Many home-schooling families dislike the examination system. The cartoon on the right sums up how they feel.

Many nonetheless take exams (though at age 16 and rarely before). At best, they enjoy exam success as a spin-off from studies pursued out of interest and love of learning.

The International General Certificate in Secondary Education is the world’s most popular qualification for 14 to 16 year olds and is offered in as many as 70 subjects.

IGCSEs are assessed by final examination, whereas other exams tie children to continuous assessment at school, so they're favoured by many homeschooling families.

Some schools also prefer these highly-regarded exams, and will often allow homeschooled children to sit the papers alongside internal candidates.

The graded examinations in music are a further boon to home ed families, as the higher grades have a similar value to A/S and A levels. (They appeal to younger home ed children as well as those aged 16 and over.)

Home educated pupils can take their music exams at public centres throughout the UK and further afield. In addition, covid has brought the introduction of filmed and computerised assessments which can be taken at home.

A final thought is that selectors often welcome home-

schooled applicants, irrespective of formal qualifications.

 Tony D Triggs