Raedan Institute Examination Centre 
2 Overton Road, Leicester, LE5 0JA 
Centre Number: 25369 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 07725974831 

Introduction 

Raedan Institute is proud to announce that we are now a registered AQA Examination Centre, approved by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) to conduct examinations for private candidates. This significant development enables us to provide vital examination access to home-educated students, supplementary education students, and other learners who require private candidate examination entry. 

Our examination centre status represents our commitment to removing barriers to educational achievement and ensuring that all students—regardless of their educational pathway—can access nationally recognized qualifications that open doors to further education, training, and employment opportunities. 

Who Can Use Our Examination Centre? 

Our examination centre welcomes: 

Home-Educated Students: Young people receiving elective home education who require access to GCSE, IGCSE, and A-level examinations as private candidates. 

Supplementary Education Students: Students attending our supplementary education programmes (Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 AM-1:00 PM) who wish to take examinations in subjects they are studying. 

Students from Other Educational Settings: Learners from alternative provision, flexi-schooling arrangements, or those who have left school and wish to obtain or improve qualifications. 

Resit Candidates: Students wishing to retake examinations to improve grades or those who missed examinations due to illness or other circumstances. 

Adult Learners: Mature students seeking to obtain qualifications for career progression, university entry, or personal development. 

Qualifications Available 

As an AQA-approved examination centre, we can enter candidates for: 

GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education): 

• Full range of GCSE subjects including English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science), History, Geography, Religious Studies, Modern Foreign Languages, Computer Science, and many others 

• Suitable for students aged 14-16 typically, though no age restrictions apply for private candidates 

• Graded 9-1 (9 being the highest) 

• Recognised by universities, colleges, and employers nationally 

IGCSEs (International General Certificate of Secondary Education): 

• Alternative to GCSEs, originally designed for international schools but increasingly popular with home educators 

• Similar academic rigor to GCSEs but often with less coursework, making them more accessible for private candidates 

• Recognized equivalently to GCSEs by UK universities and employers 

• Available in core subjects including English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Humanities 

A-Levels (Advanced Level): 

• Gold-standard academic qualifications for ages 16-18 

• Primary route to university education in the UK 

• Two-year linear courses examined at the end of Year 13 

• Available in wide range of subjects across Sciences, Humanities, Languages, and Arts 

• Grades A*-E 

AS Levels (Advanced Subsidiary): 

• Standalone qualifications or first year of A-level study 

• Half the content of full A-level 

• Can be combined to demonstrate breadth of study 

Examination Boards 

Our primary examination board is AQA (Assessment and Qualifications Alliance), the UK’s largest examination board, known for: 

• Clear, accessible specifications and resources 

• Comprehensive support materials for independent learners 

• Robust quality assurance and reliability 

• Strong reputation with universities and employers 

• Extensive range of subjects and qualifications 

While AQA is our main board, we can advise on other examination boards (Edexcel, OCR, WJEC) if specific subject requirements necessitate alternative provision, and can facilitate arrangements where appropriate. 

Entry Process and Timeline 

Initial Contact (12-18 Months Before Examinations): 

• Contact us to express interest in examination entry 

• Discuss subjects, levels, and examination series (November or May/June) 

• Receive information about fees, requirements, and deadlines 

• Provisional registration to secure place 

Subject Selection and Confirmation (12 Months Before): 

• Finalize subject choices based on student’s studies and progression plans 

• Receive detailed information about each subject’s assessment structure 

• Understand coursework, controlled assessment, or practical requirements 

• Confirm examination board and specification for each subject 

Access Arrangements (6-9 Months Before, if applicable): 

• Apply for access arrangements if student has special educational needs or disabilities 

• Coordinate specialist assessments (educational psychologist, specialist teacher) 

• Submit applications to AQA with supporting evidence 

• Receive confirmation of approved arrangements 

Formal Entry (4-6 Months Before – Deadline typically early February for summer exams): 

• Complete formal entry forms 

• Pay examination fees and centre administration charges 

• Receive confirmation of entries 

• Obtain candidate numbers and examination timetables 

Preparation Period (January-May for summer exams): 

