Student Stories

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…

Andrew’s experience: How homeschooling helps balance education and family commitments

Arguably, one of the biggest benefits to online and distance learning is the freedom it allows students to study at a time and place…

How homeschooling is helping Amelia work towards a medical career

You may have seen us share a recent story about the benefits of distance learning as a mature student. In this post we explore…

Other articles...

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….

Why study Critical Thinking and Problem Solving?

NEC’s interactive online Critical Thinking and Problem Solving courses, give students the chance to prepare for university admissions tests and the world of work….

Thanks paid to Dr Ros Morpeth OBE from across NEC for her leadership

Upon the retirement of Dr. Ros Morpeth OBE from her position as Chief Executive of the National Extension College, we would like to thank…

National Extension College appoints new Chief Executive

The National Extension College (NEC) has appointed Esther Chesterman as its new Chief Executive. She takes over from Ros Morpeth OBE, who led the…

Do maths qualifications add value to university applications?

The benefits of studying level 3 maths The 2015 A level and AS reforms decoupled the AS qualification from the A level and resulted…

Thinking about becoming a teacher?

From the classroom to online lessons almost overnight, teachers have been under an incredible amount of pressure throughout the last year. Teachers have been…

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…

Tuition fee bursaries at the University of Cambridge for NEC students

The Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) and the NEC are collaborating to offer a tuition fee bursary scheme for the 2021-2022 academic year.   This…

An exciting partnership to support your lifelong learning with the Open College of the Arts, exclusive to NEC students!

When you study with NEC you will be able to claim 10% off your first level at the Open College of the Arts. The…