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...

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…

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…