Our Courses

What is the difference between GCSEs and IGCSEs?

When it comes to navigating education systems as a traditional student, distance learner or parent, there are many terms and qualifications that can cause…

Why Study an AS Level?

An AS level (Advanced Subsidiary level) acts as a great stepping stone between GCSEs and higher education. Yes, A levels are typically more well…

Demystifying the Exam Booking Process with NEC: Everything You Need to Know

Explore the essentials of booking exams with our latest ‘long-read’ blog, complementing our well-received webinar on the topic. We also address some thought-provoking questions…

Resits or retakes – what is the difference?

Examinations play a crucial role in our educational journey, and sometimes we don’t achieve the results we had hoped for. However, it’s important to…

Why study A level Geography?

To celebrate the launch of NEC’s online interactive A level Geography, we spoke to lead tutor Alison Leadbetter about why she loves the subject…

NEC’s top courses for classics connoisseurs

The crowdfunded return of Time Team proves support for our interest in hidden histories. Although there has always been an interest in ancient history,…

Why study psychology and sociology?

Psychology and sociology are fascinating subjects for anyone interested in human behaviour and how we act within society.  A level Psychology focuses on big…

From a career in mental health services to childcare, Karen progressed her childcare career with NEC

Having worked in adult mental health services, Karen wanted to go in a new direction. She now works in childcare and her employer supported…

Can studying Latin add to my other courses?

At the end of last month, the Department for Education (DfE) announced that Latin is to be introduced in 40 state schools in England….

How can NEC help you gain an A level within a year?

Complete an A level in one year with NEC’s online Structured Fast Track A levels. We understand that some goals and deadlines can’t wait…

Other articles...

A home-educator’s journey, part 1: selecting our course provider

This post was originally published on May 31st 2018 and updated on March 23rd 2020. Today’s post is both a guest blog and an…

NEC’s Art Techniques course

This post was originally published on Friday, 4 May 2018 and updated on Friday, 29 March 2019. This week’s blog is written by Jane…

Getting it right on exam day

You’ve spent months preparing for exam day and it’s almost here. We’ve put together some top tips on how to approach these final hours…

Writing the perfect essay

The word ‘essay’ is also a verb meaning ‘to attempt’. It still retains something of that meaning in it’s commoner sense of ‘a piece…

Who are the science and technology stars of tomorrow?

For years employers have warned that the UK faces a skills shortage in many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) roles. For example, EngineeringUK…

Get ready for exam success

This post was originally published on Friday, 17 February 2017 and updated on Friday, 10 May 2019. It’s exam season! Maybe you have meticulously planned and…

‘Teachers shouldn’t confiscate pupils’ phones: they’re vital for learning.’

This week’s blogger is former NEC GCSE English student Naila Din. Now a freelance arts advisor and business coach, Naila turned to teaching as…

A lesson in innovation: Ángela Ruiz Robles

“Ángela Ruiz Robles with her Mechanical Encylopedia” by ITU Pictures / License: CC BY 2.0 As a distance learning provider, the NEC was founded on the…

What can we learn from Finland?

A Finnish Education No inspections, no tests, no uniforms and no fees. A valued teaching profession, shorter school days and starting school at seven….

Learning barriers facing prisoners

Today’s NEC Blog is written by Wendy Monaghan, who has considerable experience of working with distance learners in many different contexts and is currently at…