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NEC is proud to announce a series of exciting developments that will enhance the experience of all of our students.
With a new website, new courses like one-year Structured GCSEs, an enhanced online learning platform and new leadership, 2025 has been an exciting year for NEC.
Whether you are a home educator, returning to learning, or planning for GCSEs and A levels and looking for flexible study options, these new features are designed to support you to success.
What’s New at NEC in 2025?
In 2025 NEC has appointed new leadership, introduced new courses, updated our brand identity, and improved our digital experience. Here’s an overview of the changes:
- a new Chair of Trustees and a strengthened strategic leadership team
- launch of our one-year Structured GCSEs Programme
- development of new products and courses that give learners more choice and greater flexibility to learn
- work to enhance our online learning platform to offer an inclusive digital classroom
- a brand new website with better navigation and accessibility
- a modernised logo and brand identity.
Here’s a more detailed look at the changes.
NEC Leadership: Welcoming our New Chair of Trustees
Part of The Open School Trust, the National Extension College (NEC) is an educational charity guided by a Board of Trustees, each of whom brings to NEC a unique set of skills and experiences. Together they help to keep NEC at the forefront of online learning.
We are delighted to welcome Vanessa Pittard as the new Chair of Trustees. Vanessa is also the Deputy Chief Executive of MEI, a leading education charity working nationally with schools and colleges to provide students with the best possible learning experience of maths.
“Vanessa’s leadership will help guide NEC through our next stage of growth. Our Board has also been strengthened with new members who will bring fresh expertise to support innovation and student success, ensuring that we have the knowledge to meet future challenges and opportunities.” – Esther Chesterman, CEO
“I’m proud to become Chair of Trustees at the National Extension College. NEC has always championed access to education and opportunity for all. These new initiatives will give more learners a chance to achieve their goals and to get the support that they need.” – Vanessa Pittard
New Online Courses
We’ve expanded our course portfolio with new qualifications and resources that are responsive to students’ needs and offer flexible pathways and career-focussed options – affirming our commitment to ensuring every student thrives.
New courses for 2025 include eight Structured GCSEs that can be completed in one year. These courses are designed for home-educated students and students looking for more structured support. Each Structured GCSE comes with:
- full academic and pastoral support
- expert-led live teaching
- tailored feedback and interactive learning tools
- independent learning but with the reassurance of regular check-ins
- personalised support network.
Find out more about our Structured GCSE Programme.
Looking for A levels rather than GCSEs? Our Structured Fast Track A levels enable you to gain an A level in one year.
learn@nec: More than just a place to access course materials
learn@nec is NEC’s digital learning platform, where students access their course materials, study, and engage with others. We’re enhancing learn@nec to create a truly inclusive digital classroom.
“From improved navigation to features that support students’ diverse learning needs, the changes to learn@nec will ensure that studying at NEC is even more engaging and accessible. Our goal is to create a digital platform that gives learners more choice and greater flexibility to learn.” – Helen Davies, Online Learning Manager
! PLEASE NOTE: learn@nec is a different platform to our website.
New Look, Same Values: NEC’s New Brand Identity
We’ve updated our logo and brand identity to better reflect NEC’s innovation, ambition and commitment to students’ success. The new brand reflects NEC’s heritage whilst embracing a fresher, more contemporary visual language. You’ll see our new branding on our website, on learn@nec and across our social media.
Explore our New Website
Developed by Ronins on behalf of NEC, with you in mind our new website offers improved navigation, accessibility, speed and works wonderfully on mobile devices.
Benefits of the new site:
- Easier Navigation for all users
- Clear information about courses and support services
- Easily enrol online, or speak to an advisor
- Flexible finance options explained
- How it works preview: try our Free AI course before you enrol.
Features of the new site:
- How it works – explore online distance learning
- Dedicated information and downloads for students, parents, schools/LEAs, partners
- Insights Hub – for blogs, events and student stories
- Meet our tutors, staff and trustees
- Icons to help quickly scan information for relevant content
- Emotive photography – to connect our services and support to the people who use them.
“Our new website has been built for everyone. It ensures that our digital content is clear, navigable, and usable for all users. Our goal is to make every piece of information feel like a helpful conversation with a knowledgeable friend.” – Esther Chesterman
“Great projects happen when everyone’s pulling in the same direction. NEC knew exactly what they wanted, a site that opens doors for learners, and that clarity made our job simple. The team was a joy to work with, and together we’ve built something that really reflects who they are.” – Anthony Basker, Ronins
A Flexible Future for Online Learning at NEC
From course design to platform upgrades, the exciting developments in 2025 are designed to ensure you can achieve Your Goals, Your Way.
“At NEC, the future of learning is flexible and inclusive. These updates are part of our mission of widening access to education.” – Esther Chesterman
Ready to explore? Start your journey today by exploring our website, discovering our courses, or connecting with our Course Advice Team.