Student Stories

Distance learning as a mature student working abroad: Chun’s Experience

As distance learning has grown in popularity as an effective alternative to traditional learning, the benefits of this type of study for mature students…

Sharon’s positive experience of distance learning leads to an A grade in her English Language A level

There’s no denying that distance learning is rapidly gaining popularity as a successful educational platform outside of traditional schools and colleges. With this in…

Martin’s story: From no qualifications and working in a factory to a long academic journey and a professional career

With NEC celebrating our 60th birthday in 2023, we have been asking students for their stories of studying with NEC. Throughout our 60 years,…

Jeremy’s stepping stone to studying Natural Sciences at university

NEC has been working with our partners to provide a series of free webinars on our YouTube channel for anyone interested in studying a…

Meet the recipients of the Russell Kane Scholarship

In July 2022 NEC launched the first annual Russell Kane Scholarship Programme.  Russell Kane, now a multi-award winning comedian, TV and radio presenter, actor,…

What happens when there aren’t enough students to fill a classroom?

Every summer there are dismaying articles about the decline in modern foreign languages in schools. Not to mention the drop in language learning during…

Missing out on a September college start sparked new opportunities for aspiring doctor

Ubayd gained high grades in all ten of his GCSEs and was accepted into Luton Sixth Form College. However, due to family circumstances, he…

NEC In Conversation: Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards

It’s not every day that you get the chance to speak to a national treasure! Eddie the Eagle studied with the National Extension College…

Tina enrolled with NEC to pursue a teaching career. She enrolled her teenage son for GCSEs.

Tina chose to enrol with NEC in 2016 in order to gain the qualifications needed to access a career in teaching. “I wanted to…

Vita gained an offer from the University of Oxford after gaining an A level online with NEC

Motivated by her desire to study chemistry at undergraduate level, Vita realised that she would need to take A level Maths, particularly if she…

Other articles...

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…

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…

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,…