98
%pass rate across (I)GCSEs in 2024
8
Structured GCSE Programme subjects to choose from
10
live seminars
15
tutor led study sessions per course
Our Structured GCSE Programme is a flexible GCSE experience ideal for home-educated students and those looking for more structured support
Our Structured GCSE Programme is designed to provide a guided, flexible one-year GCSE experience and comes with full academic and pastoral support.
Comprising expert-led live teaching, tailored feedback, and a strong pastoral framework, our online Structured GCSE Programme combines independent learning with the reassurance of regular check-ins, interactive learning tools, and a personalised support network.
At NEC, we know every learner is different. Our Structured GCSE Programme online courses are designed to ensure you can engage fully, study flexibly, and succeed on your own terms.
All our online GCSE courses are built around interactive adaptive topics. They include:
- a Study Schedule at the start of every section
- a Course Plan to track seminar dates, deadlines, and submitted work
- a subject-specific Introductory Quiz to assess prior knowledge .
Combining structure and flexibility to support learners with a wide range of needs — from SEND and mental health challenges to high-performing students looking for an interactive academic experience — our online Structured GCSE Programme is built to ensure you achieve your goals, your way.
Structured GCSE Programme at a glance
Live online teaching from subject specialists, with 10 Live Seminars and 15 Study Sessions per course — all timetabled for consistency (e.g. every Monday at 10am) and available as recordings.
Induction Week including a live Induction Seminar hosted by Student Support.
This session helps you understand how everything works and is the first chance to meet your tutors.
Assigned Personal Learning Tutor to provide you with 1:1 support through the year.
Your Personal Learning Tutor will offer you three support sessions per term, with options for parents or sponsors to join when appropriate.
Carefully crafted self-study programmes that blend adaptive, interactive content with inclusive and accessible design.
Developed by subject experts and experienced examiners, each course uses the latest in online learning design to deliver personalised, engaging experiences.
Interactive topics respond to your progress, helping to identify and fill knowledge gaps while building confidence.
Built-in support for diverse learning styles, SEND needs, and mental health considerations.
Whenever you enrol you will get:
- access to the Common Room and introductory resources
- time to complete the Five Steps to Getting Started
- early interaction with other students and NEC tutors
- a smoother, more confident start to the term in September.
Access to a shared virtual Common Room — a dedicated online space alongside your course(s) in learn@nec.
Includes:
- Programme announcements
- Induction Seminar
- Five Steps to Getting Started
- Personal Learning Tutor support area
Choose between a range of GCSE subjects including:
- English Language
- Maths
- History
- Astronomy
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Choosen one or multiple subjects — our Course Advice Team can help you choose the right combination.
If you are considering one of our Structured GCSE courses, you may also be interested in our Programming for beginners with Python course.
Live online teaching from subject specialists, with 10 Live Seminars and 15 Study Sessions per course — all timetabled for consistency (e.g. every Monday at 10am) and available as recordings.
Access to a shared virtual Common Room — a dedicated online space alongside your course(s) in learn@nec.
Includes:
- Programme announcements
- Induction Seminar
- Five Steps to Getting Started
- Personal Learning Tutor support area
Whenever you enrol you will get:
- access to the Common Room and introductory resources
- time to complete the Five Steps to Getting Started
- early interaction with other students and NEC tutors
- a smoother, more confident start to the term in September.
Assigned Personal Learning Tutor to provide you with 1:1 support through the year.
Your Personal Learning Tutor will offer you three support sessions per term, with options for parents or sponsors to join when appropriate.
Carefully crafted self-study programmes that blend adaptive, interactive content with inclusive and accessible design.
Developed by subject experts and experienced examiners, each course uses the latest in online learning design to deliver personalised, engaging experiences.
Interactive topics respond to your progress, helping to identify and fill knowledge gaps while building confidence.
Built-in support for diverse learning styles, SEND needs, and mental health considerations.
Induction Week including a live Induction Seminar hosted by Student Support.
This session helps you understand how everything works and is the first chance to meet your tutors.
