Student Stories

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 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…

83 year old author and lifelong learning advocate, Diana, used lockdown to pursue her interest in philosophy

When lockdown hit, Diana (83) decided to use her time shielding to pursue a subject that has fascinated her for the last 10 years….

Doing A level Biology in a year with NEC leads to medicine at Swansea University

After deciding to return to university to study medicine, Darius considered independently organising and sitting an A level but wasn’t sure where to start….

From the 1960s to today: A levels with NEC lead to dream teaching job

Over the years, we have helped thousands of students gain English language and literature qualifications and achieve their full potential. Patricia first studied with…

International Women’s Day Student Story: The NEC A level English Literature course was my 1970s lifesaver!

International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate women, highlight inequality and challenge biases. Dr Jacqueline Jeynes studied with NEC in the 1970s and…

Finding the motivation to study

Anna Ellis completed A level Religious Studies with NEC this month and is currently studying with the Open University. She has qualifications in teaching…

Studying A level History of Art as a teacher to deepen knowledge and grow confidence

Daisy is a newly qualified Arts and Design secondary school teacher and she is studying the new A level History of Art with NEC…

Exploring the importance of lifelong learning

John has been a student with NEC for over three decades and is an amazing example of the fulfilment gained from embracing lifelong learning….

GCSE success for home educated student with partially impaired vision

Mohammed studied 7 GCSEs with NEC and achieved high grades in all of them, overcoming the challenge of having partially impaired vision. He has…

Other articles...

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…

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…