Our Courses

Bursaries for state sector teachers to study NEC’s A level Classical Civilisation course

The Classical Association is offering three study bursaries for state sector teachers to take online A level Classical Civilisation with the National Extension College…

Balancing an A level with My Passion for Dance

In this third instalment of her learning story, Izzy brings us up-to-date with how studying for an A level alongside her full-time musical theatre…

How NEC’s Inclusive Approach to Learning Design is Redefining Independent Learning

Hello, I’m Helen Davies. As the Online Learning Manager at the National Extension College (NEC), I’ve had the privilege of leading a project focused…

NEC’s Learning Design: A Pathway to Success for Independent Learners

If you’re considering studying for a GCSE or A level with the National Extension College (NEC), you may be wondering: how will NEC help…

Passion and Academics: How Izzy Balances Full-time Musical Theatre Studies with Studying A level Physics

Earlier this year we introduced Izzy who was embarking on a journey to fast-track her A level Physics studies with NEC. In the second…

Why Study Psychology? – Key Benefits, Careers and What You’ll Need to Study Psychology at University

Psychology is a fascinating and valuable field that offers insights into human behaviour, thought processes, and emotions. Whether you’re considering a career in psychology…

The Future of Art History: Why Study A level History of Art with the National Extension College?

Art history is more than just a study of paintings and sculptures; it’s a gateway to understanding cultures, societies, and the human experience through…

Why Study Physics?

Did you know that if you fold a piece of paper 42 times, it would reach the moon? This might sound impossible but physics…

National Coding Week 2024: The Vital Role of Coding in the Modern World

National Coding Week started on 16th September, and is the perfect time to highlight the importance of coding – especially with this year’s focus…

Exploring Science Practicals at Home: A Guide for Homeschoolers

Studying science as a homeschooler can seem daunting, especially when you think about the practical experiments that are essential to understanding the subject. However,…

Other articles...

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…

Ignite your love of learning this Valentine’s day

It’s Valentine’s day, so we thought we’d talk about our biggest love at NEC: learning! There are so many reasons to love learning, these…

Tips for beating the January Blues

It’s early January, and as the sparkle of Christmas fades, we begin to edge back into our daily routines. Perhaps you are relishing a…

Top tips for starting a distance learning adventure in 2018

With the festive season in full swing, plans and resolutions for 2018 are rapidly approaching. If your 2018 ambitions include a return to study…

Finding a way to pay for your learning

Photo credit: Nick Youngson – nyphotographic.com Some offers listed on this page may have now expired. For the latest information on our fees and…

How does written non-examination assessment (NEA) work?

If you’re taking A levels in English language, English literature or history you’ll need to think about the written piece of non-examination assessment (NEA)….