Equal Education Is Now an Official Exam Centre: Everything You Need to Know
We are thrilled to announce that Equal Education has officially become a registered exam centre. This milestone allows us to provide a seamless, supportive, and flexible examination experience for our students. We offer Functional Skills at Level 1 and Level 2 directly through our own exam centre, and Entry Level 3 through our exam provider - both delivered under our awarding body, Open Awards. We also support students sitting GCSEs and A Levels in selected areas.
Our goal has always been to remove barriers to education, and by managing the exam process in-house, we can ensure that every student feels confident and well-supported when it matters most.
We recently caught up with our Exams Lead, Charlotte Steward, to discuss what this means for our community. She answers the most common questions about what to expect on the day, how we tailor support for individual needs, and how we ensure every student has the best possible environment to succeed.
Read on to find out more about the steps involved and Charlotte’s top tips for exam day.
The "Big News" & Quality Assurance
The Milestone: "Equal Education is now an official exam centre! What does this mean for our students, and how does it change their experience with us?"
Becoming an official exam centre means that we can now provide a full end-to-end journey for our students, from tuition right through to exam delivery. This creates a more consistent experience where students are supported by the same tutor/s throughout their learning and assessments. It also helps us to tailor the whole process more effectively to each student, making it more personal and supportive.
The Standards: "We’ve partnered with Open Awards as our awarding body. Why did we choose them, and how does their Ofqual regulation benefit the students?"
As an Ofqual-regulated awarding body, Open Awards provides our students with the confidence that their qualifications are nationally recognised and of the highest quality. We chose them because we have had consistently positive experiences working with them through an exam provider in the past. Also, a not-for-profit charity, their values align closely with ours, particularly around accessibility and inclusivity.
Practical Logistics
Remote Flexibility: "Our exams are delivered via live online invigilation. How does this remote setup work, and what kind of support can a learner expect from an invigilator during the test?"
Students can take their exams at home, which makes the process much more comfortable and accessible. There will be an online invigilator to supervise the exam, so there’s no need for anyone to visit their home. They’re there to guide the process, ensure everything runs smoothly, and provide reassurance if needed.
Booking Ease: "What does the booking process look like for a parent or carer? How much flexibility do they have when choosing a date?"
It’s quite straightforward. The process starts with a phone call with me to talk through the exam entry, access arrangements and make sure the student has the right technical equipment. Once that’s all confirmed, parents or carers can choose the month they’d like the exam to take place. Then I share available dates and times, and they can pick what works best for them.
The Results: "Once the exam is over, how long does it usually take for learners to receive their results and certificates?"
Results are normally received within 10-16 working days. If the student passes, they’ll receive an e-certificate around a week later, followed by a hard copy certificate. The hard copy certificate can take a bit longer to reach us from the exam board - potentially up to around 20 working days. . Once we’ve received it, we will send it directly to the student's home address.
Supporting Every Learner
Access Arrangements: "For learners with SEND, what kind of 'Access Arrangements' can we provide to ensure they have a level playing field?"
We offer a range of access arrangements depending on the student’s needs, including extra time, a reader, a scribe or a trusted adult. Our aim is to remove barriers so every student can demonstrate their ability fairly. We work closely with families, tutors and clients to make sure the right support is in place.
Personalised Support: "We offer things like readers, scribes, and even 'trusted persons' in the exam. Can you explain how these roles help reduce exam anxiety?"
These roles help create a more supportive and less intimidating environment for the student. Having someone familiar or having additional support in place can ease pressures and help students focus on the questions rather than the process. Ultimately, it allows them to perform at their best without unnecessary stress.
Second Chances: "If a learner doesn't pass on their first try, what is our policy for resits?"
Students are absolutely able to re-sit if needed. In line with exam board regulations, there is a two-week gap between attempts - a time we use for review and to support the student. During this period, tutors work closely with the student to provide extra guidance and encouragement, ensuring they feel confident, prepared, and fully backed for their next attempt.
Charlotte’s Expert Tips
Preparation: "What is the one piece of advice you’d give to a learner to help them feel prepared and confident on exam day?"
My biggest piece of advice is to focus on being prepared rather than perfect. Make sure you know what to expect, check your equipment in advance and give yourself time to settle before the exam starts. Confidence often comes from feeling organised and supported.
The Environment: "How can parents and carers help create the perfect 'exam setting' at home?"
Creating a quiet, comfortable space free from distractions can make a big difference. It’s also helpful to ensure all equipment is ready and working ahead of time. Most importantly, offering reassurance and keeping things calm can really help a student feel at ease.
