We often receive enquiries asking, ‘can you take GCSEs early?’ The simple answer is ‘yes’. At Wolsey Hall Oxford we very much believe that children should be studying at the right stage, rather than the level dictated by their age. Read on to find out what this involves.
Some of our students are studying for their GCSE levels earlier than the typical age of 16-years-old. It may be the case that they do this for all their subjects, or just the ones that they are more advanced in. Gifted students often take their GCSE levels early and benefit from homeschooling for a number of reasons. They are able to progress through their courses at a pace dictated by them but they also like to explore subjects in greater depth. Many of our gifted students find traditional classroom learning too slow.
Students achieving GCSE levels early
Eddie is a track cyclist but also a gifted student. He left Primary school and transferred to homeschooling with Wolsey Hall. He went straight into studying four GCSE level subjects and took his exams aged just 13. He then went on to study for other GCSE level courses. Read more about Eddie’s progression.
Twelve-year-old Oliver is also homeschooling in the UK and taking his GCSE levels early. He’s made a video about how this works.
Education to suit you
We also have students who take some GCSE level courses earlier with us while still attending a mainstream school. This combination enables them to achieve the GCSE level in subjects they are advanced in, while studying at a more regular pace for their other education. It can also free up time later on to enable them to take extra GCSE levels and widen their knowledge.
Fourteen-year-old Sofia is studying A level Maths, GCSE level Chemistry, Biology and English with Wolsey Hall. She also attends her local school in Italy. This combined education has worked well for her. Students sometimes choose this option too if their school doesn’t offer a particular subject. This is called supplementary education and can fit around other study commitments.
