Parenting Perspective 

Registering as a Private Candidate 

Registering your child to take public exams such as GCSEs or A-Levels while home-schooling does take some extra planning and organisation, but it is entirely possible. Home-educated children are usually registered as private candidates, which simply means they are not linked to a school. This means you will need to find an approved exam centre, usually a local school or college, that accepts private candidates, and you will be responsible for paying any fees.

 

Planning in Advance and Checking the Syllabus 

Start this process well in advance, ideally six to nine months before the exam date, as places can be limited and there are registration deadlines. Find out which exam boards the centre offers and make sure they match the syllabus your child has been studying. For some subjects, like science, there may be practical or coursework elements that not all centres can accommodate. You may need to choose subjects that are exam-only or find a centre that provides the required labs or coursework support. 

Keeping Records and Staying Calm 

Keep clear records of your child’s progress and work, just in case you are ever asked for evidence, even if this is unlikely, it gives you peace of mind. Stay calm and flexible. The process can feel bureaucratic but with steady preparation it is manageable. Speak with other home-educating families for advice and local recommendations. Take it one step at a time. You do not have to figure it all out alone. 

Spiritual Insight 

Navigating the practical steps of registering for exams can feel stressful, but Islam reminds us that every effort made for learning is rewarded, even the paperwork and calls. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 286: 

‘Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. ‘

This powerful reminder assures you that you have the capacity to manage this, even when it feels daunting. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2646, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make the path to Paradise easy for him. ‘

When you handle the logistics of registration, keep your intention clear, this is part of your child’s path to beneficial knowledge. Make Dua for ease: O Allah, make this process smooth and grant my child success in what benefits them most. Remind your child that exams are a means, not an end, their true worth lies in their sincerity, effort, and trust in Allah Almighty’s plan. Approach the paperwork with patience and Tawakkul, knowing that the reward for your hard work reaches beyond Dunya into Akhirah. By managing this responsibility with calm trust and practical steps, you teach your child that preparation and reliance on Allah Almighty go hand in hand, an invaluable lesson that will guide them far beyond any exam hall, InshaAllah.