Student Stories

Student Stories

Fitting in GCSEs between care shifts

Amy had been working shifts in the care sector and wanted to apply for a degree in medicine. She didn’t leave school with quite…
Student Stories

Changing keys: from jazz guitar at a conservatoire to an engineering degree at the University of Sheffield

Toby left school with a string of A*s at GCSE, but the experience of suffering a bereavement during his exams led him to abandon…
Student Stories

National Work Life Week 2021: finding time for professional development 

National Work Life Week, established by the not-for-profit Working Families, takes place every year between the 11th and 15th of October. It is a…
Student Stories

Rediscovering self-belief through A level History of Art

When NEC student Rosa decided to give herself a second chance at further education, it was not for lack of success the first time…
Our Courses, Student Stories

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…
SFT, Student Stories

A level Biology makes career progression hope a reality

At NEC, we aim to help students achieve their goals. We love to help students to advance their careers by gaining the essential qualifications…
Home Schooling, Student Stories

Many students leave school due to ill health. Is distance learning the answer?

Many students who have had to drop out of school due to illness find that distance learning works for them as a flexible alternative…
Student Stories

Deepening an interest in history through A level History of Art

NEC student Sarah has always loved studying and education, having taken 3 A levels at school and gone on to study history at University…
Student Stories

Top marks in GCSE Geography and GCSE Astronomy for retiree

David decided to study GCSE Geography and GCSE Astronomy with NEC during the pandemic as a result of the extra time he had at…
General, Student Stories

How did distance learning students do in A levels and GCSEs compared to those in schools?

NEC students achieved a high overall pass rate of 98.5% in both GCSEs and A levels. Background 2021 saw another year of exam cancellations…
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Other articles...

General, Our Courses

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…
General, Study Tips

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…
General, Our Courses

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…
General, Our Courses

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…
General

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…
General, Home Schooling

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…
General, Our Courses

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…
General, Guest Blogs, Our Courses

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…
General, Our Courses, Results Day

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…
General, Our Courses

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…
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