Exams and post-16 options
Exams and qualifications
Home educated children are not required to take any formal examinations, although it can be useful for the child for future studying or employment pathways.
You can arrange for your child to take exams, such as GCSEs, as external candidates at exam centres like further education colleges. You will need to contact the colleges.
There are no grants to cover the cost of exams.
Post-16 education or training
Young people aged 16 to 18 must continue in education or training. Options include:
- College or sixth form
- Apprenticeships or traineeships
- Structured home education*
- Home education
- Full-time work with accredited training
*Home educated students are not eligible for the 16–19 Bursary Fund.
Apprenticeships and skills support
As your child approaches 16 or is exploring career options, there are a range of resources to help them develop skills, explore apprenticeships, and plan their next steps. The following services provide information, advice, and access to training opportunities:
- Apprenticeships.gov.uk – Official government portal for finding apprenticeship opportunities and guidance on applying.
- National Careers Service – Offers impartial careers advice, information about courses, support for CV writing, and guidance on training and apprenticeships.
These resources can help home-educated young people explore options for learning, training, and work experience, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their future pathways.