Student Stories

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…

Distance learning as a mature student working abroad: Chun’s Experience

As distance learning has grown in popularity as an effective alternative to traditional learning, the benefits of this type of study for mature students…

Sharon’s positive experience of distance learning leads to an A grade in her English Language A level

There’s no denying that distance learning is rapidly gaining popularity as a successful educational platform outside of traditional schools and colleges. With this in…

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,…

Jeremy’s stepping stone to studying Natural Sciences at university

NEC has been working with our partners to provide a series of free webinars on our YouTube channel for anyone interested in studying a…

Meet the recipients of the Russell Kane Scholarship

In July 2022 NEC launched the first annual Russell Kane Scholarship Programme.  Russell Kane, now a multi-award winning comedian, TV and radio presenter, actor,…

What happens when there aren’t enough students to fill a classroom?

Every summer there are dismaying articles about the decline in modern foreign languages in schools. Not to mention the drop in language learning during…

Other articles...

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…

What is National Marine Week?

National Marine Week runs from 25th July to 9th August and celebrates the over 30,000 species that call the seas around the UK home….

Bouncing back and moving forwards: how NEC can help with home education in an uncertain world

The National Extension College was founded by Michael Young and Brian Jackson as an educational charity in 1963 to widen participation in education, and…

Getting back into maths and English with Functional Skills

Want to learn more about improving English and maths skills as an adult? Catherine Paulson-Ellis discusses the advantages of gaining Functional Skills qualifications. Just…

How can studying a management qualification online set you off down a new path?

In a time where many peoples’ job situations are changing, whether they are furloughed, have lost their jobs, or are adapting to the new…

Should I be more productive in lockdown?

This week’s post is written by Christine Cox, one of our expert GCSE and A level English Language tutors. Lockdown inertia Time flies ……

How can studying biology help you understand coronavirus?

Written by NEC biology tutor Josie Briggs, learn about how studying biology can help during this time. Trial vaccine for COVID-19 coronavirus Most people…

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,…

What are people studying during lockdown?

Right now, as many of us are stuck at home and social distancing, we are all looking for ways to use the time well…

Why study astronomy?

Can I study astronomy at home? Yes! From the Lyrid meteor shower to the flyovers of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, astronomical phenomena have been…