Private Candidates

Please note:

• We do not accept candidates younger than the equivalent of Year 9.
• The standard entry fee is £250 per GCSE subject, with a few exceptions listed in the fee structure drop-down section below, with a deadline of 31st January.
• We are open to facilitating A-Level exams and a standard entry fee is £350 per A-level subject.
• Our deadline of 31st January means we must have received all required information by this date, including payment. Therefore, if you apply too close to the deadline and we do not have all the information we need, your application may be classed as a late entry.
• Applications submitted after 31st January will be considered as late entries, with a fee of £500 per subject (£700 for Modern Foreign Languages).
• In regards to MFL we can facilitate French and Spanish with our own staff. If you wish to sit another language we will need to first confirm we can facilitate
• Unfortunately, we are unable to accept external candidates for either GCSE or A-level subjects that include a Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) component.

If you have any Special Educational Needs (SEN), our Exams Officer will put you in contact with our SENCO, who will advise you on the required documentation and whether we can meet those needs. Please provide as much relevant information as possible, including any existing Form 8 and/or Form 9, an EHCP (if applicable), and any additional supporting evidence.

Please note that the application form must be completed before any SEN-related discussions can take place.There may be an additional charge for access arrangements to cover the costs of additional staff or technology (if required).

If we determine that we are unable to accommodate your needs, your application will be closed and no fees will be charged, provided this occurs before the entry deadline. However, if you confirm your exam entries and go ahead, and all required SEN documentation is not received in time for the application to be processed with JCQ, you will still be permitted to sit the examination(s) without access arrangements. However, should you decide not to proceed you will not be entitled to a refund.

Please note that should we receive the correct evidence and can proceed with your access arrangements there may be further costs incurred as this may require additional staff and rooming.

Access Arrangements

If you have any Special Educational Needs (SEN), our Exams Officer will put you in contact with our SENCo, who will advise you on the required documentation. Please provide as much relevant information as possible, including any existing Form 8 and/or Form 9, an EHCP (if applicable), and any additional supporting evidence.

Please note that the application form must be completed before any SEN-related discussions can take place.

If we determine that we are unable to accommodate your needs, your application will be closed, and no fees will be charged, provided this occurs before the entry deadline and go ahead, and all required SEN documentation is not received in time for the application to be processed by JCQm you will still be permitted to sit the examination(s) without access arrangements. However, should you decide not to proceed, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Full details of our Private Candidates Policy can be read here

If you have any further questions please contact our Exams Officer: examsofficer@holmwood.house

External Silver and Gold DofE Candidates

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Silver and Gold

Holmwood House is delighted to extend its Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes to external candidates, particularly those whose own schools do not currently offer Silver or Gold. The school provides a supportive environment and experienced staff to guide candidates through each stage of their Award, including all the necessary registration and administration.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award gives young people the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop independence, build confidence and gain valuable life skills through a range of activities and experiences.

Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Silver Award builds on the skills and experiences gained at Bronze level, challenging participants to become more independent and develop their confidence. It involves four sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. Holmwood House supports candidates throughout the process and provides guidance to help them successfully complete each section.

Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Gold Award is the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and offers an exciting opportunity for young people to push themselves further, develop independence and gain valuable life skills. Alongside Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition, participants complete an additional Residential section, spending time away from home with a group of people they have not previously met. Holmwood House provides support throughout every stage, helping candidates work towards achieving this prestigious Award.

For more information and to register your interest, please contact our Duke of Edinburgh Award Coordinator at dofe@holmwood.house