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Frequently Asked Questions

You may have some questions before you decide to enrol with CloudLearn. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. We believe it is important that you have all the information relating to your course of study before you make a decision to enrol.

Finance

How much will it cost to study with CloudLearn?

The cost will vary depending on which course or courses you choose to study. However, we always strive to be more affordable than our competitors and tend to offer our courses for 15-20% less.

Course fees are displayed on the right hand side of the course page. The total amount can be paid in full or you can choose to spread the cost with one of our monthly instalment plans.

Can I spread the cost of my courses?

Absolutely! A payment plan is the perfect way to help you get started on your studies without the big expense. If you'd like to set up a payment plan, please contact our course advisors on 0330 111 4006 during business hours. Outwith business hours please click here to request an application.

Are there any additional fees after enroling?

We hate hidden costs as much as you do, which is why we try our hardest to give you total costs up front, before you decide to enrol.

If there are any additional fees, for example; Exam fees or registration fees, these will be clearly stated on the course page.

My company is paying for the course - how will this work?

That's not a problem - we can bill your company directly on your behalf. Just give us a contact email and full invoice details (company name, address, person respobsible for payment including email address) and we will invoice the company for payment. As soon as payment in cleared you will receive your login details so you can get started instantly.

Why do you use PayPal?

We accept payments through PayPal because it offers ease of use and world class security for students looking to enrol with CloudLearn.

Are your instalment plans interest free?

No. Interest rates are based on the plan you choose, we will however always offer at least one plan interest free for the students who require this option.

Getting Started

How do I enrol?

Enroling with CloudLearn couldn't be easier. Choose a course on our website and Add to Study Plan. You can then add another course or continue to your Study Plan. Within your Study Plan, you can modify each course to include exams and/or textbooks. Once you are happy with your Plan, you can proceed to payment options.

Once payment has been processed, you will receive your login within 15 minutes of enrolment (during office hours) so you can get started straight away!

When can I get started?

Almost immediately. Enrolments are processed within 15 minutes during office hours. Once you have login details you can get onto CloudPort and start studying. Printed materials can take 5-7 working days to print and despatch.

How does it work?

Why don't you try our free trial for a couple of days and find out how awesome Online learning can be. We are so confident in our learning system we offer a guaranteed pass on GCSE's and A-Levels. We are currently the only UK distance learning provider to offer this guarantee.

What do I need to get started?

With the majority of our learning material delivered Online, you will need to have a device such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet and connectivity to the internet in order to access these materials. If there are any entry requirements these will be advised on the course page itself.

When will I receive my course materials?

You will receive your CloudPort login details within 15 minutes (within office hours), giving you access to all your course materials anytime, anywhere.

If you have chosen printed material, you will receive these within 8-10 working days of enroling.

What format will my course come in?

The majority of our courses are fully digitised and available Online through CloudPort. Please check the course page for details on which format your chosen course will be.

Is an IGCSE the same as a GCSE?

Yes. The only real difference between IGCSE and GCSE is that the IGCSE is made available to international students. Both qualifications are used in the UK by private schools, distance learning and online providers. Apart from that there is no real difference, IGCSEs are recognised as an exact equivalent to the GCSE by UK employers, colleges and universities.

Do I need to have studied GCSEs to study A-Levels?

Not necessarily. Some schools may require students to hold a GCSE certificate, especially for the subjects they are pursuing an A-level in, but this is not an established regulation. However, studying GCSEs and passing GCSE exams is highly recommended before tackling A-Levels, as it will give students a solid grounding in the subject.

Study

How do I study?

Any way you like! Our course materials are available Online in CloudPort or through print, allowing you to choose the format that suits you best. You work through the course one unit at a time, completing activities, interactive assessments and mock exams ensuring you are fully prepared for the final examination.

How is the training delivered?

Our courses are self study courses. Each course contains the learning materials (dictated by the awarding body syllabus), formative assessment and tutor support required to prepare for the examination. Courses are availabe online and in print. All materials are delivered on our VLE, CloudPort, which is accesible on any device.

Can I "Fast-track" my qualification?

