English Language has no written coursework, but alongside the two exam papers there is a Spoken Language endorsement that every candidate must complete. It is assessed at the centre, so the centre has to be willing to arrange it before it can accept your entry.
The most commonly retaken GCSE we register. Most candidates need a grade 4 or 5 for a college place, an apprenticeship, a nursing or teaching course, or a university entry requirement.
Requirements verified against the awarding body on 7 September 2026 —private candidate guidance ·specification
How is GCSE English Language assessed?
GCSE English Language (8700) is assessed by 2 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 | 1h 45m | 80 | 50% | Explorations in Creative Reading and Writing |
| Paper 2 | 1h 45m | 80 | 50% | Writers' Viewpoints and Perspectives |
Do you have to do the Spoken Language assessment?
Yes — it is required. A prepared formal presentation of up to ten minutes on a topic of your choice — a talk, debate or speech — followed by questions you respond to in spoken Standard English.
It does not affect your final grade
Graded Distinction, Merit, Pass or Not Classified and reported separately on your certificate. It does not form part of your final mark or grade.
English Language entry fees
English Language (Retake)
8700 · AQA
£230
English Language (With speaking)
8700 · AQA
£250
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.
English Language questions from private candidates
Do I have to do the speaking assessment as a private candidate?
+
Yes. The Spoken Language endorsement is a required part of GCSE English Language and is arranged by the centre you sit at. Confirm the centre supports it at the point of booking, because not every centre offers it to private candidates.
Does the spoken language assessment affect my grade?
+
No. It is graded Distinction, Merit, Pass or Not Classified and reported separately on your certificate. Your numerical GCSE grade comes only from the two written papers, so the endorsement cannot pull your grade down.
Is there any coursework in GCSE English Language?
+
No written coursework is submitted. Aside from the Spoken Language endorsement, the qualification is assessed entirely by the two written examination papers you sit at the centre.
Other GCSE subjects
Ready to enter GCSE English Language?
Tell us your subjects and the part of London that suits you. We secure your seat at an approved centre and handle the registration.