Information for centres entering private candidates

However, before making an entry for a private candidate, the centre must be confident that they will be able to satisfy the conditions specified for managing non-exam assessments, particularly being able to ensure the authenticity of candidates' work, allowing appropriate time for supervised completion and safe storage of work throughout.

A level Science Practical Skills Endorsement and GCSE English Language Spoken Language Endorsement are mandatory parts of those qualifications. Centres must offer all candidates the opportunity to undertake them, and encourage them as far as possible to do so.

How we Process Private Candidates

If you have a private candidate at your centre entered for subjects that contain coursework, controlled assessment or endorsements,  please read the information below and ensure you can meet the JCQ requirements. 

Your centre must ensure that teaching staff at the centre will ensure appropriate supervision, authentication and marking arrangements for all coursework, controlled assessments and non-exam assessment (NEA) components. 

There is further guidance on the JCQ website about the Ofqual and JCQ regulations

Instructions for the Conduct of Coursework 

NEA documents 

Compulsory endorsements

If you have a private candidate entered for the GCSE English or A Level Science compulsory endorsements, our eProcessing team will send a declaration email asking you to confirm the candidate has been offered the opportunity to take the endorsement at your centre. If you do not return the declaration, the entry will be escalated to Pearson’s Investigation Team and this may result in the entry being ineligible to receive results. 

For A Level Science, if the candidate has declined the endorsement, you must still provide the declaration stating that you have offered the candidate the opportunity to complete it. You must also complete and return this form and return it to eprocessing@pearson.com.

Declined Science endorsement form 

For GCSE English a candidate cannot decline the endorsement.

Speaking components - languages

For these subjects please be aware that your centre must ensure that the appropriate qualified person conducts the oral component.

Qualifications that include a speaking component are as follows:-