Student Stories

A home educator’s journey – Part 10: “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain”

In part 10 of our ‘home educator’s journey’ series, Lucy discusses how the self study skills she developed through NEC prepared her well for…

NEC launches new IGCSE Double Science🚀

“I have found studying by distance learning a rewarding yet challenging experience. Studying in this way lets you choose your own hours to study…

From GCSEs with NEC to a Psychology Access to Higher Education Course 

School was always a struggle for me. I (as well as my twin sister) was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was around 12…

My experience with GCSE Maths

Rebecca studied GCSE Maths, Psychology and English Language with NEC.  In Year 8 I was hospitalised with Crohn’s Disease along with my twin sister….

GCSE Results of NEC students released today

“Self-study made me realise that learning never stops. It’s not a race, not a sprint, not even a marathon, but it’s a lifelong journey.”…

Learning never stops. It’s not a race, not a sprint, not even a marathon, but a lifelong journey

I first started homeschooling because I found my grades and morale slipping in mainstream school. This, however, did not mean I hated learning. On…

A level exam results of NEC students released

You don’t have to go to school to get an A level. Among the 300,000 students (BBC, 2019) taking A levels each year are…

From NEC to Oxford

Ella studied A level English Literature and Classical Civilisation with NEC, obtaining an A* and A grade respectively. She has now been offered a…

A home educator’s journey – Part 9: Structuring our week

In part 9 of our ‘home educator’s journey’ series, Anna discusses how the flexibility of home education shapes her approach to a typical week….

A home educator’s journey – Part 8: Studying GCSE Maths

Anna and Lucy are a mother and daughter who are sharing their experiences of online distance learning and home education. In this edition of…

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…