Elective home education overview
Latest government advice regarding private candidates examinations
There will be a clear and accessible route for private candidates to work with a centre to receive a grade this year, at the same time as other candidates. Exam boards will provide centres with clear guidance on the evidence they can use to assess a private candidate. A list of available centres will be published shortly and, we are working with the sector to ensure there are sufficient centres available and at a similar cost to a normal year.
Information about the private candidate support grant can be found on the Government's website.
Supporting private candidates to access GCSE, AS, and A level grades
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has today published a list of centres that are willing to support private candidates, including home educated students and adult learners, to access GCSE, AS, and A level grades this year.
The Department for Education is providing a private candidate support grant to centres of £200 per private candidate entry, so that candidates can access a centre at a similar cost to a normal exam year. Private candidates who have not yet found a centre to work with are encouraged to use this list to find a centre and make arrangements before the entry deadline of Monday 26 April.
The list covers centres offering GCSE, AS, and A level, while for other general, vocational, and technical qualifications, candidates should approach the awarding organisation directly for assistance.
Welcome to this on-line advice and support tool for parents who are either considering educating their child(ren) at home or for those parents looking for useful links.
The law clearly states that parents/carers are responsible for ensuring that their child or children receive a full-time education ensuring that every child is receiving an education suitable to his or her age, aptitude and ability and to any special educational needs (SEN) he or she may have, by regular attendance at a school or otherwise. The vast majority of parents/carers send their children to school. There are, however, a small minority who elect to educate their children otherwise than at school i.e. at home. Staffordshire County Council respects the rights of these parents/carers to educate their children at home.
Useful links
- Department for Education - All you need to know about home schooling and elective home education.
- BBC news article - 38% rise in parents home educating.
- Ofqual - GOV.UK - Access this website for information and updates regarding exams in the summer of 2021. There is also an option to subscribe to email updates. We have been informed that the subject of GCSE exams and home educated children is definitely on Ofqual’s agenda and that further information will be released in the next few days.
- GSCE/A level examinations 2021 - The consultation Ofqual are carrying out about GCSE/A level examinations for this year, 2021. Section 11 is pertinent to private candidates.
Convention on the Rights of the child
Who is responsible for the Convention in the Government?
All parts of government have a responsibility to learn about, promote and implement the Convention. The Department for Children, Schools and Families co-ordinates the Government's report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. Beverley Hughes MP, the Minister for Children, Young People and Families, has lead responsibility within the UK Government for the Convention.
Article 29
- Governments agree that the aim of education is to help the fullest possible growth of the child's or young person's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities.
Education must help children and young people:
- respect human rights
- respect their parents
- respect their and others' culture, language and values
- have self respect
- respect the environment
- Find out more from the Childrens Rights Alliance