UCAS Centre Services
We act as your registered UCAS centre — providing predicted grades, references and application support for private candidates applying to university.
UCAS for private candidates
If you are not enrolled at a school or college, you cannot apply to university through UCAS as an independent applicant in the usual way — you need a registered centre to handle your application. Ark Exam Centre provides this service for candidates who are:
- Home-educated
- Sitting A Levels privately
- Returning to education as an adult
- Studying via a distance learning provider
What we provide
- UCAS registration: We register as your centre on UCAS Hub
- Predicted grades: Based on mock results, coursework and our assessment
- Applicant reference: Written by our centre's head of examinations
- Application guidance: Advice on course choices, personal statements and deadlines
Important: UCAS applications for entry in the following academic year typically open in September. Deadlines for Oxford, Cambridge and Medicine are in October. Contact us well in advance to ensure your application is ready.
Key UCAS Dates
September
UCAS application cycle opens
15 October
Oxford, Cambridge & Medicine deadline
January
Main UCAS deadline for most courses
March
UCAS Extra opens (if no offers)
July
Clearing begins after A Level results
Applying to university?
Get in touch early — UCAS references and predicted grades take time to prepare properly.