Choose between a range of GCSE subjects including:
- English Language
- Maths
- History
- Astronomy
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Choosen one or multiple subjects — our Course Advice Team can help you choose the right combination.
If you are considering one of our Structured GCSE courses, you may also be interested in our Programming for beginners with Python course.
Live online teaching from subject specialists, with 10 Live Seminars and 15 Study Sessions per course — all timetabled for consistency (e.g. every Monday at 10am) and available as recordings.
Induction Week including a live Induction Seminar hosted by Student Support.
This session helps you understand how everything works and is the first chance to meet your tutors.
Assigned Personal Learning Tutor to provide you with 1:1 support through the year.
Your Personal Learning Tutor will offer you three support sessions per term, with options for parents or sponsors to join when appropriate.
Carefully crafted self-study programmes that blend adaptive, interactive content with inclusive and accessible design.
Developed by subject experts and experienced examiners, each course uses the latest in online learning design to deliver personalised, engaging experiences.
Interactive topics respond to your progress, helping to identify and fill knowledge gaps while building confidence.
Built-in support for diverse learning styles, SEND needs, and mental health considerations.
Whenever you enrol you will get:
- access to the Common Room and introductory resources
- time to complete the Five Steps to Getting Started
- early interaction with other students and NEC tutors
- a smoother, more confident start to the term in September.
Access to a shared virtual Common Room — a dedicated online space alongside your course(s) in learn@nec.
Includes:
- Programme announcements
- Induction Seminar
- Five Steps to Getting Started
- Personal Learning Tutor support area
Choose between a range of GCSE subjects including:
- English Language
- Maths
- History
- Astronomy
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Choosen one or multiple subjects — our Course Advice Team can help you choose the right combination.
If you are considering one of our Structured GCSE courses, you may also be interested in our Programming for beginners with Python course.
WHY STUDY A STRUCTURED GCSE
Who is the Structured GCSE Programme for
- Home-educated students who need structure and accountability.
- Learners with additional needs (e.g. dyslexia, autism, ADHD).
- Students facing anxiety or mental health challenges.
- Young people with other commitments (e.g. sport, caring responsibilities).
- Any learner who would benefit from a balance of self-study and support.
Support for parents and guardians
At NEC, we understand that families play a vital role in our students’ success. That’s why we offer:
- Access to your child’s Personal Learning Tutor
Parents/guardians are invited to attend Personal Learning Tutor support sessions throughout the year, where you can discuss progress, challenges, and goals. - Online Progress Tracking Tools
Via learn@nec, you can stay informed about assignment submissions, seminar attendance, tutor feedback, and more. - Ongoing contact with our Student Support Team
Our dedicated Student Support Team is on hand to help with pastoral concerns, motivation, wellbeing, or general questions — supporting the whole student, not just their studies.
Structured GCSE course fees – the more you study, the more you save
We understand that you may be planning for more than one GCSE. Our pricing is designed to support that, offering significant savings as more subjects are added. If you are thinking of studying more than one Structured GCSE course download the price list then get in touch to enrol by phone.
YOUR CHOICE
Structured GCSE Programme courses
Choose one or multiple GCSE subjects as part of your Structured GSCE programme. The more you study, the more you save – our pricing offers you significant savings as more subjects are added. Download the Price List for full details. If you choose to study more than one Structured GCSE course, please get in touch to enrol by phone.
Structured Astronomy GCSE
Venture to distant galaxies to gain a better understanding of our place in the universe through this intriguing blend of science and observation. Dive into astronomy to uncover its mysteries, explore the cosmos, and master tools like telescopes and star charts.
Structured Biology IGCSE
If you appreciate nature and want to learn more about life on planet Earth this fascinating subject will teach you how to make predictions, test your theories and evaluate and communicate your scientific findings.
Structured Chemistry IGCSE
Ignite your passion for this complex and interesting subject as you dive into the fascinating world of chemistry through engaging online content and practical experiments you can do at home.
