Ask your teacher, or check a past paper or mock your school gave you. Then use the qualification search to find the specification.
Should I revise for Foundation or Higher?
Your teacher decides your tier entry. Revise the content for the tier you're entered for, and ask if you're unsure.
When are my exams?
Exam dates depend on your board and subject and are published in your school's timetable. You can add your own date to the GCSE countdown.
A level
How is Year 13 different from Year 12?
In most subjects, A level exams at the end of Year 13 cover content from both years, so keep revisiting Year 12 topics.
What's the practical endorsement?
In A level sciences in England, practical skills are reported separately as a pass or not classified, alongside your grade.
BTEC
How are BTECs assessed?
Through a mix of internally assessed assignments and external assessments (exams or set tasks). The mix depends on your qualification size and version.
Where do I find sample assessments?
On your qualification's page on the Pearson website. See the BTEC hub.
T Levels
What is a T Level?
A two-year Level 3 technical qualification with a core component, an occupational specialism and an industry placement of at least 315 hours.
Who awards my T Level?
Each T Level has one awarding organisation. It's shown on the T Levels hub and on the DfE subject pages.
Level 2 and Level 3
Is my qualification still available?
Availability and funding change. Check its status in the qualification search and ask your college.
What are Functional Skills?
Practical English and maths qualifications from Entry Level to Level 2, often taken alongside college courses and apprenticeships.
Past papers
Why can't I find the most recent papers?
Boards often restrict recent papers to teachers for a time after the exam. We link to the official finders and follow their release schedules.
Does IlluminatED host past papers?
No. Papers, mark schemes and examiner reports stay on the exam boards' websites, under their terms.
Data and sources
Where does qualification data come from?
Ofqual's public Register of Regulated Qualifications (England). It lists qualifications, not their full teaching content.
Can the statistics predict my grades?
No. DfE statistics describe groups of pupils. They can't predict an individual result.
Is Wikipedia content reliable for exams?
Use it as background only. Your specification and course materials decide what you need to know.
Accounts and your data
Do I need an account?
Yes, but it's free. A free account unlocks the topic pages, quizzes, flashcards, planner and your dashboard of progress by topic. It also lets you request a tutor and post on IlluminatEDSocial. You need to be 13 or over.
Will my progress sync to my phone?
Yes. Quiz scores are saved to your account, so they follow you when you sign in on another device. A few things, like your revision planner, are saved in each browser separately. You can clear them on the Your data page.
How much does a tutor cost?
It depends on the kind of help and how quickly you need it. See the tutoring page for prices. Sending a request doesn't charge you anything.
