What is the Exam Access Project?

The Exam Access Project is an initiative led by the University of Exeter and local councils to provide free GCSE exams for young people not currently attending school.

Where is the Exam Access Project taking place?

The project is currently running a pilot year in Devon and Cornwall, with plans for future expansion if successful.

How can young people participate in the Exam Access Project?

Parents and young people can apply to be part of the Exam Centre starting from 2027 by emailing Uoeexamcentre@exeter.ac.uk.

Home / Education / Free GCSEs for UK Youth Out of School

Free GCSEs for UK Youth Out of School

15 Apr

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Summary

Project offers free GCSE exams to young people not in school.
Devon and Cornwall have higher rates of elective home education.
Initiative aims to reduce NEET figures and support further education.

A new initiative, the Exam Access Project, is providing young people not currently in school with the opportunity to sit GCSE exams free of charge. This project, spearheaded by the University of Exeter in collaboration with local authorities, aims to eliminate significant barriers that prevent students from accessing crucial qualifications. Senior lecturer Dr. Luke Graham highlighted the fundamental right of every child to take GCSEs, stating that financial, geographical, or physical limitations unfairly hinder progress.

Private GCSE exams can be prohibitively expensive, and until this project's inception, no dedicated exam centre existed in Devon and Cornwall. Department of Education figures indicate that elective home education (EHE) affects an estimated 1.5% of children aged five to 16 across England, with Devon and Cornwall experiencing higher rates at 2.7% and 2.9% respectively. Researchers suggest that many EHE cases stem from unmet special educational needs, with active parental choice being less common.