Classics for Private Candidates: How GCSE, AS and A-Level Exams Work
Last updated: 30 September 2026
Private candidates at our Birmingham centre can sit four Classics subjects — Latin, Classical Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History — each at GCSE, AS Level and A Level, giving twelve qualifications in total. None of them involve an in-person speaking exam, though one has a listening component that catches people out. Here's how the papers, boards and booking options actually work.
Key points
- We offer Latin, Classical Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History at GCSE, AS and A Level.
- None of the twelve Classics qualifications we offer include a speaking exam.
- A Level Latin is the only Classics qualification here with a listening component.
- Latin moves from OCR at GCSE to Edexcel at AS and A Level; the other three stay with OCR.
What Classics subjects can private candidates sit here?
Private candidates can sit Latin, Classical Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History with us, each at GCSE, AS Level and A Level. Latin and Classical Greek are language qualifications built around translation and set-text literature. Classical Civilisation and Ancient History are essay-based subjects studying the sources, society and history of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds, with no knowledge of Greek or Latin required.
Do any of these subjects include a speaking exam?
None of the twelve Classics qualifications we offer include a speaking exam, unlike the modern foreign languages on our site. GCSE Latin's product page states that it is only assessed by written exams, and GCSE Classical Greek's page says the same. Classical Civilisation and Ancient History are written, source- and essay-based papers; their product pages describe the topic options you choose between but don't mention any oral or listening component at any level.
Is there a listening exam in any Classics subject?
A Level Latin is the only Classics qualification we offer with a listening exam, for which you're given an MP3 player and bring headphones with a jack connector. AS Level Latin's own FAQ says it has no listening component, and GCSE Latin doesn't mention one at all. Check the FAQ on the specific level you're booking rather than assuming the listening paper carries across.
Which exam board do I sit these subjects with?
Most Classics subjects here are sat with OCR at every level, but Latin switches from OCR at GCSE to Edexcel (Pearson) at AS and A Level. If you're progressing from GCSE Latin to A Level Latin, that means a change of exam board, not just a change of paper.
| Subject | GCSE board | AS and A Level board | Listening component |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latin | OCR | Edexcel | A Level only |
| Classical Greek | OCR | OCR | None |
| Classical Civilisation | OCR | OCR | None mentioned |
| Ancient History | OCR | OCR | None mentioned |
What do I need to bring, and can I use a dictionary?
You cannot use a dictionary in any Classics exam here, and Latin and Classical Greek exams are closed book. Extracts from the set texts you've studied may still be printed in the exam paper itself. For the GCSE papers in Classical Civilisation, Classical Greek, Ancient History and Latin, the product pages ask that all answers are written in black pen. A Level Latin candidates also need their own headphones or earphones with a jack connector for the listening paper.
How do the "different options" work when I book?
When you book a Classics exam, the paper you sit must match the specific topics or set texts you actually studied, not just the subject. GCSE Classical Greek and GCSE Latin both require the compulsory language component plus two optional literature components. GCSE Classical Civilisation requires a Thematic Study and a Literature and Culture component, each with topic choices. Classical Civilisation and Ancient History at AS and A Level work the same way. Double-check your option combination before you book, since the wrong option means sitting a paper you haven't prepared for.
Can I progress from GCSE to A Level in these subjects?
You can progress from GCSE to A Level in each of these Classics subjects, and they are designed to lead into each other. GCSE Latin prepares you for A Level Latin; GCSE Classical Greek for A Level Classical Greek and Classical Civilisation; GCSE Classical Civilisation for A Level Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and History; and GCSE Ancient History for A Level Ancient History, Classical Civilisation and History. The Classical Civilisation pages confirm all literature sources are provided in English translation, so there's no language barrier to starting as an adult or home-educated learner.
Frequently asked questions
What Classics subjects can private candidates sit at your centre?
Private candidates can sit Latin, Classical Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History at our centre, each at GCSE, AS Level and A Level.
Do any of these subjects have a speaking exam?
None of the twelve Classics qualifications we offer include a speaking exam, unlike our modern foreign languages.
Is there a listening component in any of them?
A Level Latin is the only Classics qualification here with a listening component, for which you bring headphones or earphones with a jack connector. GCSE Latin and AS Level Latin don't include a listening paper.
Which exam board runs these subjects?
OCR runs Classical Greek, Classical Civilisation and Ancient History at every level, while Latin is sat with OCR at GCSE and Edexcel at AS and A Level.
Can I use a dictionary in the exam?
You cannot use a dictionary in any Classics exam here, and Latin and Classical Greek exams are closed book, though extracts from your set texts may appear in the paper.
Do I need to already read Greek or Latin to start at GCSE?
You don't need to read Greek or Latin to start a Classics GCSE, because Classical Civilisation and Ancient History use English translations and GCSE Latin and Classical Greek teach the language from the start.
Ready to book your Classics exam? Choose your subject:
GCSE Latin GCSE Classical Greek GCSE Classical Civilisation GCSE Ancient History AS Level Latin AS Level Classical Greek AS Level Classical Civilisation AS Level Ancient History A Level Latin A Level Classical Greek A Level Classical Civilisation A Level Ancient History
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New to sitting exams outside school or college? Read our full guide to what a private candidate is, or get in touch and our team can talk you through entry deadlines and option choices before you book — entry is always subject to JCQ regulations and the relevant exam board's requirements.