A Levels Private Candidate Programme
Considering Retaking A levels?
Lighthouse is the only programme in Singapore specially catered to private candidates only.
Featured on Straits Times ❤️
80% of private candidates don’t do better than they did the previous round.
90
100% of our private candidates did
%
scored an A or B for ‘A’ Levels
100
%
of our students saw
an increase in RPs
12.3
Average increase in RPs
*Stats are only for Private Candidates, excludes our J2 regular students. Our stats include students who started with S and Us for A levels.
Most Private Candidates Don’t do better than the previous time.
But here’s how we do it
Pitfalls
Lack of Structured Learning
Studying alone can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to start, what to focus on, or how to pace yourself. Without a structured plan, many students waste time on familiar topics while missing key areas that actually matter in exams.
No Regular Assessments and Checkpoints
Most private candidates don’t realize they aren’t exam-ready until it’s too late. Doing past papers isn’t enough—you need structured mock exams to simulate the real thing.
Loneliness and Isolation
Retaking A-Levels can feel lonely when you don’t have classmates or a support system. Without motivation, it’s easy to procrastinate, self-doubt, or burn out.
How we help
Structured Classes + Homework Programme
On top of our weekly classes, our private candidates are given weekly homework. Every week, you’ll receive fully marked homework with detailed expert feedback—so you know exactly where you’re losing marks and how to improve.
Mock Exams
Private candidates are given the option to sit for our termly mock exams. Our mock papers aren’t just any practice papers—they’re carefully designed to mirror actual A-Level questions and based on expert predictions of what’s likely to be tested.
Private Candidate-Only Class + Dedicated Study Space
Surround yourself with other private candidates on the same journey, so you stay motivated, supported, and accountable. Our tuition center is open daily for private candidates to study in, giving you a quiet, focused environment.
Hear from our private candidates!
Giselle (ex-SAJC)
Before joining Lighthouse, I was struggling with concept application despite having much interest for the subject and understanding lecture notes. I wasn't sure how to study in order to fulfill the grading requirements and thus felt really lost.
Upon attending Lighthouse’s lessons, I was able to better grasp the key concepts for each topic, as well as the skillset and keywords needed to answer each question type. The notes curated by the tutors were well-organised and included everything I needed to provide A grade answers, such as the model essays and challenging question types we should prepare for. In addition, Lighthouse made lessons fun and enjoyable, and provided her fullest support during our most crucial period. As a result, during the paper, I was able to tackle all the questions much more confidently and managed to improve from a D to an A.
I would definitely recommend Lighthouse to anyone that has the slightest doubt about their study methods and academic ability towards the A'level examinations. With the physical and mental support that Lighthouse Education can provide, I'm confident that anyone can pull up their grades significantly within a short period of time!
Shu Han (ex-JPJC) |
Before joining Lighthouse, I spent hours studying but still wasn't achieving my desired grades. Despite memorizing content and applying it in exams, I couldn’t pinpoint what went wrong or what examiners were looking for.
Ms. Katherine’s structured lessons changed everything. Her clear explanations and well-organized content helped me identify key concepts, link economic analysis across topics, and focus on what truly mattered. The model essays and explanations made applying concepts much easier. In just 4 months, my grade jumped from a D to an A. With Ms. Katherine’s guidance, I became more confident, and memorizing content felt effortless after understanding the core concepts. If you’re studying hard but still stuck, Lighthouse is for you!I only wish I had joined earlier!
Dear You,
If your A-Levels didn't turn out as expected, you might be feeling a sense of hopelessness. But before you lose all hope, I would like to share my journey from messing up my A levels to graduating from NUS with a scholarship, and obtaining an honours with distinction in Economics.
Back in 2017, I received my A-Level results. Personal challenges during my JC years meant I couldn't dedicate myself fully to my studies, and unsurprisingly, my grades weren't enough for any local university courses. Coming from a reputable JC, I felt incredibly isolated, not knowing anyone who had faced a similar setback. I didn't know what to do next. Should I just apply for a private university? Should I retake A levels?
When I sought advice from my teachers, they cautioned me against retaking, highlighting that a significant majority (~80%) of private candidates don't improve their scores. However, after carefully weighing my options, I decided to go ahead at retaking A levels. I decided that I was going to beat the odds. I committed to working harder, staying more focused, and being more disciplined than ever before. There was no room for doubt; I was determined to excel on my second attempt.
Fast forward to many many years later, that decision paid off, and I didn't let myself down.