• Students continue independent study or attend our tuition/preparation sessions 

• Submit any required coursework or controlled assessments 

• Familiarize themselves with examination format and requirements 

• Receive final timetables with specific dates, times, and venues 

Examination Period (May-June for summer series): 

• Attend examinations at our centre (2 Overton Road, Leicester) 

• Examinations conducted in accordance with JCQ regulations 

• Invigilated by trained, qualified invigilators 

• Strict examination conditions maintained 

Results and Certificates (August for GCSEs, August for A-levels): 

• Results available on designated results days 

• Can be collected in person or posted 

• Certificates issued by AQA (typically November following summer examinations) 

• Post-results services available (reviews of marking, appeals) 

Fees and Costs 

Our examination fees comprise two elements: 

Examination Board Fees: 

• Charged directly by AQA per subject entry 

• Vary by subject and level (typically £180 – £200 per GCSE/IGCSE, TBC per A-level) 

• Subject to annual increases by examination boards 

• Paid directly to examination boards via our centre 

Centre Administration and Invigilation Fees: 

• Cover costs of venue, invigilation, administration, registration, and entry processing 

• Charged per subject per candidate 

• Current fees available on request (typically £150-£250 per subject) 

• Reflect actual costs of examination delivery (we are a charitable organization, not profit-driven) 

Total Cost Example: 

• GCSE Mathematics: AQA fee (approx. £500) + Centre fee (approx. £150) = £200 total 

• Costs vary by subject based on examination board fees and assessment complexity 

Payment Terms: 

• Fees payable in advance of examination board entry deadlines 

• Payment plans available on request for families entering multiple subjects 

• Some financial support may be available for families experiencing hardship—please enquire confidentially 

Additional Costs: 

• Access arrangements assessments (if required): £400-£800 depending on assessment type 

• Coursework supervision (if applicable): Costs vary by subject requirements 

• Post-results services (reviews of marking, appeals): As charged by AQA 

Access Arrangements for Students with Special Educational Needs 

We are committed to ensuring students with special educational needs, disabilities, or temporary injuries can access examinations fairly. We facilitate access arrangements including: 

Extra Time: Typically, 25% additional time for students with processing difficulties, learning disabilities, or other qualifying conditions. 

Rest Breaks: Scheduled breaks during examinations for students who require them due to medical or psychological conditions. 

Separate Invigilation: Individual examination rooms for students who require distraction-free environments or whose conditions may disturb others. 

Reader or Computer Reader: Human reader or text-to-speech software for students with reading difficulties. 

Scribe or Speech Recognition Software: Human scribe or dictation software for students with writing difficulties. 

Modified Papers: Enlarged print, coloured overlays, or Braille for students with visual impairments. 

Prompter: For students with attention difficulties (ADHD, ASD) who require refocusing prompts. 

Application Process: Access arrangements require specialist assessment demonstrating: 

1. The student has a genuine need arising from a disability or learning difficulty 

2. The arrangement reflects the student’s normal way of working 

3. The arrangement does not give unfair advantage but rather removes barriers 

We coordinate applications with students’ educational psychologists or specialist teachers, compile evidence, and submit applications to AQA on students’ behalf. Early planning is essential—assessments should typically occur 6-9 months before examinations. 

Examination Regulations and Conduct 

All examinations conducted at our centre strictly adhere to JCQ regulations. Candidates must: 

Arrive punctually: At least 15 minutes before examination start time. Late arrivals may not be admitted or may lose time. 

Bring required equipment: Pens, pencils, rulers, calculators (where permitted), and any subject-specific equipment listed on examination timetables. 

Bring identification: Candidates must verify identity. Photo ID preferred for A-level candidates. 

Follow instructions: Listen carefully to invigilators’ instructions and comply with all directions. 

Observe examination conditions: No talking, no mobile phones or electronic devices, no unauthorized materials, no eating (water bottles permitted). 

Avoid malpractice: No copying, collusion, or bringing unauthorized materials into the examination room. Malpractice results in disqualification. 

