Lifelong Learning

A Pathway to Success Beyond A levels: Why Level 4 and Level 5 Qualifications Matter

At the National Extension College (NEC), we’re dedicated to supporting learners as they take the next steps in their education and careers. For many…

Benefits of Homeschooling: Is Home Education Right for Your Family?

Over the years, homeschooling and home education has grown in popularity and is now a more accepted form of successful education. More and more…

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…

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…

National Coding Week 2024: The Vital Role of Coding in the Modern World

National Coding Week started on 16th September, and is the perfect time to highlight the importance of coding – especially with this year’s focus…

Why should you study Art History

Do you often find beautiful pieces of art catching your eye? Are you curious about the history of art? Art History isn’t just about…

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Online?

When it comes to studying, traditional school and educational settings aren’t the only options for students. With distance learning and online education becoming more…

University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education offers tuition fee bursary for NEC A level students

Applications open now  Continuing the relationship that began in 2021, the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) and NEC are once again collaborating to offer…

What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Nurse?

Have you decided that this year is the year you finally take that leap towards a new career? Are you considering a career in…

Why is it important to study maths?

In today’s world where technology is so openly available, it’s easy to assume that maths skills aren’t as in high demand and worth continuing…

Other articles...

A lesson in innovation: Ángela Ruiz Robles

“Ángela Ruiz Robles with her Mechanical Encylopedia” by ITU Pictures / License: CC BY 2.0 As a distance learning provider, the NEC was founded on the…

What can we learn from Finland?

A Finnish Education No inspections, no tests, no uniforms and no fees. A valued teaching profession, shorter school days and starting school at seven….

Learning barriers facing prisoners

Today’s NEC Blog is written by Wendy Monaghan, who has considerable experience of working with distance learners in many different contexts and is currently at…

Ignite your love of learning this Valentine’s day

It’s Valentine’s day, so we thought we’d talk about our biggest love at NEC: learning! There are so many reasons to love learning, these…

Tips for beating the January Blues

It’s early January, and as the sparkle of Christmas fades, we begin to edge back into our daily routines. Perhaps you are relishing a…

Top tips for starting a distance learning adventure in 2018

With the festive season in full swing, plans and resolutions for 2018 are rapidly approaching. If your 2018 ambitions include a return to study…

Finding a way to pay for your learning

Photo credit: Nick Youngson – nyphotographic.com Some offers listed on this page may have now expired. For the latest information on our fees and…

How does written non-examination assessment (NEA) work?

If you’re taking A levels in English language, English literature or history you’ll need to think about the written piece of non-examination assessment (NEA)….

How does practical non-examination assessment work?

For some courses, there is a practical element such as science practical sessions. In our blog this week exams expert Louise talks about how…

Why learning is a big issue for the homeless

Cambridge wildlife photographer and Big Issue seller Mark Siequien is bursting with ideas for the small business he wants to set up. Stored on…