How can my child study for GCSEs at home?

With so many conversations happening about the future of learning, lots of parents and students are exploring alternatives to traditional schooling, including options for doing GCSEs at home. Whether it’s due to anxiety, health challenges, or just a need for more flexibility, mainstream education doesn’t work for every child.

At TLC LIVE Online School, we support students who thrive outside of the typical classroom by offering a structured, fully online learning experience that prepares them for their GCSEs. But how does online schooling actually work? How do students take their exams? And what recent changes in education could impact online learners?

How do students study for GCSEs online?

Just because a student isn’t in a physical classroom doesn’t mean they miss out on structured learning. At TLC LIVE Online School, students study the full syllabus for their chosen subjects, just like they would in a mainstream school, making it a great option for students who want to study for GCSEs at home. The big difference is that they can do it in a way that works best for them.

Lessons are delivered live by fully qualified teachers, so students can ask questions in real-time and get immediate support. One of the biggest advantages of online learning is that it’s tailored to the individual. In a traditional school, teachers have to manage large class sizes, which can make it harder for students to get the one-on-one attention they need.

With online schooling, they have the chance to:

Revisit lesson materials whenever they like
Get extra support on tricky topics
Work at their own pace without feeling rushed

Another big shift in education is the growing use of digital tools. More mainstream schools are incorporating them into lessons, and although there were plans to introduce on-screen GCSE exams by 2025, these have now been delayed due to curriculum and assessment reviews. For now, students will continue sitting paper-based exams, but online learners are already developing valuable digital skills that will help them in the future.

Can you sit GCSE exams at home?

While students can study for their GCSEs and A-levels remotely, formal exams still have to be taken in person at an accredited exam centre. This means registering as a private candidate at a suitable exam centre, which could be a school, college, or private exam venue.

Parents and students need to organise this themselves, but online schools like ours can help guide families through the process. You can also find a searchable list of private candidate exam centres on the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) website.

For the 2025 academic year, GCSE exams are currently set to begin on Monday, May 5, and finish on Friday, June 20, though these dates may still change. It’s really important to register for exams well in advance, as some centres charge extra fees for late entries.

What are the benefits of online learning for GCSEs?

For a lot of students, doing GCSEs at home through an online school offers several advantages over traditional schooling, including:

More flexibility: Students can access lesson materials whenever they need, making it easier to balance studies with other commitments.
A calmer learning environment: Studying from home can ease anxiety and reduce distractions, which is especially helpful for students with special educational needs.
Better engagement with digital tools: Online learning platforms offer interactive resources, recorded lessons, and instant feedback, making lessons more engaging.
A personalised learning pace: Students can revisit lessons as often as needed to fully understand topics before moving on.
Access from anywhere: Online learning allows students to study from any location, making it ideal for families living overseas who want their child to follow the British curriculum and gain UK qualifications.

The government has also made changes to reduce stress for students. GCSE maths and science exams will continue to include formula and equation sheets for at least the next three years. Originally introduced as a post-Covid concession, this change has been welcomed by teaching unions as a way to make high-pressure subjects more manageable. These kinds of adjustments show how the exam system is evolving, which is great for online learners who already benefit from structured revision support and learning resources.

What to know before choosing online schooling

If you’re considering online learning for your child, here are a few practical things to keep in mind:

Flexible enrolment: Unlike mainstream schools, many online schools allow students to enrol at different times of the year, which is helpful for students considering doing GCSE studying at home and looking for a flexible start date. At TLC LIVE Online School, students can join at the start of a new half-term.
The right equipment: In terms of costings to consider, your child will need a laptop or desktop computer. Alongside this, they’ll also need a suitable workspace to ensure they can fully engage with their lessons.
Understand exam arrangements: Since online students must register as private candidates, it is crucial to research local exam centres and secure a placement well before the deadline.
Homework and progress tracking: At TLC LIVE Online School, homework isn’t set in the traditional sense, but students can access lesson materials for independent study. To keep you engaged with your child’s progress, we provide regular progress reports and hold parents’ evenings, ensuring you stay informed about their development and achievements.

Do you want your child to study for GCSEs from home? Here’s what to do next

If you’re thinking about online GCSEs for your child, the best first step is to research online schools and understand the exam registration process. Whether your child prefers a different approach to learning due to personal circumstances, health reasons, or other factors, online schooling can offer a structured and supportive pathway to success. Do homeschooled students take GCSEs? Yes! Many homeschooled students register as private candidates at exam centres to complete their qualifications.

Written by Ryan Lockett, Headteacher at TLC LIVE Online School