Our Courses

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…

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…

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…

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…

Exploring Science Practicals at Home: A Guide for Homeschoolers

Studying science as a homeschooler can seem daunting, especially when you think about the practical experiments that are essential to understanding the subject. However,…

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…

Resitting A level STEM Subjects: How to Turn Your Setback into a Stepping Stone for a Brighter Future

If you’re searching for ways to improve your A level results in STEM subjects, you’ve come to the right place. Many students find themselves…

Other articles...

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…

Najma started something new

“GCSEs are like a passport for any profession” For Najma, that profession was teaching. However, before embarking on her chosen PGCE course, she first…

Don’t give something up, start something new this year!

It’s the beginning of a new year and time to start work on your New Year’s resolution. So, have you decided to stop doing…

A home-educator’s journey, part 4: Booking exams

This post was originally published on January 2nd 2019 and updated on March 23rd 2020. Today’s post is the forth in the series of…

Learning to study is as important as learning the subject: Why we must all learn how to learn

You may feel education is something you only do at school and its purpose purely academic. Perhaps you live by the axiom ‘you can’t…

Can you study A level Further Maths through distance learning?

Today’s guest blog has been written by AS/A Level Further Maths lead tutor and course developer Sally Everitt. So…Can you study Further Maths through…

A home-educator’s journey, part 3: home educating through GCSEs

This post was originally published on November 1st 2018 and updated on March 23rd 2020. Today’s post is the third in the series of…

Sir Alan Tuckett: Education matters for all

Today’s guest blog is written by Sir Alan Tuckett OBE, Professor of Education at the University of Wolverhampton, Honorary Fellow of UNESCO’s Institute of…

A home-educator’s journey, part 2: getting started

This post was originally published on September 5th 2018 and updated on March 23rd 2020. Today’s post is the second in the series of…