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
❓ 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 first-hand the unique struggles private candidates face — from lack of structure to admin confusion and exam anxiety. That’s why our programme is designed specifically around common private-candidate pitfalls.
Beyond lessons, we also guide you on:
🗂️ Private candidate exam registration
📅 Key MOE/SEAB deadlines
📝 Subject combinations & exam requirements
📨 Special consideration & admin enquiries
Most centres don’t handle this — because they don’t specialise in private candidates. We do.
On top of that, you’ll be part of a tight-knit private candidate community, so you’re never studying alone 🤝.
❓ What are my chances of doing better the second time round? 📈
Statistically, many private candidates don’t improve — but ours do.
📊 100% of our private candidates saw an increase in RP
🏆 90% scored an A or B
📈 Average RP increase: +12.3
That said, results still depend on commitment. We help you reflect on what went wrong previously, fix weak areas, and stay accountable — but success comes when students fully commit to the process 💪.
❓ When do exclusive private-candidate-only classes start? 🎯
Private-candidate-exclusive classes officially open in March, after the release of A-Level results — because most students only confirm retaking then.
That said, we also recognise that some students already know they’re retaking early (e.g. NS men, gap-year students, or those very sure of their plans).
👉 So if you’re confident early:
You can start lessons before March with our J2 classes
Then transition smoothly into private-candidate-only classes once they begin
This way, you don’t lose valuable time, but still benefit from the full programme.
❓ What additional support do private candidates get? 🎁
Beyond weekly lessons, private candidates receive:
📌 Regular homework & marking
📌 Mock exams and exam-condition practice
📌 Access to exclusive revision resources
📌 Study support outside lesson hours
📌 A community of fellow private candidates for motivation & accountability
Private candidates often struggle with isolation — we intentionally build a supportive community so you stay consistent and mentally strong throughout the year 💪.
❓ Which track should I choose — Basic or Intensive? 🤔
Here’s a simple guide:
🔹 Basic Track
Best if you already have some foundation and want structured weekly lessons, homework, and steady guidance.
🔹 Intensive Track
Ideal if you need:
Faster progress
More exam practice
Deeper feedback & support
Extra accountability
If you’re unsure, we’ll help you decide based on your background, previous grades, and target outcomes — you don’t have to guess 😊.
❓ What if I’ve never taken A-Levels before? 📘
We do accept non-A-Level students (e.g. polytechnic students), but A-Levels are a high-commitment journey, so we intake students case by case.
Depending on your background:
Some students join via the Intensive Track (if they have subject foundation)
Others enrol in a special 2-year support programme with us
We’ll assess your readiness carefully, our goal is to make sure you’re set up to succeed, not overwhelmed.
❓ Can I attend lessons online or onsite? 💻🏫
Yes! Lighthouse is fully hybrid.
You can:
✔ Attend online
✔ Attend onsite
✔ Switch anytime
Your onsite seat is always reserved for you, so you never have to worry about space availability.
❓ Are lessons billed monthly? 💳
Yes! Lessons are billed monthly, making it more manageable and flexible for students and families.
❓ Do you offer trial classes? 🧪
At the moment, trial classes are unavailable as the centre is on break.
📅 Trials will resume in January
💰 Trial fee: $110
This allows you to experience our teaching style and structure properly before committing.
❓ What if I receive a university offer after joining? 🎉
Firstly — congratulations! 🎓 That’s an amazing achievement.
We understand that plans can change when you receive an offer from NUS / NTU / SMU / SUTD.
While fees for RSP+ and RSP Premium are usually non-refundable (as full LMS access is granted upon registration), we make an exception here:
✅ If you receive a confirmed offer from NUS / NTU / SMU / SUTD, we will pro-rate and refund the unused portion of your fees — just inform us as soon as possible.