Live classes, GCSE tuition, self-paced courses and more
Looking for online courses, lessons or tutors for home education? We've gathered a collection of UK and international providers offering live classes, one-to-one tuition, self-paced learning and distance education for children, teenagers and older learners. You'll find everything from affordable home education classes and creative workshops to GCSE and IGCSE courses, Functional Skills qualifications, A levels and online schools. Some providers offer flexible, interest-led learning, while others follow a structured curriculum or prepare students for specific qualifications.
We've also included tutor directories, free university-level courses and information about finding exam centres. The listings are intended to help families explore different options, rather than endorsements of individual providers. Check ages, fees, qualifications, exam arrangements and suitability directly before enrolling.
It can be helpful to have a plan. If your child knows what they would like to do in the future or has activities they're keen on pursuing, work backwards to plan that route.
Look at college admission requirements and work back from there. You don't have to do GCSEs at all. Alternative qualifications or part-time college provisions exist for 14-16 year olds. The H.E. Exam Wiki lists them here.
Decide which subjects you want to do. Look at the page for your chosen subject on the H.E. Exam Wiki. This will tell you which specifications are available to home-educated students and list the necessary textbooks and other resources.
Pick an exam board; you can do this by browsing the course books on the exam subject. It is possible to study many exam subjects just with the recommended exam board textbooks and past papers for practice, and with the help of the internet, many free resources are available. Check through our resources section too.
Live online classes and flexible home education courses
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Website |
Ages / level |
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|---|---|---|
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Mainly 3–18 |
Live online small-group classes, one-to-one lessons and self-paced courses covering academic subjects, art, gaming, languages and unusual interests. Prices vary by class. |
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Mainly 4–16 |
Affordable home education classes covering primary subjects, GCSEs, creative projects and qualifications. Offers live lessons, recordings and self-paced courses, with some activities available to the whole family. |
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Mainly 8–18 |
Small-group online classes exploring philosophy, science, literature, critical thinking, languages and other subjects. Includes live discussions and self-paced courses designed for curious learners. |
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Mainly 3–16 |
Affordable online classes, clubs and activities for home educated children, covering academic subjects, creative learning, social activities and personal development. Includes live sessions and flexible learning opportunities. |
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Ages vary by course |
Online lessons and learning resources covering different subjects, with access through a home education discount arrangement. Check the current course catalogue and availability. |
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Mainly KS3–KS4 |
Online home education courses from All Ways Educating, including secondary subjects and qualification-focused learning. Check current courses, age guidance and examination arrangements. |
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Mainly 11–18 |
Personalised learning programmes emphasising projects, individual interests, real-world skills and learner independence. Check which programmes are available remotely and their enrolment requirements. |
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5–16 |
Interactive learning covering maths, English, science, geography, history, computing and business studies. Includes curriculum-linked activities, progress tracking and GCSE/IGCSE practice. Free limited access and paid subscriptions. |
Free online courses and independent learning
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Website |
Ages / level |
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|---|---|---|
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Older teenagers and adults |
Hundreds of free Open University courses covering science, languages, history, psychology, technology, business and more. Includes self-paced learning and opportunities to earn free digital badges or statements of participation. |
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Mainly older teenagers and adults |
Online courses from universities and organisations covering academic subjects, technology, business and professional skills. Some learning content can be accessed free, with paid certificates and programmes. |
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Teenagers and adults |
A large marketplace of online courses covering programming, art, photography, design, music, business and other practical skills. Includes free and paid courses, with quality varying by instructor. |
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Older teenagers and adults |
Career-focused online technology courses covering programming, AI, data analysis, cybersecurity and related digital skills. Mainly paid programmes, with some introductory learning materials. |
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Mainly older teenagers and adults |
Free self-paced courses covering business, technology, health, languages and practical skills. Learning is free, with optional paid certificates and diplomas. |
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Older teenagers and adults |
Online university-level courses in science, humanities, computing, business and other subjects. Some courses offer free access to learning materials, with paid certificates and qualifications. |
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Older teenagers and adults |
A collection of free online lectures and course materials, mainly from US universities. Covers academic subjects and university preparation, including some US-specific exam resources. |
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Older teenagers and adults |
A free directory of university lectures, online courses, documentaries, ebooks, audiobooks and other cultural and educational materials. Particularly useful for independent exploration. |
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Advanced secondary–adult |
Free university-level materials from MIT covering science, mathematics, engineering, computing and other subjects. Includes lectures, readings, exercises and interactive learning resources. |
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Mainly 16+ |
UK government information about free online learning, digital skills, career development and training opportunities. Useful for older teenagers and adults exploring further education and employment. |
GCSE, IGCSE, A level and Functional Skills
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Website |
Ages / level |
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Mainly GCSE, IGCSE and A level |
Established UK distance learning provider offering GCSEs, IGCSEs, A levels and other qualifications. Courses combine flexible independent study with tutor support. Paid courses. |