Yet, even after years of university, internships, and professional experiences, retaking the A-Levels remains the most challenging endeavour I've undertaken. The absence of a structured school environment meant I had to be self-disciplined, without regular exams or checkpoints to gauge my progress. However, the toughest part was the emotional solitude—without peers on the same journey, I felt incredibly lonely. At one point, tuition even became my weekly highlight, because that was the only time I got to meet others who were braving A levels together with me!
Fun fact: My private candidate experience even became an important narrative during my scholarship interview, as I used my journey to show that I was someone who was incredibly resilient! And yes, I landed the scholarship.
I'm not here to decide for you whether to retake the A-Levels. But if you decide to commit fully to retaking, and to work harder than you ever have your entire life, then I want to be here to journey with you.
This is the vision behind the Private Candidate Programme I have created. My goal is to provide you with a supportive, structured environment, top-notch resources, and a sense of community. I’m here to help you defy the odds and join the 20% of students who improve their results on their second attempt, if you will let me.
If I can you do, so can you.
Yours faithfully,
Ms. Katherine
OPEN LETTER FROM MS. KATHERINE
A story of retaking A levels and graduating NUS with an honours and distinction
P.S: Even if you are not looking for tuition, you are most welcomed to join our private candidate support group with ~100 members. Drop us an inquiry to be added to the group!
OUR FEES (Private Candidates)
Basic Track
$110/lesson
Fees are nett and GST absorbed
Available subjects: Chemistry, GP, Physics, Math, Economics
Billed monthly
Suitable for:
Students retaking A Levels
Have taken A Levels less than a year ago and obtained at least a C grade for the respective subject
Inclusive of:
Access to all weekly J2/PC onsite classes: Billed monthly, prorated to number of lessons during the month.
Weekly Homework Programme: Weekly homework assignments, fully marked with targeted feedback to track your progress and reinforce learning.
Termly Mock Exams: Full exam simulation under exam timed conditions, fully marked with feedback.
Weekly study checklist: Full study schedule and check-ins to stay disciplined
Intensive track
$4880
$4180
Fees are nett and GST absorbed
Available subjects: Physics, Math, Economics
This is a heavily subsidised one-time payment
Suitable for:
Students retaking A Levels
NS students who have taken A Levels more than a year ago OR
obtained C or below grade for the respective subjectH1 students upgrading to H2 for the respective subjects
Inclusive of:
Access to all weekly J2/PC onsite classes: Jan - Nov, including double classes during intensive revision and consolidation month in October
Weekly Homework Programme: Weekly homework assignments, fully marked with targeted feedback to track your progress and reinforce learning.
Termly Mock Exams: Full exam simulation under exam timed conditions, fully marked with feedback.
Weekly study checklist: Full study schedule and check-ins to stay disciplined
Dedicated private candidate-only classes and study space
Access to all earlier J1 + J2 class recordings (U.P >$8990)
Access to TYS crash course (3 days onsite exam bootcamp in November + recordings )
*Economics and Physics exclusive (U.P $899)Access to all Exam Pack and Crash Course recordings
*Economics and Physics exclusive (U.P $899) (U.P $499)
(Econs/ Physics)
(Math)
OUR SCHEDULE
Click Here: 2026 Class Schedule
FAQ
1. Why should I choose Lighthouse Education’s Private Candidate Programme?
Lighthouse isn’t just a tuition centre that accepts private candidates — we specialise in them.
Our founder was a private candidate herself (featured in The Straits Times) and understands the real struggles students face, from lack of structure to admin confusion and exam anxiety. You’re not alone in this journey 💙
That’s why our programme is designed specifically around private candidates.
Beyond lessons, we also guide you on:
🗂️ SEAB registration and key deadlines
📘 Subject combinations and requirements
📝 Admin and special consideration matters
Most centres don’t offer this level of support. We do. You’ll also be part of a warm, supportive private candidate community, so you never have to go through this alone 🤝✨
2. What are my chances of doing better the second time round?
Statistically, only about 20 percent of students improve when retaking A Levels.
At Lighthouse:
📊 100 percent of our private candidates improved their RP
🏆 90 percent achieved an A or B
📈 Average RP increase of 12.3
That said, results still depend on commitment. Our role is to help you reflect on what went wrong, fix weak areas, and stay consistent step by step 💪🌱
When students trust the process and put in the effort, improvement becomes realistic and achievable.
3. When do private candidate classes start?
Private candidate only classes begin in March, after A Level results are released, since most students only confirm retaking then.