Respect others: Quiet entry and exit from examination rooms to avoid disturbing other candidates. 

Invigilators are trained to create calm, professional examination environments while maintaining security and fairness. Any concerns during examinations should be raised immediately with invigilators. 

Our Commitment to Excellence 

As a newly registered examination centre, we are committed to: 

Strict Compliance: Full adherence to JCQ regulations and AQA requirements, ensuring integrity and validity of all examinations. 

Professional Administration: Experienced staff managing entries, timetabling, invigilation, and results processes efficiently and accurately. 

Supportive Environment: Welcoming, calm examination venues designed to minimize anxiety and enable candidates to perform their best. 

Clear Communication: Transparent, timely information about deadlines, requirements, fees, and procedures. 

Accessibility: Facilitating access arrangements and accommodating diverse needs to ensure fair access for all candidates. 

Continuous Improvement: Regular review of our processes and feedback mechanisms to enhance service quality. 

Safeguarding: All staff and invigilators are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding, ensuring safe, secure examination environments. 

Examination Venue 

Examinations are conducted at: 

Raedan Institute 
2 Overton Road 
Leicester 
LE5 0JA 

Our premises provide: 

• Dedicated examination rooms with appropriate furniture and lighting 

• Quiet environment free from disruption 

• Accessible facilities (ground floor access, accessible toilet) 

• Waiting area for parents/guardians (outside examination rooms) 

• Adequate space for candidates requiring separate invigilation or access arrangements 

How to Register 

To register for examinations at our centre: 

Step 1: Initial Enquiry Contact us by email ([email protected]) or phone (07725974831) expressing interest in examination entry. Provide: 

• Student’s name and date of birth 

• Subjects and levels interested in 

• Examination series (November or May/June) 

• Any access arrangement requirements 

Step 2: Consultation We will arrange a consultation (in person, phone, or video) to: 

• Discuss student’s educational background and preparation 

• Explain entry requirements and processes 

• Advise on subject suitability and progression pathways 

• Clarify fees and payment terms 

• Answer any questions 

Step 3: Registration Complete registration forms and provide required information: 

• Student’s personal details and contact information 

• Emergency contact details 

• Medical or access arrangement information 

• Previous examination history (if applicable) 

Step 4: Payment Pay initial deposit or full fees (depending on timing) to secure examination entry. 

Step 5: Entry Confirmation Receive confirmation of entries, candidate numbers, and examination timetables. 

Step 6: Examination Attendance Attend examinations as scheduled, following all instructions and regulations. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do students need to attend Raedan Institute’s educational programmes to use the examination centre? 

No. Our examination centre is open to all private candidates regardless of where or how they have been educated. While we encourage students to consider our supplementary education and tuition services, examination entry is available independently. 

Can students take examinations in subjects they have not formally studied? 

Yes, though we strongly advise appropriate preparation. Examinations assess subject knowledge and skills—adequate preparation is essential for success. We can provide guidance on self-study resources and recommend tuition where beneficial. 

What if a student needs to withdraw from an examination? 

Examination board fees are typically non-refundable once entries are submitted. Centre fees may be partially refundable depending on timing and circumstances. Please discuss specific situations with us. 

Can students retake examinations to improve grades? 

Absolutely. Many private candidates use our centre to retake GCSEs or A-levels to achieve higher grades for university applications or personal satisfaction. 

How do home-educated students’ results compare to school students? 

Examination boards do not differentiate between private candidates and school candidates—all are assessed identically. Home-educated students often perform very well, with many achieving top grades through focused, individualized preparation. 

Contact Us 

For more information about our examination centre, to discuss your examination needs, or to register for examinations, please contact: 

Raedan Institute 
2 Overton Road 
Leicester 
LE5 0JA 

Phone: 07725974831 
Email: [email protected] 
Website: www.raedan-institute.co.uk 

Office Hours: 
Monday-Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM 
Other times by appointment 

We look forward to supporting your examination success and helping you achieve the qualifications that will open doors to your future aspirations.