Guest Blogs

Working together for our students

In 2016 the National Extension College became Tutors & Exams‘ first learning partner. Since then we have been working together to make booking exams…

Finding the motivation to study

Anna Ellis completed A level Religious Studies with NEC this month and is currently studying with the Open University. She has qualifications in teaching…

Why study art history?

Our A level History of Art course has been one of our most popular courses since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March…

Distance education after Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the face of distance education with schools and universities having to adapt quickly to a new learning environment. Dr…

Lessons from lockdown – do we need to create an open school for the UK?

Peter Lavender OBE discusses lessons from lockdown, the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on attitudes towards distance learning, and the need to create an…

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…

Guest article: “An A level in art history can open up many possibilities”

No-one ever told me that there was a subject called ‘art history’ when I was at my school in Yorkshire, I had to wait…

Adult education is on its knees: ‘Let’s hope when the dust settles on the General Election, policy makers will take heed’

No one can doubt that times are tough for adult learners. Since 2003 there are 2 million fewer adults in publicly funded further education,…

From GCSEs with NEC to a Psychology Access to Higher Education Course 

School was always a struggle for me. I (as well as my twin sister) was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was around 12…

Other articles...

The Classical History of the Olympic Games: From Ancient Greece to Paris 2024

Written by NEC Marketing Manager, Amanda Davies The Olympic Games has a rich history dating back to antiquity that offers insights into the culture…

My Journey in Online Learning as a Neurodivergent Student

Written by NEC Pastoral Officer Karyn Nash In 2021, I joined NEC as a Pastoral Officer and returned to education as an online MSc…

Experiencing Mount Etna: A Journey of Natural Wonders and Learning

Written by NEC Chief Executive Esther Chesterman As the CEO of the National Extension College, I often find myself engrossed in the world of…

Are GCSE Resits Beneficial?

Written by NEC Chief Executive Esther Chesterman – explaining the benefits of GCSE resits. If your exams haven’t quite gone to plan and you…

Labour Party’s Education Policies: Transforming Schools and Enhancing Social Mobility

As the CEO of the National Extension College (NEC), I am excited about the Labour Party’s education manifesto becoming a reality under the new…

Labour Party’s Education Policies: Enhancing Social Mobility for Private Candidates, Adult Learners, and Homeschoolers

As the CEO of the National Extension College (NEC), I am thrilled to see the Labour Party’s education manifesto becoming a reality under the…

Why study Politics?

There are many reasons why studying politics is beneficial to students. With talk around general elections, it’s no wonder that politics is a common…

The economics of political parties

By Roy Bowden Roy, a tutor on NEC’s A level Economics explains how A level Economics students can use the manifestos of political parties…

Navigating Your Post-Exam Options: Advice for Students

By Esther Chesterman &  Kirsten Butler NEC Chief Executive Esther Chesterman and our UCAS Expert Kirsten Butler explain the options open to you if…

Expanding Horizons: The Case for Modern Language Studies in Gifted Education (GCSE and A Level)

In the dynamic landscape of education, providing diverse and enriching learning experiences is crucial, especially for gifted and talented students. These exceptional learners often…