Structured Computer Science IGCSE
Dive beyond the realm of basic computer users to understand the complexities of computer processes and the impact they create. From programming basics to complex algorithms, studying computer science allows you to explore and understand the digital world.
Structured English Language GCSE
Develop your confidence and competence in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English. This internationally-recognised GCSE qualification, is vital for further studies and your future career.
Structured History IGCSE
Do historical facts spark your curiosity to find out more about the world we live in today? Studying history allows you to explore and understand significant events and their impacts on the present and future.
Structured Maths GCSE
Become better equipped when it comes to problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical and interpretative skills, and learn the importance of maths in society, employment and study.
Structured Psychology GCSE
Are you interested in finding out about how, and why, we behave as we do? This is your opportunity to unlock the secrets of the human mind.
INTRODUCTORY RESOURCES
Self-study courses
You’ll have access to these self-study courses as part of your Structured GCSE Programme.
Problem Solving
Gain confidence in approaching common mathematical issues and develop key problem solving skills that prepare you for successful academic progression onto university and beyond.
Critical Thinking
Develop your essay writing and lateral thinking skills, prepare yourself for successful academic progression on to university and open up your mind to different ways of thinking.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether our Structured GCSE Programme is right for you or your child?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Experience you can trust
With a legacy spanning more than half a century, NEC has honed its craft in delivering exceptional online and distance learning experiences. Our extensive experience has equipped us with insights into the diverse needs of learners of all ages, allowing us to refine our approach to provide top-notch education that adapts to your individual pace and preferences.
How it works
Discover more about studying with NEC.
Support for Students
Helping students of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their goals, their way.
At NEC, we believe that everybody deserves a chance to achieve their learning goals, no matter their circumstances.
There are many forms of support we can offer our students.
Exams & Assessment
Many of our online distance learning courses require exams to achieve your qualification.
Whilst our courses are flexible in terms of your study schedule, exam dates are set by the awarding organisation.
As an approved centre, we facilitate both exams and non-exam assessments.
Fee Information
As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you play for any additional costs.
Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help with paying for your course.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions and concerns about the Structured GCSE Programme. Read more FAQs.
At the heart of NEC’s Structured GCSE Programme is a cutting-edge online course design that transforms traditional self-study into a personalised, interactive learning experience.
Our GCSE courses are not PDFs and passive reading. They’re dynamic, engaging, and built to adapt to how each student learns. This is self-study, redefined — giving students freedom and structure.
Every course in the Structured GCSE Programme has been:
- designed by subject experts and experienced examiners
- mapped directly to GCSE exam board specifications
- created using the latest in digital learning design
- reviewed and adapted to support different learning needs and styles.
These courses are the result of decades of NEC experience in distance education — combined with modern, research-based approaches to accessibility and pedagogy.
Each of our Structured GCSE Programme subjects is built around interactive topics that adapt as you progress. This means:
- you receive tailored guidance based on you answers and engagement
- activities adjust to offer extra support or greater challenge where you need it
- you can track you progress and revisit areas independently
- every section begins with a Study Schedule
- you complete an Introductory Quiz to assess your strengths and gaps
- learning content adjusts to fill your knowledge gaps and reinforce your skills.
This helps you to build confidence quickly, even if you have struggled with the subject before.
NEC’s courses are built to support:
- visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners
- students with SEND (e.g. dyslexia, ADHD, autism)
- learners managing anxiety or mental health needs
- those who need to study flexibly due to health, family or performance commitments.
Accessible features include:
- clear layouts, uncluttered pages, and adjustable font sizes
- screen-reader-friendly content and alt text on all visuals
- bite-sized learning to help with attention and processing
- multiple formats (text, audio, video, diagrams, quizzes) to support different learning preferences.
When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You can access all of you learning materials 24/7 via NEC’s online learning platform, learn@nec — at home, in the library, or on the go.
This flexibility allows you to:
- work at your own pace
- fit your study around other life commitments
- catch up or revise when it suits you
It’s a structured timetable — but one that’s adaptable to your real life.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