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Mainly 16+ |
Distance learning courses covering Functional Skills, professional qualifications, vocational training and routes into higher education. Includes flexible study options and paid qualifications. |
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Mainly GCSE–adult |
Online GCSEs, A levels and vocational qualifications, with self-paced study materials and tutor support. Includes career-focused courses and payment plan options. |
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Mainly teenagers and adults |
Online Functional Skills English and maths courses, revision resources, practice assessments and examination booking. Offers Ofqual-regulated qualifications and remote examination options where available. |
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Mainly older teenagers and adults |
Online Functional Skills English and maths preparation and assessment services. Check available levels, awarding organisations and remote examination arrangements before booking. |
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| PASS | Mainly teenagers and adults | AI-powered learning & teaching platform with free functional skills initial assessments in maths and English, designed to accurately measure ability. |
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Young people and adults; varies |
Alternative education and learning support, including Functional Skills and support for learners with additional needs. Check current course availability and qualification details directly. |
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Mainly secondary, GCSE and A level |
Adaptive online revision and retrieval-practice platform covering science, maths, English and other subjects. Uses short daily questions to support knowledge retention. Free sample resources and paid access. |
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Approx. 9+, depending on course |
Online learning programmes for home educated children and teenagers, including GCSE and A level courses. Check available subjects, teaching formats and exam specifications. |
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KS2–A level |
Online tuition and courses covering maths, English, science and exam preparation, including IGCSE subjects. Also offers free educational videos through its YouTube channel. |
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Mainly secondary and older learners |
A project-based learning programme developing research, planning, independent study and presentation skills through personally chosen topics. Check which qualification or assessment options are currently available. |
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GCSE, IGCSE, A level and IB |
Revision notes, topic questions, practice papers and worked answers organised by subject, exam board and specification. Free limited access, with additional resources through paid membership. |
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Older teenagers and adults |
Online Functional Skills English and maths courses, assessments and examination services, with flexible distance learning and qualification options. |
Find an online tutor
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Website |
Ages / level |
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|---|---|---|
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Mainly KS2–A level |
Online one-to-one tuition across academic subjects, including GCSE and A level preparation. Families can browse tutors, compare profiles and arrange lessons. Paid tuition. |
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All ages, depending on tutor |
A Facebook group connecting home educating families with tutors, educators and learning providers. Useful for finding individual tuition and asking about available services. Ask in your local groups too. |
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Parents and older learners |
An independent comparison article covering UK online tutoring services, including subjects, features and pricing. Useful as a starting point for comparing providers. |
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Primary–university |
A UK tutor directory covering academic subjects, languages, music and specialist learning. Search for online or local tutors and compare qualifications, experience and prices. |
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Primary–adult learners |
An online directory for finding private tutors across academic subjects and different educational levels. Includes local and online tuition options. |
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Parents and learners |
A professional tutoring organisation offering guidance and a directory to help families find tutors. Also promotes professional standards, training and development within tutoring. |
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Primary–A level |
A UK tutor directory where families can search for private tutors by subject, level and location. Tutors advertise their services directly through the platform. |
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All ages, depending on tutor |
A professional association with a searchable tutor directory. Useful for finding tutors and learning about professional standards within private tuition. |
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GCSE–university |
Private tutoring across academic subjects, including GCSE, A level, university and admissions preparation. Offers one-to-one support and specialist tutors. Paid service. |
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Primary–A level |
Personalised one-to-one online tuition across academic subjects, with flexible scheduling, matched tutors and exam preparation. Paid lessons, with a free introductory trial available. |
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Children and young people with SEND |
Specialist tuition for learners with additional needs, including personalised educational support and one-to-one sessions. Families can discuss individual learning needs and suitable arrangements. |
Creative, practical and specialist courses
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Website |
Ages / level |
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Children and teenagers; varies |
Online creative classes and arts education activities covering different artistic techniques, projects and forms of expression. Check the current programme for ages and booking details. |
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Mainly teenagers, depending on course |
Online photography, film and art courses designed for home educated learners, including GCSE Photography, GCSE Art, creative qualifications and Arts Award opportunities. Live classes and self-paced options available. |
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KS2–adult, depending on course |
Distance learning courses and downloadable materials covering creative and practical subjects, including art, design, photography, textiles and other specialist interests. Free resources and paid courses. |
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Approx. 10+ with support; DofE 13+ |
Self-paced online cookery courses teaching practical kitchen skills through video tutorials, recipes and tutor feedback. Includes home education, SEND and Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes. Paid courses and free samples. |
Choosing a GCSE or IGCSE course
Before paying for a GCSE, IGCSE or A level course, make sure the qualification will suit your child's plans and can be taken as a private candidate.
