Student Stories

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…

Top grade in IGCSE Spanish for keen traveller

Katie studied IGCSE Spanish with NEC and achieved a top grade of 9. Katie is a mature student and pursued her studies for the…

High-achiever in four A levels with NEC moves on to the University of Edinburgh

Timofei studied four A levels with NEC in maths, further maths, physics and economics and achieved great results, obtaining an A*, two A and a B grade…

Top grades in GCSEs for mature student with NEC lead to Open University degree

Belinda studied GCSEs in astronomy and maths with NEC as a mature student, and achieved top grades of 9 in both. She is now…

A* in A level Chemistry with NEC leads to degree at the University of Cambridge

Laura studied A level Chemistry with NEC and achieved an A* grade. Laura is now going to study Natural Sciences at Hughes Hall, University…

From A level success with NEC to social work at university

Hannah achieved A level success with NEC in Spanish and sociology, obtaining an A* and a B grade respectively.  Hannah moved to Madrid from…

Women in art history and the resurgence of Artemisia

This blog post was written by NEC A level History of Art student Fleur. Due to themes and images that may be disturbing to…

Where can I access art online?

In the first of a new series, NEC student Fleur talks about her experience studying A level History of Art during the coronavirus lockdown,…

How do you maintain your motivation to study?

How do you find and keep up your motivation to study? The value of education has never been greater; it opens doors to everything…

Other articles...

Balancing an A level with My Passion for Dance

In this third instalment of her learning story, Izzy brings us up-to-date with how studying for an A level alongside her full-time musical theatre…

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…