However, if you already know early that you will be retaking, such as NS men or gap year students, you may start earlier without waiting.
You can begin by joining our J2 classes first, then transition smoothly into private candidate classes once they officially start.
This way, you don’t lose valuable preparation time and can start with confidence 💫
4. What will I be learning at the start?
If you join earlier in the year, you will begin with J2 content that focuses on examinable skills and question types.
From around June onwards, all students move into full syllabus revision, where topics are revisited from J1 starting from Chapter 1 and consolidated in a structured, guided way.
This means:
✅ No topics are skipped
✅ No last minute cramming
✅ Revision is paced and organised
By the time A Levels approach, you will have revised the full syllabus with clarity and confidence 🌈
5. How is the Private Candidate programme different from normal J2 classes?
Curriculum wise, private candidates follow the same academic structure as J2 students. This is intentional and important.
From January to May, lessons focus on J2 content so that students stay aligned with national milestones such as common tests and mid year assessments.
From June onwards, everyone transitions into full syllabus revision starting from J1 topics and systematically covering the entire syllabus in preparation for Prelims and A Levels.
This structure works because:
✔ J2 content builds exam technique early
✔ J1 topics are revised later when students are more exam ready
✔ The full syllabus is fully covered
✔ You stay aligned with national assessment pacing
You will not miss any topics 😊
You will revise the entire syllabus 📘
You do not need to plan or second guess the structure 💡
What makes the Private Candidate Programme different is the support system built around this curriculum.
In addition to lessons, private candidates receive:
📌 Clear revision timelines
📌 Regular homework with detailed marking
📌 Exam style practices and mock papers
📌 Progress tracking and accountability
📌 Guidance on SEAB admin and subject choices
📌 A supportive private candidate community 💛
You are not just attending lessons. You are following a carefully planned system designed to help retakers succeed 🌟
Your role is simple: show up, practise consistently, and trust the process.
6. If I join in January, will I have access to earlier lessons? 🎥✨
Yes. If you enrol under the Intensive Track, you will receive full access to all J1 recorded lessons.
This allows you to:
✔ Start revising immediately
✔ Strengthen weak foundations early
✔ Learn at your own pace
✔ Rewatch difficult topics anytime
Many students share that this early access gives them confidence and reduces stress later in the year 😊
Do note that the intensive track is only available for Physics, Math and Economics. It is not available for chemistry and general paper as J1 recordings are unavailable for theses subjects.
7. What additional support do private candidates get? 🎁💙
Beyond weekly lessons, private candidates receive:
📌 Regular homework and detailed feedback
📌 Exam condition practices and mock exams
📌 Access to exclusive revision resources
📌 Study support outside lesson hours
📌 A community of fellow private candidates for motivation and accountability
We intentionally build structure and support so you never feel lost or alone 💫
8. Which track should I choose, Basic or Intensive? 🤔✨
Basic Track
Best if you already have some foundation and want structured weekly lessons with steady guidance.
Intensive Track
Best if you want faster improvement, stronger foundations, more feedback, more accountability, and access to J1 recordings.
If you are unsure, we will help you choose based on your background and goals 😊
9. What if I have never taken A Levels before? 📘💭
We do accept students from non A Level backgrounds, such as polytechnic students, but intake is assessed carefully and done on a case by case basis.
Depending on your background, you may either join through the Intensive Track or be recommended a structured two year pathway.
Our goal is to support you and give you the best possible chance of success, so we will take into account your unique background and willingness to commit 💛
10. Can I attend lessons online or onsite? 💻🏫✨
Yes. Lighthouse is fully hybrid.
You may attend online or onsite, and you can switch anytime.
Your onsite seat is always reserved for you 😊
11. Are lessons billed monthly? 💳😊
This depends on the track you choose.
Basic Track
Fees are billed monthly, which keeps payments flexible and manageable.
Intensive Track
This is a one time payment, as it includes full access to recordings, additional resources, and extended support from the start.
If you are unsure which option suits you best, our team will be happy to guide you 💬
12. Do you offer trial classes? 🧪✨
Yes, our trial fee is a one time lesson fee of $110. This allows you to experience our teaching style and structure before committing 😊
13. What if I receive a university offer after joining? 🎉🎓
Congratulations, that is a huge achievement!
If you receive a confirmed offer from NUS, NTU, SMU or SUTD, we allow a prorated refund for the unused portion, even though the Intensive Track includes access to recordings and resources.
Simply inform our admin team and we will take care of the rest 💛