Student Stories

Homeschooler Andrew’s experience of studying IGCSE Chemistry

Last year, we shared Andrew’s experience of how homeschooling was helping him to balance education and family commitments. We caught up with Andrew to…

Mia’s NEC experience and her pursuit of knowledge

There are a number of reasons why students decide that distance learning is a suitable form of education for them and their needs. In…

Andrew’s experience: How homeschooling helps balance education and family commitments

Arguably, one of the biggest benefits to online and distance learning is the freedom it allows students to study at a time and place…

How homeschooling is helping Amelia work towards a medical career

You may have seen us share a recent story about the benefits of distance learning as a mature student. In this post we explore…

Distance learning as a mature student working abroad: Chun’s Experience

As distance learning has grown in popularity as an effective alternative to traditional learning, the benefits of this type of study for mature students…

Sharon’s positive experience of distance learning leads to an A grade in her English Language A level

There’s no denying that distance learning is rapidly gaining popularity as a successful educational platform outside of traditional schools and colleges. With this in…

Martin’s story: From no qualifications and working in a factory to a long academic journey and a professional career

With NEC celebrating our 60th birthday in 2023, we have been asking students for their stories of studying with NEC. Throughout our 60 years,…

Jeremy’s stepping stone to studying Natural Sciences at university

NEC has been working with our partners to provide a series of free webinars on our YouTube channel for anyone interested in studying a…

Meet the recipients of the Russell Kane Scholarship

In July 2022 NEC launched the first annual Russell Kane Scholarship Programme.  Russell Kane, now a multi-award winning comedian, TV and radio presenter, actor,…

What happens when there aren’t enough students to fill a classroom?

Every summer there are dismaying articles about the decline in modern foreign languages in schools. Not to mention the drop in language learning during…

Other articles...

A level exam results of NEC students released

You don’t have to go to school to get an A level. Among the 300,000 students (BBC, 2019) taking A levels each year are…

From NEC to Oxford

Ella studied A level English Literature and Classical Civilisation with NEC, obtaining an A* and A grade respectively. She has now been offered a…

Educating Rita – A Sociological Perspective

Image source: Educating Rita (2019). Cambridge Arts Theatre. I went to see the play Educating Rita with colleagues from the NEC. Having not seen…

What is #EarthOvershootDay?

What is #EarthOvershootDay? It is #EarthOvershootDay – the day where we have used up all of the natural resources that our planet can renew…

Why study Latin?

Why study Latin? With around 60% of the English Language having its roots in Latin, you’ll find there are Latin words that you will…

Celebrating 30 years of the Prisoners’ Education Trust

The Prisoners’ Education Trust was started around a kitchen table in 1989 by David Burton, Donald McGovern and Elizabeth Andrew. All were passionate about the power…

Alan Tuckett has reasons to be cheerful for adult education

After a decade of decline and policy neglect, this is suddenly the season of reviews affecting adult learners. Like number 38 buses, you wait…

A home educator’s journey – Part 9: Structuring our week

In part 9 of our ‘home educator’s journey’ series, Anna discusses how the flexibility of home education shapes her approach to a typical week….

Celebrating 50 years of the OU

Above: NEC Chief Executive Dr Ros Morpeth showing support for the Open University  Yesterday evening a distinguished crowd gathered at the House of Lords…

Can you do an A level in a year?

One of our most frequently asked questions, especially at this time of year, is whether you can be ready for an A level within…