Following the updates earlier in the year from Ofqual and the Department for Education stating that teacher assessed grades (TAGs) will be used as alternatives to exams in 2021, AEC would like to provide private candidates with more information. We are listed as one of the Joint Council for Qualifications private exam centres which will be carrying out assessments in 2021. You may have questions relating to your assessments, which we have answered below:
FAQ’s and key information for private candidates:
Am I a private candidate?
Private candidates are candidates who have not studied with the exam centre which makes their entry.
Included in this group are, for example:
- individuals who are electively home educated
- individuals who are alternatively educated
- independent adult learners
- individuals otherwise not affiliated with a school, college, or similar provider.
If you are unsure whether you fall into the category of a private candidate, you can contact us via email on info@aectutors.co.uk and we will help you to determine this.
When’s the deadline to register?
AEC will be registering private candidate entries for GCSE’s, AS levels and A Levels until the 16th April. This does not affect existing private candidate entries, who do not need to re-register.
Which subjects are you offering assessments for?
We offer GCSE, AS and A Level assessments for the core subjects (English, Maths and Science).
How will I be assessed?
In accordance with government guidelines, you will only be assessed on what you have studied, like other students. In order to ensure a fair and accurate standard is being met across the board, AEC will be conducting assessments according to the timetable provided by awarding organisations in order to determine a private candidate’s grade. More information relating to specific qualifications, subjects and evidence that we will be collecting to determine a candidate's grade will be provided during our initial conversation with you.
When will the assessments take place?
The assessments for the 2021 summer period will take place between 26th April and 21st May. AEC is responsible for arranging these assessments and candidates will be given information relating to their assessment timetable once they have completed the registration process.
Where will the assessments take place?
Edexcel IGCSE assessments and edexcel GCSE, AS and A Level assessments will take place in person at the AEC exam centre. Our address is 221A High Street North, East Ham, London, E6 1JG. All other assessments will take place remotely.
In relation to the edexcel assessments listed above, we recognise in this exceptional year that additional adjustments may need to be made for some private candidates due to the ongoing Covid19 pandemic. We can arrange remote assessments where necessary and will work with you to provide this is done in a safe and fair way. We are also committed to making adjustments to help private candidates under the Equality Act 2010.
When will results be published?
A Level results will be published on Tuesday 10th August and GCSE results will be published on Thursday 12th August.
If you require further information or specific information relating to an exam board, please find the relevant links here:
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/covid/june-2021-exam-series/ and https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/exam-administration/private-candidates/
https://www.aqa.org.uk/2021-exam-changes and
https://www.aqa.org.uk/student-and-parent-support/private-candidates/finding-a-school-or-co
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/campaigns/pearson-covid-19/private-candidates.html
https://www.ocr.org.uk/students/private-candidates/
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/home/student-support/private-candidates/
If you require further information or would like to get in touch with us, you can reach us at info@aectutors.co.uk
