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Second-chance learning in prison

About the author: David Breakspear was released from prison in June 2017. While there, with the help of funding through organisations like The Prisoners’…

Our top 5 April Fools’

To celebrate April Fools’ Day we’ve been looking back on some of our favourite pranks and hoaxes. Here are 5 of the best: BBC…

World Poetry Day 2019

Today’s guest blog celebrates World Poetry Day and is written by NEC tutor Tracey Jones.  World Poetry Day is a celebration of poetry in…

The HG Wells’ Biology Textbook

In 1893, HG Wells would publish his first book. It was not The Time Machine or War of the Worlds. It was a textbook:…

How to write a poem like a Romantic

How are you celebrating Valentine’s day? Spoiling your loved one with gifts? Flowers? A romantic dinner for two? Or maybe you’re thinking of stretching…

NEC comment: The scandal of off-rolling students

The National Extension College has supported and continues to support a diverse range of students. Although the majority remain adults who wish to return…

NEC comment: AEB devolution

A parliamentary debate on the subject of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) devolution, which is planned for launch later this year, is happening later…

See things from a new perspective and learn your way to better wellbeing

Learning new things has a multitude of benefits. There are the benefits you can see, like helping you to get in to university or…

Does astronomy hold the key to your future?

*This post was updated 9th March 2020 following its original publication 21st January 2019. Across the globe millions paused in awe and excitement to…

Government proposals to bar students achieving less than 3 Ds at A level from receiving student loan – NEC comment:

With all that has been going on lately in Westminster, you would be forgiven if this story had passed you by. However due to…

Other articles...

The Classical History of the Olympic Games: From Ancient Greece to Paris 2024

Written by NEC Marketing Manager, Amanda Davies The Olympic Games has a rich history dating back to antiquity that offers insights into the culture…

My Journey in Online Learning as a Neurodivergent Student

Written by NEC Pastoral Officer Karyn Nash In 2021, I joined NEC as a Pastoral Officer and returned to education as an online MSc…

Experiencing Mount Etna: A Journey of Natural Wonders and Learning

Written by NEC Chief Executive Esther Chesterman As the CEO of the National Extension College, I often find myself engrossed in the world of…

Are GCSE Resits Beneficial?

Written by NEC Chief Executive Esther Chesterman – explaining the benefits of GCSE resits. If your exams haven’t quite gone to plan and you…

Labour Party’s Education Policies: Transforming Schools and Enhancing Social Mobility

As the CEO of the National Extension College (NEC), I am excited about the Labour Party’s education manifesto becoming a reality under the new…

Labour Party’s Education Policies: Enhancing Social Mobility for Private Candidates, Adult Learners, and Homeschoolers

As the CEO of the National Extension College (NEC), I am thrilled to see the Labour Party’s education manifesto becoming a reality under the…

Why study Politics?

There are many reasons why studying politics is beneficial to students. With talk around general elections, it’s no wonder that politics is a common…

The economics of political parties

By Roy Bowden Roy, a tutor on NEC’s A level Economics explains how A level Economics students can use the manifestos of political parties…

Navigating Your Post-Exam Options: Advice for Students

By Esther Chesterman &  Kirsten Butler NEC Chief Executive Esther Chesterman and our UCAS Expert Kirsten Butler explain the options open to you if…

Expanding Horizons: The Case for Modern Language Studies in Gifted Education (GCSE and A Level)

In the dynamic landscape of education, providing diverse and enriching learning experiences is crucial, especially for gifted and talented students. These exceptional learners often…