Our favourite resources for home educating at GCSE level
The list I wish I'd had when we were starting out
If your home schooled teen has decided to do GCSEs, it can feel a bit like stepping into the unknown. Unlike in school where all of the resources are handed to them on a plate, as home educators we have to sift through endless websites, books and apps to find the right fit. It can feel overwhelming - but it also gives you the opportunity to shape your teen’s learning around their needs and interests.
My teen, for example, decided to do GCSEs because they want to eventually move on to a Level 3 qualification at college and for that they discovered they’ll need five GCSEs including Maths and English. After a lot of research, they’re now studying history, art, film studies and classical civilisation as well, because they want to. And this internal motivation (rather than the external motivators used at school) has made all the difference.
I’ve pulled together the resources that have made the biggest difference on our journey so far - everything from revision guides to interactive apps and lesser-known gems. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for new tools, I really hope that this list will help you support your teen with their learning, if GCSEs are what they want to do.
🌐 Our favourite websites for GCSE home education
There’s a wealth of excellent websites offering free and paid resources at GCSE level in the UK. Here are some we have found particularly helpful:
BBC Bitesize:
A go-to for free, high-quality revision materials. With exam-board-specific content, it offers videos, notes, and quizzes across all subjects. Visit BBC Bitesize.
Save My Exams
If you’re looking for detailed practice papers and model answers, Save My Exams is really worth exploring. Their premium subscription also gives access to expert explanations and detailed solutions. We’ve used this for subjects that my teen finds more challenging. Visit Save My Exams.
EdPlace
This app is great for tracking progress. EdPlace offers interactive activities and practice papers for Maths, English, and Science, helping your teen to practice their skills and helping you to monitor their achievements. Visit EdPlace.
AWE Education
For structured, online GCSE homeschooling, AWE Education provides full programmes with mock exams and support finding local exam centres. We followed AWE’s chemistry course and are now doing their Film Studies GCSE. Visit the AWE site.
£2 Tuition Hub
Affordable, live online tuition for GCSE subjects. It’s a budget-friendly option if your child needs extra support but you can’t stretch to costly private tutors. We used £2 Tuition Hub to get my teen through their Maths GCSE. Visit £2 Tuition Hub.
Pebble
Pebble is a simple, supportive tool that helps home-educating families keep track of their children’s learning. Whether you follow a structured curriculum or a more flexible, child-led approach, Pebble makes it easy to log activities, reflect on progress, and generate useful reports - all in one secure place. Designed to reduce admin and celebrate learning in all its forms, Pebble gives you more time and headspace to focus on what really matters.
📱 Our favourite apps for GCSE Learning
Apps offer a flexible way to revise on the go, making learning more interactive and memorable. Plus our teens are much more used to using apps that we are! Here are some of our favourites:
Seneca Learning
Perfect for GCSE students, Seneca offers interactive courses with clever memory-boosting techniques like active recall. It adapts to your child’s performance, providing targeted revision. Visit Seneca Learning.
Quizlet
Flashcards and quizzes galore. Your teen can create their own or use pre-made sets to drill key terms, dates, and formulas - a brilliant tool for quick, effective revision. Visit Quizlet.
My GCSE Science
If Science is on the syllabus, this app is a must. With video lessons, quizzes and exam-style questions, it’s especially helpful for visual learners tackling complex concepts. Visit My GCSE Science.
BBC Bitesize App
A classic for a reason. The app covers all major subjects with easy-to-digest notes, videos and quizzes. It’s ideal for short, effective revision sessions. Visit BBC Bitesize.
📚 Our favourite books for GCSE home education
Books remain a cornerstone of effective GCSE study. These are the ones we’ve found most useful so far:
CGP Revision Guides
These are known to be the gold standard for GCSE preparation whether you’re in school or home educated. Clear, concise and packed with practice questions, these guides cover all of the major subjects, from Maths and English to Science and Humanities. Make sure you select the right exam board version (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, etc.) to align with your teen’s courses.
Oxford University Press Textbooks
Oxford’s textbooks are thorough and align closely with GCSE specifications. Subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are particularly well-covered with clear explanations and helpful visuals.
Letts GCSE Success Books
A great companion to CGP, Letts books offer revision guides and workbooks with tips on tackling common exam questions. Their answer structure guides help teens maximise their marks.
Set Texts with Study Notes
For English Literature, annotated versions of texts like Macbeth or An Inspector Calls can be game-changers. Look for editions with study notes and sample questions - they make literary analysis far more accessible.
💡 More tips for home educating GCSE students
1. Align with exam boards
Check your child’s exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, etc.) before buying resources. This ensures they’re studying the right content.
2. Create a study schedule if that works for your teen
If your teen likes a bit of structure, help them plan regular study sessions, balancing core subjects, revision and breaks.
3. Use past papers
Past papers are one of the most effective revision tools. Sites like Save My Exams offer free downloads and practising with them helps teens get familiar with exam formats. Many tutors and online tuition groups will offer paper marking and mock exams for a small additional fee.
4. Incorporate practical learning
Learning doesn’t have to be confined to books. Field trips, science experiments and creative projects bring subjects to life and make concepts more memorable.
5. Keep a record
Document your teen’s learning activities. This can be invaluable when applying for college or writing personal statements. Plus, it shows how much they’ve achieved along the way.
6. Join a homeschooling network
Connect with other home educators for support, resource swaps and group study opportunities. You’ll find valuable insights and camaraderie.
💬 What resources can you recommend?
Home educating for GCSEs is both a challenge and a privilege. With the right mix of resources and support, you can create a personalised learning experience that plays to your teen’s strengths.
I hope this list makes the road ahead a little smoother - whether you’re just starting out or refining your approach. What resources have you found helpful for GCSE home education? Share your recommendations in the comments! 👇