Student Stories

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…

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…

How NEC Helped Kari’s Son Niko to Continue his A level Studies Despite Long-Term Illness

When Kari’s son Niko was unable to continue his studies at college due to ill health, the family needed a solution to ensure Niko…

Embracing a New Path: Jill’s Journey from Online Learning to Career Success in Art History

In a world where career shifts and lifelong learning have become the norm, Jill’s story stands out as a beacon of inspiration. Having recently…

How Toby Found a Perfect Fit for His Passion: Online A level English Literature with NEC

Toby H, an avid theatre and drama enthusiast, had always been home educated. With a strong foundation of nine GCSEs, he was eager to…

How Griffin found a solution to his study needs: Online A levels with NEC

When watersports fan Griffin moved with his family to Portugal he was unfamiliar with the local schools and the education that they could offer…

Vivienne’s online learning experience – Distance learning as a mature student

It’s not everyday that we hear of students starting a course with us thirty years after first hearing of NEC. In this case, mature…

Embarking on a journey: My decision to ‘Fast-Track’ A level Physics with NEC

We’re delighted to share the first in a series of guest posts by Izzy an NEC learner who is sharing her learning journey with…

Homeschooler Andrew’s experience of studying IGCSE Chemistry

Last year, we shared Andrew’s experience of how homeschooling was helping him to balance education and family commitments. We caught up with Andrew to…

Mia’s NEC experience and her pursuit of knowledge

There are a number of reasons why students decide that distance learning is a suitable form of education for them and their needs. In…

Other articles...

National Extension College celebrates its 60th birthday

The National Extension College (NEC), is marking a special birthday in 2023 as we celebrate 60 years since the college was founded by Michael…

Resits or retakes – what is the difference?

Examinations play a crucial role in our educational journey, and sometimes we don’t achieve the results we had hoped for. However, it’s important to…

Why study Classics as a teacher?

The Classical Association is offering five bursaries for state sector teachers to study A level Classical Civilisation flexibly with NEC. Bursary recipients will be…

The benefits of offering Classics to your students

The Classical Association is offering five bursaries for state sector teachers to study A level Classical Civilisation flexibly with NEC. Bursary recipients will be…

The key to reviving social mobility

In our blog post on 13th July 2023, Is education the answer to social mobility? The contribution of the National Extension College, Ros Morpeth,…

Is education the answer to social mobility? The contribution of the National Extension College.

All political parties talk loudly about their commitment to social mobility and levelling up, but progress over the last decades has been dire and…

Exploring the NEC Podcast – Postbag: Insights and Discussion

Welcome to our fifth podcast! In this episode, Esther Chesterman, CEO of NEC and Samreen Shah take a trip down memory lane to the…

Workplace returners and those seeking a change of career given the opportunity to apply for a bursary to study with NEC

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS BURSARY ARE NOW CLOSED. NEC’s 60th Birthday Bursary will support one learner to get back into the workplace or to plan…

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,…

The Classical Association is offering five study bursaries for state sector teachers to take online A level Classical Civilisation with the National Extension College (NEC)

Learners enrolled on A level Classical Civilisation with NEC study the literature and culture of the ancient world, from epic poetry and ancient comedy,…