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Free GCSEs for UK Youth Out of School
15 Apr
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.
This pilot year, a collaboration with Exeter College, Cornwall Council, Devon County Council, and the exam board AQA, will see over 30 young people undertake mock exams before sitting their summer GCSEs in English and maths. The university anticipates that many participants will progress to further education, with some already securing offers from Exeter College. Future plans, contingent on the pilot's success, include academic coaching from trainee teachers and the potential to accommodate up to 200 students annually.
Project leaders expressed hope that this work will significantly reduce the number of young people classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training) in the region, offering them a chance to succeed. Parents involved have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, describing the project as a "lifesaver" for their children who would otherwise be unable to afford the exams. The project aims to create an independent exam centre that supports learners who may have missed out on previous exam opportunities, enabling them to pursue desired courses and reintegrate into education and training.
