Lily studied A Level Biology with NEC, allowing her to study her dream degree, BSc Conservation and Ecology.

Lily developed her passion for conservation and ecology while working in Sri Lanka as a wildlife photographer, and volunteering with beavers. However, to gain a place on her dream university course, Lily needed a science A Level. After successfully completing A Level Biology with NEC in 2019, Lily is now studying at the University of Suffolk.

“NEC appeared more professional, official and organised than every other distance learning provider. I liked that it was a charity and had been established for many years with a good reputation.”

Lily chose to study her A Level Biology with NEC because the flexibility offered by online distance learning meant she could fit her academic studies around her busy life. As well as achieving her A Level Biology, Lily worked part-time in retail, and maintained her hobbies in the outdoors, including hiking, wild swimming and volunteering with conservation organisations. 

Lily was able to achieve all of this with the support of NEC. Lily felt that the course materials were “incredibly helpful, relevant and clearly laid out”. Her tutor provided very beneficial feedback so that Lily was able to continually improve in her assignments.

“The student support team were incredibly helpful, kind, enthusiastic and genuinely seemed to care. Responses to my queries were quick and efficient, and everything was clearly laid out.”

A Level Biology allowed Lily to work towards her dream degree and career.

Many of our students complete courses to enable them to progress towards higher education or a specific career. We are always very proud to hear that our students, like Lily, have achieved their goals because the success of our students is the defining reason NEC exists.

NEC is a not-for-profit educational charity, set up in 1963 with the mission to provide life-changing education to everyone, of all ages and backgrounds. We strive for this through online distance learning and people can take our courses in their own time and at their own pace. 

“Can’t believe this is my life now, I often have to pinch myself!”

Lily urges anyone considering a step towards their own dream to take the plunge!

“Go for it — if there’s a slim chance that it’ll get you closer to where you want to be, it’s so worth it. It’ll show you a lot about yourself and teach you independence, perseverance and determination.”

All of us at NEC wish Lily the very best in her future plans.