Check which exam board and specification the provider teaches, and confirm that you can arrange the examinations. For example, AQA GCSE English Language and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language follow different specifications, so a course preparing students for one won't necessarily cover the other.
It's also worth asking whether coursework, practical assessments or speaking tests are required, whether examination entry is included in the course fee, and what support is available if your child needs access arrangements.
You don't have to use a paid course for every subject. Some families successfully prepare through textbooks, past papers, free learning resources or a mixture of independent study and tuition.
If your child has a particular college course, career or qualification in mind, check its entry requirements first. GCSEs aren't compulsory for home educated children in England, but specific qualifications may be needed for the next stage they choose.
Subject-specific lessons and revision
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Website |
Ages / level |
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KS2–A level |
Humanities lessons covering history, geography, mythology and related subjects, including GCSE and A level support. Includes free educational videos on YouTube; check for current paid tuition and course options. |
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Mainly secondary and older learners |
Online technology and computing education, covering computer science, digital skills and related subjects. Check current course formats and qualifications. |
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KS1–GCSE |
Online English and maths tutoring, with learning support and practice intended to build understanding and confidence. Paid tuition. |
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Mainly 12+ |
Online ICT courses covering technical computing skills and BTEC qualifications at Levels 2 and 3. Home education discounts are listed through AWE Discounts. Check current qualification specifications before enrolling. |
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KS1–IGCSE |
Structured science video courses covering primary science, KS3 and IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Includes supporting learning materials and flexible study options. |
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Mainly GCSE–A level |
Specialist social science tuition, including support with academic writing, study skills and university applications. Check available subjects and course levels. |
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KS2, GCSE and A level |
Free maths revision videos, practice questions, worksheets, past papers and worked solutions. Particularly useful for independent GCSE and A level preparation. |
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GCSE–A level |
Geography learning and revision materials covering physical and human geography, geographical skills, case studies and careers. Includes resources transferred from the former Geography Education Online website. Some require membership. |
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IGCSE Biology, approx. 14–16 |
A flexible online Biology programme from Sparking STEM, combining weekly live lessons, recordings, practical activities, topic libraries and exam preparation. Designed to accommodate different learning schedules. Paid access. |
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Mainly IGCSE–A level |
Online science tuition covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics, including examination preparation and subject-specific support. Check current lesson formats and course availability. |
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GCSE/IGCSE, approx. 14–16 |
Physics videos, explanations, worked examples and examination practice organised by topic and exam board. Free resources and additional premium revision materials. |
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GCSE, IGCSE and A level |
Free science revision videos explaining Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics, with clear explanations and examination guidance. Particularly useful for independent revision. |
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IGCSE Chemistry, approx. 14–16 |
Self-paced Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry courses with video lessons, tests, worked examples and practical investigations. Paid courses with free previews, taught from a Christian worldview. |
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KS3–A level, approx. 11–18 |
Free science and maths videos, quizzes, exam questions and revision materials, particularly useful for GCSE and A level study. Additional premium features available. |
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KS3–GCSE/IGCSE |
Online maths tuition, self-study courses and revision materials for secondary learners, including GCSE and IGCSE preparation. |
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KS3–IGCSE |
Online English courses, live and recorded webinars and examination preparation for secondary learners. |
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11–18 |
Specialist English tuition for KS3, GCSE, IGCSE and A level learners, including daytime home education groups, one-to-one lessons and examination preparation. Online across the UK, with in-person tuition in Oxfordshire. |
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| Catherine Mooney Tutoring | 8+ |
Friendly and affordable IGCSE English courses just for home-educators. |
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Adults, 18+ |
Online natural history courses from London's Natural History Museum, exploring the natural world through expert-led learning. Paid courses for adults and older learners. |
