Annual fee reviews are an important part of how any organisation evaluates and adjusts the pricing of its services. At arc exams, we follow the same process. However, to ensure openness and transparency, we will always communicate any changes clearly and explain the reasons behind them..
When setting examination entry fees many factors are taken into consideration including;
- The fee charged by the Awarding Organisation to make the subject entry
- The number of examination papers sat for each specification
- The time allowance set aside for each paper
- Anticipated candidate/invigilator ratios for any given exam session
- Speaking test assessments, where required
- Handling and submission of non-examined assessment.
We charge a standard entry fee for each qualification and subject, regardless of which awarding organisation (AO) the candidate is entered with โ even though AOs charge different fees.
Awarding Organisations recently announced their entry fee uplifts for academic year 2025/26.
For the 2025/26 academic year, we have reluctantly increased most of our entry fees by between 3.0% and 3.3%, rounded up to the nearest whole ยฃ1. In nearly all cases, this is below the fee increases announced by Awarding Organisations and also lower than current headline inflation.
So why have we decided to increase our fees? Quite simply, the increase was unavoidable. Alongside rising entry fees from Awarding Organisations, we also have a duty to ensure staff and invigilator salaries/payments remain fair and competitive. Additionally, like many businesses, we are facing higher operational costs โ including rent, utilities, and other essential services
Our typical fee increases remain well below those of many other private examination centres. For example, one centre has recently applied, not announced, a 9% increase across all entry fees, despite already having some of the highest published fees in the sector. Over the past three years, their fees have risen by approximately 28%. In contrast arc exams fees have incraesed, on average, 13% over the same period
While we regret any increase in exam fees, we hope you understand why a modest, measured adjustment has been necessary. Please be assured that we remain committed to keeping our fees as low as possible. Our aim is to ensure fairness, maintain trust, and continue offering long-term value to all our candidates.
At arc exams, we believe in offering transparent and fair pricing, and we encourage you to compare options to ensure you receive the best possible value for you and/or your childrenโs needs.
But watch this space! We will shortly be announcing a number of initiatives that will potentially save money for those of you choosing to book with us.
Why not take a look at our Fees List to see the subjects we offer. Better still, give us a ( on 0121 777 9444 or : us at [email protected]
Great service starts with empathy, grows with trust, and thrives through consistency.