How learning works with NEC
Starting your learning journey with NEC is straightforward and designed around your life. Whether you’re looking to gain essential GCSEs and A levels, advance your career with professional qualifications, or explore new opportunities, our proven approach makes quality education accessible to everyone. With over 60 years of experience in distance learning, we’ve refined our process to ensure you receive the guidance, flexibility, and support you need to succeed, no matter your starting point, schedule, or circumstances.
Tutor support
At NEC, we understand the impact a great tutor can have on a student’s journey. That’s why all our tutors are qualified teachers, experienced in online learning and exams, and dedicated to supporting our learners.
They receive bespoke in-house training to meet a wide range of student needs. Students can easily connect with their tutor through forums and messaging on Learn@NEC, with the option to arrange 1-1 tutorials for extra support.
Pastoral care
At NEC, we are committed to supporting every student in achieving their goals. To ensure this, we have a dedicated Pastoral Officer, Karyn Nash, who offers a range of support to all enrolled students. Learn more about our Pastoral Care Service and our external partners.
Support for exams
Some students may require access arrangements for their exams, and NEC’s exam team is here to assist. If you’re using our exam booking service, we will work closely with you and the exam centre to ensure you receive the necessary support.
Additionally, we offer exam preparation services, including marking a past paper as part of our course fees. If you’d like additional past papers marked, we can provide these as an add-on.
Qualified teachers
We carefully select qualified teachers and expert practitioners as tutors, many of whom serve as examiners for major awarding bodies, to provide comprehensive support, feedback, and assignment marking throughout your course. Students frequently credit their tutors with boosting confidence, maintaining motivation, and helping them achieve the qualifications needed for university or career changes.
Support for students under 18
Since 1963, NEC has been dedicated to supporting home educators. We understand the importance of getting it right when learning from home, which is why we offer additional support for students under 18. Parents and guardians can track progress through our Progress Tracker login. To learn more about how we assist students under 18, visit our Home Educators page.
Your common questions and concerns answered
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find the answer to your frequently asked question below, please contact our Course Advice Team or book a callback.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Most courses have no formal entry requirements, but we recommend prior study in some cases — for example, GCSE Maths before taking A level Maths. Check the course page for details.
You’ll need good English comprehension and regular access to a computer. Some vocational courses require you to be working in a suitable setting. For language courses, some prior knowledge of the language may be necessary, depending on the level – check individual course pages for guidance. If you’re unsure, our friendly Course Advice Team can help.
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.
Simply click ‘Enrol now’ on your chosen course page and follow the instructions. If you’d like to pay in instalments or have any questions, our team is here to help — just give us a call.
In some cases, the ‘Enrol now’ button may not be available — this usually means the course requires a quick conversation with us first. For example, some courses (like Functional Skills) involve a registration process, or you may be applying for finance. In these cases, just contact our team and we’ll guide you through the next steps.
After you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with your tutor’s details and access to learn@nec so you can get started right away.
Still have questions or want to enrol with NEC?
Contact our Student Recruitment Team
Our courses
Explore and find the right course for you
Explore a wide range of courses tailored to meet various learning needs and career goals. Whether you’re advancing in your current field, exploring a new interest, or continuing your education, we have the programmes to help you reach your aspirations.