Absolutely. We have had students who have completed a GCSE in as little as 4 weeks. This however, requires intensive study. All CloudLearn courses are flexible and can be studied at the pace chosen by the student, allowing you to complete the course within your required timeframe.

How long will it take to study a course?

It all depends on your lifestyle and commitments. Each course has a recommended study time which should be undertaken before sitting the final exam. An IGCSE has a recommended study duration of 120 hours. If you commit 10 hours of studying per week, the course can be completed in 12 weeks.

Will my courses work on any device?

Yes. As long as you have access to the internet our courses are displayed on all devices.

How long do I have to complete my course?

When you enrol on a course you will have access for a period of 12 or 24 months depending on your course of study. You will be allocated a dedicated tutor who will support you for this time.

However, once this support period has passed there’s nothing to stop you taking longer if you need. Course extensions are available at an additional cost: £80 for 6 months, £120 for 12 months or £200 for 24 months.

My child is home-schooled - are these courses suitable?

CloudLearn offer a fantastic solution for anyone looking to homeschool their child. Our GCSE and A-Level courses follow the awarding body specification, so you can relax knowing you are teaching your child the relevant content for the final examination. All of our GCSE and A-Level course materials are available online through CloudPort, however there is also the option to purchase printed study guides. If you purchase the study guides, we would recommend the parent/carer use the printed study guide simultaneously to your child studying the material online.

Is it possible to study overseas?

Yes! One of the main benefits of studying with CloudLearn is you can take your study material anywhere in the world and access it at any time. IGCSE and A-Level exams can be arranged via the British Council in many overseas countries. Follow this link to access the British Council website for more information about taking exams overseas.

Support

What support will I get with my course?

Upon enrolment, you will have access to a student advisor and a dedicated academic tutor.

Your student advisor will support you with any administrative and technical issues. Whilst, your academic tutor will support you with any course related questions you might have.

In addition to this support you will also have access to the student community forum where you can interact with your fellow course students.

Our core methodology of teaching highlights the significance of peer support in the learning process, as a result we encourage all our students to utilise the forums to support their fellow students.

Who is the tutor?

CloudLearn academic tutors are carefully chosen subject matter experts with years of professional experience in their field. All tutors are experienced in teaching and supporting online learning. Your tutor will help you plan your studies and answer any questions about coursework, study materials, assessments and exams, and help you work through any part of the course you might have difficulty with.

Is tutor support delivered by phone?

No. Tutor support is delivered on our Online platform; CloudPort. Students can communicate with their tutor in real time using the online messaging system. Student queries are answered within 1 working day. When support is delivered Online ALL queries and responses are recorded in your profile so that you can refer back whenever required. This is particularly useful during revision periods.

When can I contact my academic tutor?

You can submit any course queries through the support forums 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact your tutor anytime and they will aim to get back to you the same day, at the latest within 1 working day. This is the fastest Online tutorial turnaround time in the UK.

Exams

When are the exam dates?

IGCSEs are sat twice per year, once in May/June and once in Oct/Nov. A-Levels are sat once per year in June. Depending on the awarding body, exam dates will differ. Please refer to our Exam Information page for more details.

For a full breakdown of all exam information, download our Private Candidate Exam Guide.

Where do I take/arrange the exam?

CloudLearn are currently one of the few online providers who will arrange and book your exam, so you don't have to. The CloudLearn Gold Standard Exam Service will make all your exam arrangements. See our dedicated Gold Service page here for a detailed breakdown of all exam information, download our 'Private Candidate Exam Guide' on our dedicated Exam Information page.

Alternatively, use the CloudLearn Centre Finder to locate your nearest exam centre. You are recommended to book the exam at least 6 months in advance of the exam date. Exams are held twice per year, once in May/June and once in Oct/Nov.

How much are exam fees?

Exams fees are addition in cost and are paid directly to the exam centre. Exam fees vary significantly so we always recommend that you 'shop-around' to get the best deal. You should expect to pay upwards of £200 for an IGCSE exam. Full A-Level exams start at around £400 depending on the subject chosen.