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IGCSE, mainly teenagers |
Distance learning courses designed for home educated learners, including Environmental Management and Global Citizenship subjects. Includes structured materials and qualification-focused study. |
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Older teenagers and adults |
Free step-by-step Microsoft Excel tutorials covering spreadsheets, formulas, functions, charts, data analysis and other practical digital skills. Suitable for independent learning. |
Finding an exam centre
If your child is planning to take GCSEs, IGCSEs or A levels as a private candidate, it's worth investigating exam centres before committing to a course or specification. Not every centre accepts private candidates for every subject or exam board. Some qualifications involve coursework, practical assessments or speaking tests that can be more difficult to arrange independently. Check availability, entry deadlines, examination fees and any access arrangements your child may need. You may also need to travel to a centre offering your chosen qualification.
Exam centres and support
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Website |
Ages / level |
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GCSE, IGCSE and A level |
Community-maintained information about qualifications, exam boards, specifications, private candidate arrangements and exam centres. Useful for researching options before choosing a course. |
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| GCSE, IGCSE and A level; parents and teenagers | A free information hub created by home educator Katie Finlayson, bringing together guidance and useful links for families arranging exams as private candidates. Covers exam boards, specifications, finding exam centres, access arrangements, costs and qualifications, alongside community support, research and official resources. | |
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GCSE, IGCSE, A level and other qualifications |
An examination centre provider with locations across England, offering exam entry and support for private candidates. Check available subjects, access arrangements, fees and booking deadlines. |
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GCSE, IGCSE and A level |
A home education examination centre based in Titchfield, Hampshire, also offering tuition and revision opportunities. Exam places are limited and must be requested in advance. |
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Parents and older learners |
A Facebook community where families share experiences and information about private candidate exams, exam centres, qualifications and alternative routes. |
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Selected IGCSE qualifications |
Information about taking eligible Pearson Edexcel examinations remotely under online supervision. Subject availability, technical requirements, eligibility and fees must be checked before booking. |
Also ask in your local home ed community groups (on Facebook for example) for exam centres in your area.
Some International GCSE and International A level examinations can now be taken through remote invigilation, allowing eligible students to sit exams from home or another approved location under online supervision. Availability is limited to certain subjects and participating examination centres, and additional equipment, identification and room requirements may apply. Check the current arrangements and fees directly with the provider.
Online schools and structured distance learning
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Website |
Ages / level |
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4–18, primary–A level |
Flexible distance learning courses covering primary, secondary, IGCSE and A level subjects. Uses a self-paced approach with learning materials, tutor feedback and progress support rather than scheduled live lessons. |
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7–18 |
A British online school offering live lessons, recorded classes and structured academic programmes from primary through to sixth form. Includes GCSE, IGCSE and A level pathways. |
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11–18 |
A UK online school combining live lessons, independent study, small-group learning and individual mentoring. Offers secondary education, GCSE/IGCSE and sixth-form programmes. |
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Years 1–11, approx. 5–16 |
An online education provider offering primary and secondary learning through live classes and flexible study options. Includes curriculum-linked subjects and qualification pathways. |
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Mainly Year 7–sixth form |
Online British-curriculum education covering secondary learning, Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs and A levels. Combines live teaching, recorded lessons and structured academic support. Paid programmes. |
A quick note: We share links to tutors, courses, and resources that may be useful to home-ed families. Please do check carefully that they’re the right fit for your young person, as we can’t take responsibility for external services. Listings are included to help families explore options. Inclusion here does not mean personal endorsement unless stated.
Looking for resources to use alongside online classes? Explore our free and paid home education resources, organised by subject. For more information about qualifications and private candidate arrangements, read our guide to exams for home educated students. You can also explore post-16 options for home educated teenagers when planning the next stage of learning.
