JCQ Private Candidate Centre List:

JCQ has today published a list of centres in England who will accept GCSE and AS/A Level private candidate entries this summer.

Following the Department for Education’s (DfE) announcement that it was no longer possible for exams to go ahead as planned this summer, JCQ and its awarding organisations have worked hand-in-hand with school and college leaders, Ofqual and the DfE to ensure private candidates, including home-educated students and adult learners, are supported this summer.

Private candidates who have not yet found a centre to work with this summer will now be able to search using the JCQ’s online list of available exam centres according to their postcode, qualification type and awarding organisation of choice.

The list will also account for a centre’s capability to offer assessments remotely, and whether they are willing to consider private candidates’ pre-existing evidence.

Private candidates are encouraged to use this list to find a centre and make arrangements before the entry deadline of Monday 26th April.

Centres included in the list will include those accepting GCSE, AS, and A Level entries in England. For other general, vocational, and technical qualifications, or outside England, candidates should approach their relevant awarding organisation directly for assistance.

A reminder of the summer 2021 documents now available on the JCQ website:

JCQ Centre Guidance on the Determination of Grades

Centre Policy Summary Form

Optional documents:

Centre Policy template

Assessment record template

Head of Department Checklist template

Grading assistance

A/AS Level grade descriptors

GCSE grade descriptors

Worked examples

Other information available at the time:

Private Candidate FAQs

Student, parent and guardian guidance

Exam board support materials:

Exam boards have today published their subject guidance, including further grading support and additional assessment materials. These materials are being released for use within centres only - the sets of questions and mapping grids will be made publicly available in the week commencing 19 April.

Please consult your relevant awarding organisation for more information.

Support:

We will continue to provide support to teachers and exams officers in schools and colleges throughout the grading process. Please familiarise yourself with JCQ's dedicated Summer 2021 Arrangements hub where all relevant summer 2021 documents will sit.

To ensure you remain updated with the latest news relating to this summer's series, please continue to refer to your awarding organisations' support pages.