👩🏻💻 The list we wish we’d had when we were starting out…
Our favourite resources for home schooling GCSEs: Books, apps and websites
For some, home schooling teens means a much more flexible education away from academics. Teenagers might tackle vocational qualifications, or even start their own business.
For others, the wish to attend a college or make a university application one day means that they still might need to make sure they have the right qualifications, usually GCSEs in the UK, to get in to the further education setting of their choice and study their A-Level exams or other qualifications.
One of the advantages of home education is that your teen doesn't have to cram eight or nine GCSEs into a two-year period. Working together with your teen, you can spread out the qualifications over more years, start them early and even choose from a wider range than might have been available to you in school.
Home schooling teenagers for their GCSEs can be a rewarding but challenging experience. With the right tools and resources, you can create a structured, engaging, and effective learning environment tailored to your child’s needs. This guide explores the best books, apps, and websites that we've found for home educating GCSE students in the UK, helping you navigate the journey with more confidence.
This is the list we wish we'd had, when we started our journey.
Why choosing the right resources matters
GCSEs are a pivotal milestone in many children's education, providing the foundation for future studies and career opportunities. Homeschooling allows you to customise the curriculum to suit your teen’s learning style and pace, but it also means you’ll need to carefully select resources that align with the syllabus and exam board requirements whether that's for GCSEs or iGCSE exams. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to change your approach, the following resources can support your efforts.
Our favourite books for GCSE Home Education
Books remain a helpful part of any GCSE curriculum for many teenagers. Here are some of our favourites:
1. CGP Revision Guides
Widely regarded as the gold standard for GCSE exam preparation, CGP books cover a range of subjects, including Maths, English, Science, and Humanities. These guides are concise, easy to understand, and packed with practice questions to reinforce learning. They are tailored to specific exam boards, so ensure you select the right version depending on which exam they're going to sit.
2. Oxford University Press Textbooks
Oxford’s educational textbooks are high-quality resources that align closely with GCSE specifications. Subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are well-covered, with clear explanations and engaging visuals. Visit Oxford University Press.
3. Letts GCSE Success Books
Letts Revision Guides provide revision guides and workbooks designed to complement CGP materials. Their books often include tips for tackling common exam questions and advice on how to structure answers for maximum marks.
4. Shakespeare and Other Set Texts
If your child is studying English Literature, investing in annotated versions of set texts like Macbeth or An Inspector Calls can make literary analysis more accessible. Look for editions with study notes and practice questions.
Best apps for GCSE learning
Apps are an excellent way to supplement traditional learning methods, offering interactive and engaging content in a space where your teenager is already spending time. Here are some of the best apps for GCSE students:
1. Seneca Learning
This free app is a favourite among GCSE students and parents. Seneca Learning offers interactive courses across all major subjects, using techniques like active recall to boost retention. Seneca also adapts to your child’s performance, providing targeted revision.
2. Quizlet
Quizlet allows students to create flashcards and quizzes or use pre-made ones for GCSE topics. This is ideal for memorising key terms, dates, and formulas.
3. My GCSE Science
Tailored specifically for GCSE Science, My GCSE Science offers video lessons, quizzes, and exam-style questions. It’s especially helpful for students who need visual explanations to grasp complex concepts.
4. BBC Bitesize App
The BBC Bitesize app provides concise and engaging resources for all GCSE subjects. It’s perfect for quick revision sessions and includes quizzes to test knowledge.
Top education websites for GCSE home education
The internet is a treasure trove of amazing education resources aimed at GCSE level. Here are some of the best websites to explore:
1. BBC Bitesize
This comprehensive platform offers free resources tailored to specific GCSE exam boards. With videos, notes, and quizzes across a range of subjects, it’s an invaluable tool for revision and self-study. Visit BBC Bitesize.
2. Save My Exams
Save My Exams provides high-quality revision notes, practice papers, and model answers. The premium subscription offers detailed solutions and explanations, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking extra support.
3. EdPlace
EdPlace offers interactive activities and practice papers for Maths, English, and Science. The platform also provides progress tracking, allowing parents to monitor their child’s achievements.
4. Twinkl
Although primarily aimed at younger students, Twinkl has a growing library of GCSE resources, including worksheets, lesson plans, and revision materials. It’s particularly helpful for parents looking to create structured lessons.
5. £2 Tuition Hub
The £2 Tuition Hub offers affordable, live online tuition for GCSE students in academic subjects. It’s a budget-friendly option for those looking for additional tuition support but where budget won't stretch to expensive private tutors. Sadly there is no financial assistance available for homeschooled children, unless they have an education and care plan.
6. AWE Education
AWE Education specialises in online homeschooling for GCSEs. Their structured programmes are designed to help students achieve their academic potential in a flexible, supportive environment. They'll even help you with mock exams and finding your local exam centre.
Tips for Home Educating GCSE Students
1. Align with Exam Boards
Before purchasing resources, confirm which exam board your child is following (e.g., AQA, Edexcel, OCR). This ensures the materials are relevant to their national curriculum syllabus. It's important to remember that there are additional exam fees when you register them for their final exams.
2. Create a Study Schedule
Set a realistic timetable that balances core subjects, revision, and extracurricular activities. Regular breaks and variety in learning methods can help maintain focus.
3. Use Past Papers
Practising with past exam papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare for GCSEs. Education websites like Save My Exams and exam board websites offer free downloads.
4. Incorporate Practical Learning
Field trips, science experiments, and hands-on projects can make learning more engaging and memorable. For example, visits to historical sites can bring history lessons to life.
5. Keep a record
We'd recommend keeping a record of everything your child has been learning and all of the activities homeschooled children have taken part in, especially if they have joined permanent home education. This can be really helpful later on if they're writing personal statements for a university application.
5. Join a Homeschooling Network
Connecting with other homeschooling families can provide valuable support, resource recommendations, and opportunities for group learning activities.
Conclusion
Home schooling GCSEs offers a unique opportunity to tailor your child’s education to their strengths and interests. With the right mix of books, apps, and websites, you can create a well-rounded learning experience that sets them up for success. Whether you’re focusing on core subjects or exploring creative extracurricular activities, these resources ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive.
By combining traditional and digital tools, staying organised, and tapping into the homeschooling community, you can confidently guide your teenager through their GCSE journey.
