Guest Blogs

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…

My Experience as a Marketing Intern with the National Extension College

As an intern with the marketing team at the National Extension College (NEC), I had the chance to dive into a variety of tasks,…

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…

Embarking on a journey: My decision to ‘Fast-Track’ A level Physics with NEC

We’re delighted to share the first in a series of guest posts by Izzy an NEC learner who is sharing her learning journey with…

Homeschooler Andrew’s experience of studying IGCSE Chemistry

Last year, we shared Andrew’s experience of how homeschooling was helping him to balance education and family commitments. We caught up with Andrew to…

National Extension College: Bringing education to you

For over 60 years, National Extension College (NEC) has worked towards the goal of transforming lives and opening up new educational possibilities for people…

Why study Classics as a teacher?

The Classical Association is offering five bursaries for state sector teachers to study A level Classical Civilisation flexibly with NEC. Bursary recipients will be…

The benefits of offering Classics to your students

The Classical Association is offering five bursaries for state sector teachers to study A level Classical Civilisation flexibly with NEC. Bursary recipients will be…

Is education the answer to social mobility? The contribution of the National Extension College.

All political parties talk loudly about their commitment to social mobility and levelling up, but progress over the last decades has been dire and…

Why study A level Geography?

To celebrate the launch of NEC’s online interactive A level Geography, we spoke to lead tutor Alison Leadbetter about why she loves the subject…

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…