12 Practical Endorsements - A Level Chemistry for Summer 2027 Exams.

Private candidates can complete the A Level Chemistry 12 practical endorsement with our JCQ-approved centre (centre number 20212). It is reported as a separate Pass and follows the AQA framework, which Edexcel and OCR also accept.

Practical work is a key aspect of studying Chemistry and this is reflected by 15% of the marks on the theory papers for A Level Chemistry exams coming from questions based on practical skills. In addition, students taking A Level Chemistry are required to undertake the 12 practical endorsement which is reported separately on the exam certificate as a Pass.

Our JCQ-approved centre (centre number 20212) offers bespoke A Level Chemistry 12 practical courses which take place at our conveniently located centre in Birmingham. The course is led by experienced Chemistry teachers, all of whom are currently teaching A Level Chemistry in mainstream schools, colleges and universities.

Our centre has a fully equipped Science laboratory that has been newly refurbished for this year, which, along with the newly refurbished classroom, provides the perfect environment for students to develop their practical skills and knowledge. With 12 places for each course the student numbers at each session are low, so students can expect plenty of support throughout the programme.

We will record your progress over the duration of the course and ensure that you are fully involved in the process, giving advice and guidance where required to maximise your chances of achieving the pass criteria.

Running the course over four days (two consecutive weekends) allows time for the teachers to work closely with students and the structure of the course means that all the required competencies are assessed multiple times.

At the end of the course, in addition to an improved knowledge of 12 practical skills, you will have a completed lab book which will provide you with an invaluable revision resource for the practical questions in the A Level Chemistry exams.

Our Chemistry practical endorsement course follows the AQA framework, but as the practical skills are common across all exam boards, the result can be used by any student as a demonstration of their practical competence.

Our A Level Chemistry practical skills course is accepted by all major exam boards including AQA, Edexcel and OCR.

What is the A Level practical endorsement?
It is a separate result, reported as a Pass on the A Level certificate alongside the grade. It confirms that the candidate has met the practical competencies across the 12 required practicals, and it does not affect the A Level grade.

Can private candidates do the A Level science practical endorsement?
Yes. Private and home-educated candidates complete it on the centre's exam-board-approved four-day course. The course follows the AQA framework and is accepted for AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel A Level sciences.

Where are the practical sessions held?
All practical sessions take place in the centre's science laboratory at 40 Showell Green Lane, Sparkhill, Birmingham B11 4JP. Written A Level papers are sat separately at the exam hall.

How long does the practical endorsement course take?
The course lasts four days. Biology and Chemistry run over two consecutive weekends, and Physics runs over four weekdays.

I already hold the practical endorsement from a previous entry. Do I need to take it again?
No. A practical endorsement is held and carried forward until the specification changes, so a candidate who already holds it is not required to repeat the practical work. To carry it forward, give us the UCI number used when you originally took the subject, together with evidence of the original result. If you have changed awarding organisation since, select the board with which the endorsement was achieved. Please tell us before booking a session, so that you do not pay for practical work you do not need to repeat.

What happens during the practical sessions?
The endorsement is reported separately as a Pass and does not contribute to your A Level grade. Because it is an endorsement rather than an assessment, teaching is permitted during the sessions: the teacher can demonstrate, guide technique and help any candidate who is unsure. Our sessions are accepted for AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel A Level science subjects.

Will I need to complete any work before attending the practical course?
Before attending the course you will be sent a welcome pack. As one of the practical criteria is to demonstrate research skills you will be asked to do some preliminary research and preparation which will need to be brought to the practical sessions. It will be beneficial if you are familiar with the Science related to each practical although the teachers will be able to provide additional guidance and instruction to ensure that you are able to carry out the practical work.

If I only want an A Level grade do I need to complete the practical endorsement?
All exam boards expect that a student entering for A Level Science completes the relevant practical endorsement. Additionally, university offers will normally include the requirement that you pass the practical endorsement.

Can I book my practical endorsement with the centre but take my exams elsewhere?
This is an approach that we can support, but before booking the practical endorsements please ensure that you check with your entering centre that they will accept this and obtain a confirmation. Upon successful completion of the practical requirements, we will provide the alternative centre with a completion letter and a copy of the CPAC tracking grid.

What do I need to do to pass the practical endorsement?
To pass the practical endorsement you need to demonstrate that you can consistently meet the standards of all of the practical competencies (shown on pages 25-26 of the AQA practical handbook here). Our courses are structured so that you will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate each of the competencies.

What happens if I fail the practical endorsement?
As you progress through the four days of the course the teacher will provide regular feedback on your progress and how to improve as required. If, despite this, you are unable to achieve all of the competencies the teacher and staff at the centre will be able to discuss further options with you.

What do I need to bring to the practical sessions?
We provide lab books which include lined paper and graph paper where appropriate for recording your practical work. You will need to bring stationery and a calculator. Lab coats and safety goggles are provided but please ensure that you are appropriately dressed for working in a laboratory, including suitable footwear (no open-toed shoes). Tea and coffee are available at the centre but we suggest you bring a packed lunch although there are food outlets nearby.