Whether you’re just starting out, or want to make a career change, GCSEs can help you fulfil your career ambitions. They are qualifications that show you have gained a good level of learning in a given subject area, and they are recognised by employers and training providers in the UK as evidence of your first step of formal educational achievement. 

As well as A levels, GCSEs are needed to get into college or university, and a pass in English, Science and Maths is required for many jobs and apprentice programmes. Some students in the UK take International GCSEs, known as IGCSEs, equivalent qualifications to GCSEs which are recognised all over the world.

Young people usually take GCSEs at the age of 16 or 17, but with NEC, you can take them at any age. So if you missed out on some essential subjects earlier on, or simply want to study different areas to take your career in a new direction, with NEC, the right time is now.

GCSEs show that you’ve gained a good level of learning in a subject and you should choose your courses carefully. Passes in English, Science and Maths are required for some jobs and apprentice programmes, as well as being needed for university – but other than these essential subjects it’s a good idea to pick subjects that interest you, as you’re more likely to enjoy studying and get a better grade.

With NEC’s flexible online GCSE and IGCSE courses, you study at a time and pace to suit you. All our GCSE and IGCSE courses are written by experienced teachers and examiners, and are accredited by the internationally recognised and respected awarding bodies: AQA, Pearson Edexcel, CAIE and OCR.

When you become an NEC student, you’ll be supported by a personal tutor. All our tutors are subject specialists with a teaching qualification. You’ll also be able to call on the expertise of our dedicated student support team, by email or on the phone.

Over the last 55-plus years, thousands of adults and young people across the UK and beyond have gained life-changing qualifications by studying GCSEs and IGCSEs with NEC. What matters most to us is the success of our students, so we offer all the support you need, combined with total flexibility to learn the way you want to. We’re so confident in our expertise that we offer all students our exam pass guarantee.

NEC are innovators in distance learning, and all our courses are designed specifically for independent learners. You’ll access all your high quality course materials on learn@nec, our easy-to-use online learning platform, and your personal tutor will be there to help you succeed, commenting on your course assignments and preparing you for your exams.

We’ll provide all the course materials you need, and optional extra study guides are available to help you develop better study skills. The only essentials you need to provide are an internet connection, a sufficient standard of English to be able to understand the subject materials, and a drive to succeed!

Studying independently doesn’t have to mean studying alone. When you enrol to study online GCSEs or IGCSEs with NEC, as well as having access to your personal tutor and dedicated student support team, you’ll become part of a friendly national and international online learning community. So wherever you’re studying from – whether at home in the UK or abroad, or on an overseas posting in the Forces – you’ll be in good company.