Private candidate registration for International GCSEs, O Levels, AS and A Levels
Students can register for UK international school exams as private candidates with the British Council if they are unable to register through their schools.
Requirements to register as a private candidate
To register for your exams with the British Council, you need to use our School Registration System (SRS). The process is straightforward, but you must have a valid form of identification.
You will need a valid passport or a national ID to register.
. If you are under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must complete the registration on your behalf.
How to register for International GCSE, O Level, AS and A Level exams
Registering as a private candidate is a straightforward two-step process you can complete online.
Step 1. Complete your online registration for your exam on our British Council portal
The first step is to create your account and complete your registration on the British Council’s School Registration System (SRS). You can easily access this online portal from anywhere. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure your registration is processed correctly.
Step 2. Pay for your exams
After completing your registration, you’ll need to pay the exam fees. You can find the exact fees of all the exams (IGCSE, O Level, AS and A Levels) within the SRS. Your application won’t be processed until payment is received.
The British Council offers online payment options in most countries. You will find details of specific payment options available to you and alternative payment options on your local British Council website.
School candidates register for exams through their respective schools. If you are a school candidate and need information about registration or results, please contact your school.
Exam timetables, key dates and deadlines
Each awarding body has its own registration deadlines and exam sessions. If you miss the regular deadline, late registration may be available, but it comes with a penalty fee. The best way to get the most accurate information is to check the awarding bodies' websites below. For the most up-to-date and stage-specific dates and timetables in your region, please visit your local British Council Website.
Cambridge International Education
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|
November Session |
June Session |
| Usual window | Registration opens around early August and closes for standard entries in mid -September | Registration opens around end November and closes for standard entries in late February |
| Late stage | Allowed until early October | Allowed until early April |
OxfordAQA
|
|
November Session |
June Session |
International A Levels January |
| Usual window | Registration opens around early August and closes for standard entries in mid -September | Registration opens around mid November and closes for standard entries in mid february | Registration opens around end September and closes for standard entries in early October |
| Late stage | Allowed until early October | Allowed until late April | Allowed until mid November |
Pearson Edexcel
|
|
International GCSE November |
International A Levels October |
June Session |
International A Levels January |
| Usual window | Registration opens around early August and closes for standard entries in mid -Sep. | Registration opens around end July and closes for standard entries in end August | Registration opens around end November and closes for standard entries in mid/late March | Registration opens around mid-September and closes for standard entries in mid - October |
| Late stage | Allowed until early October | Allowed until mid September | Allowed until mid/late- April | Allowed until mid November |
Access special arrangements
The British Council is dedicated to providing fair and accessible exam conditions for every candidate. If you have special educational needs, a disability, or a temporary injury or illness, you may be eligible for exam access arrangements.
To apply for special arrangements, you must submit an application to the British Council, along with a valid medical certificate. Please note that a new application must be submitted for each exam session; arrangements do not carry over from a previous series.
For specific details on available arrangements and how to apply in your country, please visit your local British Council website.
Changes and cancellations
You can make changes to your registration, but any amendments made after the registration deadline on the School Registration System (SRS) will incur a late fee.
This policy may vary depending on the awarding body and the specific reason of your withdrawal.
Candidates who have given a written notice to the British Council of their intention to withdraw from the examination by the last date for regular entry may expect to receive a full refund of ONLY the entry fees. Administration fees may apply.
Candidates who have given a written notice to the British Council of their intention to withdraw from an examination from the first day of the late registration stage may not expect to receive a refund. On medical grounds, refunds may be issued upon the awarding body's discretion.
Find out more about exam registration, special arrangements, changes and cancellations in your country.
Access our global network
Find out more about exam registration, special arrangements, changes and cancellations in your country.
Access our global network
More exam information
Exam information
Discover all the details you need as a private candidate, from registration steps and exam regulations to timelines for results and certificates.
Choose your exam
Explore your options for IGCSEs, International GCSEs, O Levels, AS and A Levels, and select the UK-based awarding body that best matches your goals.
How to prepare
Exams put extra pressure on even the calmest of students. But, with a little preparation and a well-planned revision timetable, you can achieve the grades you deserve.
Exam day
There are certain resources and materials that you will need to bring on the exam day and of course, you need to know about your exam dates, venues and times.
Results & Certificates
After all your hard work you will probably be eager to find out your results. The British Council makes sure you get your results as soon as possible.
FAQs
Got questions about taking exams as a private candidate? Find answers to the most common queries about registration, preparation, exam day, and results.

