Returning to A levels After Nine Years: Matthew’s Journey Back to Education

A Second Chance at A levels

For Matthew, returning to education with the National Extension College (NEC) wasn’t simply about gaining A levels. It was an opportunity to do things differently.

Matthew’s first experience of A levels had not gone to plan. Although he attended a grammar school, he describes himself at the time as an “average” student who lacked the motivation to take his education seriously.

After achieving mainly Grades B and C at GCSE, he progressed to A levels at the same grammar school. However, after the first few terms, poor results and a lack of engagement led to Matthew leaving school.

For the next eight or nine years, he turned his back on education and found a job, working full-time. But then something changed.

Matthew explains:

“I decided to get back into education and wanted to pursue my passion for philosophy further. I have a mixture of enthusiasm about the subject of philosophy, also I was motivated to attempt to get into university.”

“When I was taking my A levels for the first time, in secondary school some nine years ago, I didn’t perform to the best of my abilities. After some time away from education, I decided to have another crack at them.” – Matthew

Matthew’s Experience of Studying A levels Online

With his aim of going to university to study philosophy, Matthew needed a way to achieve the A levels he needed that would work alongside his existing commitments. After coming across the National Extension College, he enrolled to study A levels in History, Philosophy and Politics. 

Embarking on his first experience of studying remotely through online distance learning, the flexibility of NEC’s courses was important to Matthew.

The practicalities of applying to university was also an important consideration – Matthew wanted a provider that could support his UCAS application.

“The costs (course and examination fees) seemed to be rather reasonable when everything was taken into consideration. It was also important that I had the ability to be provided with predicted grades and academic references for university places through UCAS, which NEC was also able to offer at a reasonable price.” – Matthew

The range of A level subjects NEC was able to offer was another deciding factor for Matthew.

“For me, they appeared the best. They had the subjects I was looking for at a good price.” – Matthew

How NEC’s Tutors Helped Matthew During his A level Studies

For someone who had last studied A levels almost a decade ago returning to study three subjects was a significant undertaking for Matthew, who says the support he received from his NEC tutors, and the structure of the NEC courses, made a particular difference and prepared him for his final exams.

“The individualised feedback each tutor gives you, and the end-of-topic questions are very much structured like those in the exams – so this helps you to practice exam questions throughout the entire course.” – Matthew

It was the feedback from tutors, who are all experts in the subjects they are teaching, that Matthew found one of the most valuable parts of studying with NEC.

“They know exactly how the examiners like your answers to be presented, and the feedback provided has been invaluable in preparing me for the exams and making sure my essay structure was perfect and instilling me with maximum confidence.” – Matthew

Combining A level Study with Full-Time Work

For most of the time Matthew was studying for his A levels, he was also working full time.

NEC’s flexible, online courses, meant that he could fit his studies around his other commitments rather than having to return to a traditional school or college environment to achieve the qualifications he needed to apply to university.

Since completing his A levels and whilst waiting to begin the next stage of his education at university, Matthew, a keen runner and huge bookworm, decided to take a few months out.

From a Return to Education to a Place at University

When he enrolled on three online A levels with NEC, Matthews goal was clear: to get to university and study philosophy.

The hard work he has put in studying with NEC has already helped Matthew to take a major step towards achieving this. With predicted grades of three A*, he was able to apply through UCAS and received offers of places from his top-choice universities.

“I’m hoping that come Results Day I am able to progress into my first-choice university.” – Matthew

Would Matthew Study Another A level Online?

As well as philosophy, Matthew has an interest in mathematics and says he may return to study A level Maths in the future.

“I would do this with NEC due to the flexibility and, again, the tutors’ individualised feedback.” – Matthew

Advice for Anyone Considering Online Distance Learning

Having completed his A levels through online distance learning, what is Matthew’s advice for other learners considering this route to achieving their qualifications?  

“Go for it.”, he says. “To quote Benjamin Franklin: ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’.“

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Matthew’s experience shows that a first attempt at education doesn’t have to determine what happens next. From his first experience of A levels nine years ago, Matthew’s journey already looks very different, and he’s able to look forward to his next step of studying philosophy at university.

NEC is delighted to have been able to support Matthew to achieve his goals, his way.

Thinking of Studying A levels Online?

Whether like Matthew you are returning to education after several years away, need a specific qualification to apply for university, are not suited to a traditional school or college setting, or simply want the flexibility to study alongside work and other commitments, online A levels enable you to achieve Your Goals, Your Way.

The National Extension College offers a wide range of online A level courses. All courses come with specialist support and feedback from our experienced tutors. For learners looking to move on to university we can support your application to university through our dedicated UCAS support service.

Explore NEC’s online A level courses today and find a route to success that works around you.

Got a question? Our friendly Course Advice Team will be happy to help you. 

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An Update from Matthew

Good News! Matthew has updated us to tell us that he achieved the grades he needed to get into university.