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TLDR
With NEC’s flexible online GCSE and A level courses, you can sit selected GCSE and A level exams in November – not just in the summer. Whether you are looking to improve your grade, resit GCSE English or GCSE Maths, or balancing study of an online course with other commitments, November exam sittings allow you to fit your exam schedule around your individual circumstances. Selected GCSE and IGCSE subjects and our International A level online courses have November exam sittings. NEC’s Exams Team will handle your registration, access arrangements, and additional support needs. Start your online distance learning course at any time, and choose the exam sitting that suits you.
When it comes to studying GCSEs or A levels through online learning, flexibility is key. The ability to study on your own terms — when, where and how you want — is central to the experience. But the choices don’t end there — they also apply to sitting your exams.
While the summer exam season remains the traditional route in most schools and colleges, NEC learners have additional options. For many of our online GCSE and A level courses, exams can also be taken in the autumn, with exam sittings available in November alongside the usual May/June series.
Why Flexible Exam Sittings Matter
The added flexibility can make a real difference, enabling you to work your GCSE or A level exam schedule around your individual needs and circumstances.
You might be:
- Working towards a higher grade for a university application
- Completing a qualification to support career progression
- Balancing studies with work, health or family commitments
- Wanting to move faster — or take more time — with your learning
With flexible exam dates you don’t have to fit life around an exam schedule. You are in the driving seat.
A Real Learner Experience: Why Andrew Chose a November Exam Sitting
This was important for NEC student Andrew, featured in a previous blog, who after studying NEC’s online IGSCE Chemistry course, chose to take his exam in November.
“I studied the first 8 sections of my IGCSE Chemistry course between November 2022 and April 2023 then took a long break of four months until September 2023 due to family commitments. When I came back to my studies I worked on the last 2 sections of the course — which I considered the most difficult – and decided to sit my exam in November 2023”. – Andrew
Having a choice to sit his GCSE exam in November allowed Andrew to manage his family commitments — without compromising his academic goals.
Which GCSEs and A levels have November Exam Sittings?
NEC offers the option of November exam sittings for the following subjects:
- Maths
- English Language
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Maths
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Maths
- Physics
NEC is a Pearson Online School and can also offer remotely invigilated exams for selected Pearson Edexcel subjects.
Resitting English & Maths in November
November exam sittings are also available for students taking NEC’s online GCSE Maths and English resit courses — available to enrol on from May. If you narrowly missed your target grade or need to meet specific requirements for work or university, this can be a very effective way forward.
Functional skills: Exam Sittings in November – and Beyond
NEC’s Functional Skills exams can be taken at any time of year, including November. Assessment is online, with a pass at Level 2 in Maths and English equivalent to a Grade 4 gained through NEC’s online GSCE courses. The perfect solution for learners preferring a more practical approach to these core subjects.
How do I register for November Exams with NEC?
November exam bookings are taken care of by NEC’s dedicated Exams Team who will:
- communicate directly with the exam centre
- apply for any access arrangements
- manage course practical requirements
- ensure non-exam assessments are compliant
- support you throughout the exam registration process
For students sitting exams outside the UK, NEC can help identify an approved centre, confirm exam board availability and liaise with the centre to confirm entries and arrangements.
More detailed information is available in NEC’s Exams Handbook.
Plan Ahead for Specific Needs: Access Arrangements & Additional Support
NEC has decades of experience supporting learners who require access arrangements or additional exam support.
If you have specific requirements, we recommend letting us know as early as possible. This gives the best chance of securing your preferred exam session and centre. We will guide through the process, ensuring you are made aware of all relevant timelines.
What About Fees for November Exams?
Exam fees are usually additional to course fees and vary by subject, centre and exam board.
NEC is transparent about costs and does not profit from exam services — fees only cover what is necessary to deliver high-quality support.
Flexible Enrolment, Flexible Exams: Start Anytime and Choose When to Take Exams
With most of NEC’s online distance learning courses open for enrolment all year round, there is no need to wait until September to get started. You can begin your studies when it suits you — and choose an exam date that works around your schedule.
Your goals. Your timeline. Your way.
Speak to our Course Advice Team to find out more about NEC’s flexible learning options or November exam sittings. We’d love to help you plan your next steps.