What are Non-Examined Assessments?
Non-examined assessments might sound complicated, but they’re actually a crucial part of many UK qualifications that you should know about. If you’re planning to take GCSEs, A Levels, or other qualifications as a private candidate, understanding these assessments could make the difference between getting the grade you want and missing out entirely.
Many students discover too late that their chosen subjects require more than just sitting an exam at the end of the course. These additional components, known as non-examined assessments, form an essential part of your final grade and cannot be skipped or ignored.
These practical, performance-based components are often referred to as controlled assessment, especially in the context of GCSEs and A Levels, and include tasks like science practicals, history investigations, and language speaking tests.
The good news is that with proper planning and the right support, non-examined assessments can actually work in your favour. They often allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in ways that traditional exams cannot capture, giving you multiple opportunities to showcase your abilities.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about non-examined assessments, from what they involve to how you can successfully complete them, even as a private candidate.
What are non-examined assessments?
Non-examined assessments (NEAs) are components of your qualification that don’t require you to sit a traditional written exam. Instead, these assessments evaluate your practical skills, coursework, fieldwork, or other hands-on activities that demonstrate your understanding of the subject.
The term is quite straightforward - it refers to any part of your qualification structure that doesn’t involve sitting in an exam hall with a question paper. These assessments are designed to test skills and knowledge that cannot be adequately measured through traditional written examinations alone. NEAs are used to assess students' abilities in ways that written exams cannot, such as practical, creative, or oral skills.
The most common examples of non-examined assessments include science practical work, geography fieldwork, art portfolios, music performances, speaking tests in foreign languages, and coursework submissions. Each serves a specific purpose in ensuring you have the practical skills and real-world application abilities that your qualification aims to develop.
What makes NEAs particularly important is that they often carry significant weight in your final grade. Depending on the subject and level, they can account for anywhere from 20% to 60% of your total marks. This means you simply cannot ignore them if you want to achieve your target grade.
For private candidates, NEAs can present unique challenges since you’re not studying within a traditional school environment. However, with the right approach and support, these assessments can be completed successfully and may even give you an advantage over other candidates.
What subjects are covered in non-examined assessments?
Non-examined assessments appear across a wide range of subjects at both GCSE and A Level. Understanding which subjects include these components is essential when planning your studies, particularly as a private candidate. Students should be aware of the qualification requirements for each subject, as some will include a non exam assessment component.
Science subjects
Science subjects heavily rely on practical work to develop your understanding of scientific methods and concepts. At A Level, you’ll need to complete practical endorsements (CPAC) that demonstrate your competency in laboratory techniques. A Level science exams often require these practical endorsements, and Pearson Edexcel is one of the main exam boards offering these qualifications. These include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics practicals that involve conducting experiments, recording observations, and analysing results.
Once you have completed your practicals, you must ensure that all relevant documentation is provided to the appropriate exam centres for endorsement and verification.
GCSE science subjects also include practical components, though the requirements differ between exam boards. Some require direct practical assessment, while others incorporate practical skills into written exam questions based on required practical activities.
Geography and environmental science
Geography A Level requires fieldwork that typically involves a four-day residential trip where you’ll collect primary data for your independent investigation. This fieldwork is essential for developing geographical enquiry skills and understanding how geographical processes work in real environments.
Environmental Science follows a similar pattern, with fieldwork requirements that help you understand environmental systems and human impacts on the natural world.
For students who may find fieldwork requirements challenging, the International GCSE in Geography—offered by providers such as Pearson Edexcel and Cambridge International Education—serves as an alternative qualification that can help them progress without the need for a fieldwork NEA.
English subjects
English qualifications often include speaking and listening components alongside coursework elements. GCSE English Language includes a Speaking, Listening and Communication (SLC) component that must be separately endorsed. The SLC session is a scheduled assessment for the Speaking, Listening, and Communication component, organized by the exam provider to help candidates achieve the required endorsement.
A Level English subjects, such as English Literature and English Language & Literature, typically involve coursework that accounts for a significant portion of your final grade. These literature-related coursework components often require authentication and moderation through approved exam centers or tutors.
Modern foreign languages
Language assessments are formal evaluations of your speaking skills in your chosen language. These assessments typically include role-play scenarios, photo descriptions, and conversations on topics you’ve studied throughout your course.
Qualified and experienced tutors conduct language assessments during a specific assessment window, usually in April and May. Candidates must be available on the specified dates for evaluation.
Entries for language assessments must be made in advance to secure a place within the assessment window.
Creative and practical subjects
Art and Design subjects centre around portfolio development, where you create a body of work that demonstrates your artistic skills and creative development. It is important to work accurately to ensure your portfolio meets examination standards.
Music involves performance assessments and composition work. Food Preparation and Nutrition requires practical cooking assessments where you demonstrate your culinary skills and understanding of nutrition principles. For these subjects, a minimum amount of work or tuition may be required for authentication.
