General

Schools and Academies Show 2024: Insights for School Leaders

The Schools and Academies Show takes place twice a year, attracting 6,000 attendees. The event is committed to fostering innovation, inspiration and learning in…

How NEC’s Inclusive Approach to Learning Design is Redefining Independent Learning

Hello, I’m Helen Davies. As the Online Learning Manager at the National Extension College (NEC), I’ve had the privilege of leading a project focused…

NEC’s Learning Design: A Pathway to Success for Independent Learners

If you’re considering studying for a GCSE or A level with the National Extension College (NEC), you may be wondering: how will NEC help…

Meet NEC’s Board of Trustees

Trustees play an essential role in leading and governing charities, offering their time and commitment to helping these organisations succeed. There are around one…

Chemistry Week 2024

Did you know that chemistry is at the heart of everything around us? It’s essential to everything we touch, wear, and use, from tackling…

Passion and Academics: How Izzy Balances Full-time Musical Theatre Studies with Studying A level Physics

Earlier this year we introduced Izzy who was embarking on a journey to fast-track her A level Physics studies with NEC. In the second…

Why Study Psychology? – Key Benefits, Careers and What You’ll Need to Study Psychology at University

Psychology is a fascinating and valuable field that offers insights into human behaviour, thought processes, and emotions. Whether you’re considering a career in psychology…

Virtual Open Evening, 22nd October 2024

Discover how online learning works and how NEC can help you or your child achieve education and career goals by joining us for our…

The Future of Art History: Why Study A level History of Art with the National Extension College?

Art history is more than just a study of paintings and sculptures; it’s a gateway to understanding cultures, societies, and the human experience through…

Why Study Physics?

Did you know that if you fold a piece of paper 42 times, it would reach the moon? This might sound impossible but physics…

Other articles...

Deepening an interest in history through A level History of Art

NEC student Sarah has always loved studying and education, having taken 3 A levels at school and gone on to study history at University…

Top marks in GCSE Geography and GCSE Astronomy for retiree

David decided to study GCSE Geography and GCSE Astronomy with NEC during the pandemic as a result of the extra time he had at…

How did distance learning students do in A levels and GCSEs compared to those in schools?

NEC students achieved a high overall pass rate of 98.5% in both GCSEs and A levels. Background 2021 saw another year of exam cancellations…

GCSE French leads to a love for the language and an AS level!

Sarah decided to study GCSE French with NEC at the same time that her son was also taking his GCSEs at school. She wanted…

Three A levels alongside full time work allows NEC student to return to university for second degree

NEC students study with us for a variety of reasons, including choosing to take qualifications that will allow them to change career direction.  Yue…

A level French leads to career progression and a second chance at languages!

NEC student Edda’s story gives insight into the importance of lifelong learning and not letting criticism get you down. Having been told in Year…

Is it possible to balance work and study?

You don’t have to have a career in mind to pursue your interests. Nikki was working full-time and had already achieved 10 GCSEs, 4…

A levels alongside full-time performing arts college leads to nursing at University of Southampton

With a part-time job and studying full-time at her local performing arts college, Kayleigh found that distance learning with NEC fit around her other…

How do I retake my GCSEs or A levels?

The pandemic has meant that both providers and students have had to continually adapt to ever-changing circumstances.     This year, exam results will be…

How can studying improve your teaching?

As Head of Art at an academy in South East London, Aasha understands how difficult it has been for teachers to adapt to a…