Computer Science for Private Candidates: How GCSE, IGCSE, AS and A-Level Assessment Differs

Last updated: 1 October 2026

Private candidates at our Birmingham centre can sit Computer Science at GCSE, IGCSE, AS Level and A Level, but each level is assessed differently. Two levels are exam-only, one requires you to confirm practical programming experience before you sit it, and one carries a compulsory programming project that only our own specialist can mark. Here's what each level involves, drawn from our own subject pages rather than assumed from one level to the next.

Can private candidates sit Computer Science exams at your centre?

Private candidates can sit Computer Science with us at GCSE, IGCSE, AS Level and A Level, though the exam board changes depending on the level. GCSE Computer Science is offered with AQA and OCR, IGCSE Computer Science with Pearson, and AS and A Level Computer Science with OCR only. The four qualifications build on each other, and GCSE Computer Science is excellent preparation for A Level Computer Science.

Level	Exam board(s)	Coursework	Practical programming
GCSE	AQA or OCR	None	You confirm prior experience
IGCSE	Pearson	None	Tested live in Paper 2 on a laptop
AS Level	OCR	None	Written exams only
A Level	OCR	Compulsory programming project	Assessed through the project

Does GCSE Computer Science involve any coursework?

GCSE Computer Science has no coursework, but you must confirm to us that you've completed practical programming tasks before you sit it. It is assessed entirely by written exam, with no practical programming test, but the exam boards require genuine programming experience. In the exam you may be asked to write short programmes in code or pseudocode, but nothing is typed on a computer. For AQA GCSE Computer Science you must select the correct programming language option when you book, since the wrong choice means receiving a paper written around a different language. No calculator is allowed, though an HB pencil is permitted for graphs and diagrams.

How is IGCSE Computer Science different from GCSE for a private candidate?

IGCSE Computer Science differs from GCSE because it includes a practical programming exam sat on a laptop, so no evidence of prior programming experience is needed. Paper 2 has no fixed timetabled date; it's sat on a day within a window at the start of the first week of June, and you're told the exact time by email. On the day you're given a laptop with Pearson's source code and your chosen language — Python, C# or Java — already installed, and your finished work is uploaded to Pearson's secure assessment website. Select your programming language correctly when booking, since the wrong choice means being given the wrong source code. No calculator is permitted for Paper 1.

Does A Level Computer Science require coursework, and can a tutor do it?

A Level Computer Science requires a compulsory programming project, and we cannot accept coursework completed with a tutor for this subject. If you select the "Coursework Required" option when you book, our A Level Computer Science specialist contacts you with the deadlines and a planning presentation, checks your progress at a midpoint, and then marks, authenticates and gives feedback on the finished work. You choose your own project, provided it has a significant programming element, but the specialist must confirm your proposal meets the exam board's criteria before you start. The service covers marking and authentication, not teaching.

If you're resitting, you can carry your original coursework forward using the UCI number from your original entry and evidence the coursework was completed. OCR's carry-forward arrangements explain that NEA results can be carried forward using the relevant carry-forward entry code. For more on coursework, see our guide to non-examined assessments.

Does AS Level Computer Science also require coursework?

AS Level Computer Science has no coursework at all, because it is assessed by written exams only despite being the same subject as the A Level. That makes it the more straightforward route if you want to avoid the project. AS Level Computer Science is a separate, stand-alone qualification, so it doesn't give you any programming project credit if you later move up to the full A Level.

What do I need to bring to a Computer Science exam?

For a Computer Science exam you should bring an HB pencil for graphs and diagrams, and a ruler and eraser at AS and A Level, but no calculator for the main written papers. GCSE answers must be written in black pen. The main preparation is administrative: confirming your programming experience for GCSE, selecting the correct programming language for GCSE and IGCSE, and getting your A Level project proposal approved well before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Can I complete my A Level Computer Science coursework with a private tutor?

You cannot complete your A Level Computer Science coursework with a private tutor, because it has to be planned, checked and submitted through our own centre specialist.

Does GCSE Computer Science have any coursework?

GCSE Computer Science has no coursework and is assessed entirely by written exam, but you must confirm to us that you've completed practical programming tasks independently before sitting.

What happens in Paper 2 of IGCSE Computer Science?

IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2 is a practical on-screen exam sat on a centre-provided laptop with the source code and programming software installed. It's held within a window at the start of the first week of June, and your finished work is uploaded to Pearson afterwards.

Is AS Level Computer Science assessed the same way as A Level?

AS Level Computer Science is assessed differently from A Level, with written exams only and no coursework, while the A Level carries a compulsory programming project marked by our specialist.

Which exam boards do you offer Computer Science with?

We offer Computer Science with AQA and OCR at GCSE, Pearson at IGCSE, and OCR only at AS Level and A Level.

Can I carry my A Level Computer Science coursework forward if I'm resitting?

You can carry your A Level Computer Science coursework forward on a resit if you give us the UCI number from your original entry and evidence the coursework was completed.

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 option choices and deadlines before you book — entry is always subject to JCQ regulations and the relevant exam board's requirements.