Other subjects
History A Level includes a Historical Enquiry (coursework component), while Astronomy requires observation work that must be verified. Many other subjects include coursework, practical work, or project-based assessments that contribute to your final grade.
What are the benefits of non-examined assessments?
Non-examined assessments offer several advantages that can enhance your learning experience and potentially improve your overall grades. Understanding these benefits can help you approach your NEAs confidently and see them as opportunities rather than obstacles.
Multiple ways to demonstrate knowledge
Traditional exams only capture your performance on one particular day under specific conditions. NEAs allow you to show your understanding and skills over an extended period, reducing the pressure of having everything depend on a single exam performance. This can be particularly beneficial if you're someone who doesn't perform well under the intense time constraints of formal examinations.
Practical skill development
Many subjects require hands-on skills that simply cannot be assessed through written exams alone. Science practicals teach you essential laboratory techniques, geography fieldwork develops research and data collection skills, and language speaking assessments build real communication abilities you'll use beyond your studies.
Coursework flexibility
NEAs often allow you to explore areas of particular interest within your subject. History coursework lets you investigate a topic that fascinates you, while Art portfolios enable you to develop your own creative style and interests. This personalisation can make your studies more engaging and meaningful.
Reduced exam pressure
By spreading your assessment across multiple components, NEAs can reduce the overall pressure on your final written exams. Knowing that you've already secured marks through coursework or practical work can give you confidence going into your exam periods.
Real-world application
Many NEAs mirror the kind of work you might do in higher education or professional settings. Laboratory work prepares you for university science courses, fieldwork develops research skills valuable in many career paths, and project work builds the independent study skills essential for academic and professional success.
Better reflection of ability
Some students simply perform better when they have time to think, research, and develop their ideas rather than responding to questions under exam conditions. NEAs can provide a more accurate picture of your true capabilities and understanding of the subject.
Frequently asked questions
Can I complete my qualification without doing the non-examined assessment?
No, if your chosen qualification includes a non-examined assessment component, you must complete it to receive your final grade. The NEA is an integral part of the qualification structure and cannot be omitted. However, some subjects offer alternative qualifications (such as International GCSEs) that may not include NEA components.
How much of my final grade does the NEA count for?
This varies significantly between subjects and levels. Generally, NEAs can account for anywhere from 20% to 60% of your total grade. For example, A Level science practical endorsements don't contribute marks but appear as a separate endorsement on your certificate, while A Level Geography coursework typically accounts for 20% of your final grade.
When do I need to complete my non-examined assessment?
NEA deadlines vary by subject and exam board, but most have specific submission deadlines throughout the academic year. It's crucial to check these deadlines early in your studies and plan accordingly. Some assessments, like science practicals, need to be completed before your written exams, while others may have deadlines several months before the exam period.
Can I submit NEA work if I'm not studying at a traditional school?
Yes, but you'll need to work through an approved examination centre like Exam Centre Birmingham. As a private candidate, you'll need to ensure your work is properly supervised, authenticated, and submitted according to exam board requirements.
What happens if I miss the NEA deadline?
Missing NEA deadlines can have serious consequences, potentially meaning you cannot receive a grade for that subject in the current exam series. In some cases, you may need to defer your entire qualification to the following year. This is why working with an experienced examination centre is so important.
How do I know what NEA requirements apply to my subjects?
Each exam board publishes detailed specifications for their qualifications, including NEA requirements. However, these can be complex to navigate. Working with an experienced examination centre ensures you have clear guidance on exactly what you need to complete and when.
Can I get help with my NEA work?
The level of support you can receive varies depending on the type of assessment. Some NEAs require independent work with minimal guidance, while others allow for teacher support and feedback during the development process. Understanding these boundaries is crucial to ensure your work meets authenticity requirements.
Take the next step in your educational journey
Non-examined assessments are an integral part of many UK qualifications, offering you opportunities to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in ways that traditional exams simply cannot capture. While they may seem challenging at first, particularly for private candidates, they can actually enhance your learning experience and contribute significantly to your final grades.
The key to success with NEAs lies in understanding their requirements early, planning your approach carefully, and working with experienced professionals who understand the complexities of private candidate assessment. Whether you need access to science laboratories, speaking assessment opportunities, or guidance on coursework requirements, having the right support makes all the difference.
Receive expert guidance from our team
At Exam Centre Birmingham, we're committed to helping private candidates succeed in all aspects of their qualifications, including those crucial non-examined assessment components. Our experienced team, comprehensive facilities, and established partnerships with approved tutors and distance learning providers ensure you have everything you need to excel.
Don't let non-examined assessments become a barrier to achieving your educational goals. Contact our expert team today to discuss your specific requirements and discover how we can support you through every step of your qualification journey. Together, we'll ensure you have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in both your NEAs and your future academic endeavours.
Ready to get started? Contact Exam Centre Birmingham today and let our experienced team guide you toward examination success.