From Home Education to University: Imogen’s Online A level Journey

Choosing Online A levels as a Home Educated Student

Having been home educated since the age of eight, Imogen was already familiar with learning outside of a traditional classroom.

She completed eight GCSEs from home, with weekly online lessons, as well as an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) in cyber security, before deciding to continue her education with A levels. She chose A level Psychology, and later added A levels in History and Maths, giving her a broad combination of subjects while she considered what she might eventually want to study at university.

“I chose these three subjects as I was unsure what I wanted to do at university, and wanted to do a broad range of subjects to keep my options open.” – Imogen

Mum Nicola adds:

“Imogen enjoyed them (the subjects) at GCSE, and liked the fact that History had an NEA,” – Nicola

Imogen has completed her A level Psychology online course and at the time of writing is awaiting her grades. She is continuing her study of A level History and A level Maths. 

The experience of studying NEC’s A level Psychology course has helped to give Imogen a clearer idea of where her A levels might take her.

“I greatly enjoyed my Psychology course and am considering applying to study Psychology at university.” – Imogen

Why Imogen Chose to Study A levels with NEC

With her experience of online tuition when completing GCSEs, whilst looking at different online A level providers Imogen and Nicola were particularly interested in finding the right balance between independent study and access to expert tutor support.

“I liked the balance of self studying with tutor support,” – Imogen

For Nicola, the independent study aspect had benefits beyond completing A levels:

“We felt the independent learning part was invaluable at undergraduate level.” – Nicola

Imogen and Nicola found that some alternative providers placed more emphasis on tutor support, and had less opportunities for self studying – not giving the same balance that NEC courses do.

“We looked at a few school-type providers for A level, but Imogen did not want to do some of the compulsory lessons they provided. She wanted more opportunities for independent learning.” – Nicola

The Benefits of Flexible Online A level Study

One of the biggest advantages of online learning for Imogen has been the ability to decide when she studies.

“The flexibility has been very useful to me. As I have some health challenges this has allowed me to tailor the time that I work to suit me, rather than having to stick to a strict schedule.” – Imogen

Her advice to other distance-learning students is not to feel that successful studying has to resemble a conventional school day.

“My advice would be to take advantage of being able to self-study and the flexibility involved. Don’t feel like you have to conform to more ‘typical’ school hours. If working at the weekends or later in the evening suits you better.” – Imogen

This ability to explore topics independently has also helped Imogen feel more confident in her learning.

“Being able to look at the content in depth in my own time, but still having the ability to access help from a tutor if need be, has boosted my confidence with my subjects. I feel like this has given me the opportunity to learn in a way that suits my learning style.” – Imogen

Independent Study Combined With Tutor Support Proves a Hit for Imogen

Studying independently doesn’t mean studying alone.

Imogen particularly values being able to turn to her NEC tutors when she needs additional guidance.

“I have found all my tutors very helpful, and their knowledge of the subjects and exams, and being able to work with them one-to-one, has really improved my exam technique.” – Imogen

That support became particularly valuable as Imogen approached her A level Psychology exams.

“I found my Psychology tutor’s support during exam season very helpful. Our revision sessions leading up to the exams really helped in concreting my knowledge of the subject. I felt that I was confident going into my exams, that I knew the content well and understood exam technique.” – Imogen

Nicola noticed how supportive the tutors are too:

“Relationships with the tutors has been excellent.” 

“Imogen’s Psychology tutor Saima prepared her extremely well for the exam. Imogen enjoyed the lessons and had a good rapport with her.” – Nicola

Pastoral Support During A level Study

For Nicola, another element of NEC’s support of Imogen particularly stood out: access to pastoral support alongside academic tuition.

“The pastoral support has been fantastic, particularly with regard to exam stress and anxiety.” – Nicola

Imogen likes to self teach and study independently. For any student studying independently, having access to support when it’s needed can be a real positive and help to build confidence approaching exams.

“The tutor support has been excellent. The pastoral support has also been invaluable.” – Nicola

“I felt the work I did with NEC made me feel confident going into my Psychology exams.” – Imogen

How Online A levels Prepare Students for University

For Imogen, independent learning isn’t simply a convenient way of completing her A levels. It is also an opportunity to develop the skills that will be valuable to her at university.

Whilst studying her A levels online with NEC, Imogen has been responsible for organising her own studies, managing her time and deciding when to ask for additional support.

Nicola recommends to anyone considering online A levels:

“It’s a great way of developing the skill of independent learning and studying while also having a structure to use to ensure coverage (of the course).” – Nicola

After her experience, Imogen now feels ready to take that independence to the next level.

After completing her A levels, she plans to progress to university and is considering Psychology as a possible degree subject.

“Studying these topics has helped me determine what subjects I am interested in studying at university.”

“I feel that after completing my A levels I can confidently progress onto university.” – Imogen

From Home Education to Higher Education

Imogen’s journey demonstrates how online A levels can provide continuity for students who have been home educated and want to progress to higher education without moving into a more traditional sixth-form environment.

Rather than having to give up the independence she had grown used to, Imogen has been able to build on it while gaining recognised A level qualifications and accessing the support available from NEC tutors who are all specialists in their subjects.

Imogen’s experience has also helped her to develop her exam technique, and narrow down plans for university.

Outside her academic studies, Imogen is a regular swimmer and competes in air pistol shooting and para sports. Online distance learning, with its flexible study, is a great way of ensuring Imogen has plenty of time to engage in her hobbies whilst still achieving her goals, her way.

“I am pleased with the service I received. I cannot think of anything that could have been improved upon.” – Imogen

While Nicola simply says she is “very happy” with the service provided by NEC.

Thinking of Studying A levels from Home?

Whether like Imogen you have been home educated and are seeking a flexible progression route from GCSEs to university, want an alternative to a traditional classroom setting, are returning to education after time away, or simply wanting to study alongside work or other commitments, online A levels enable you to achieve Your Goals, Your Way. 

The National Extension College offers a wide range of online A level courses. All courses come with specialist support and feedback from our experienced tutors. For learners looking to apply to university we can support your application through our dedicated UCAS support service.

Explore NEC’s online A level courses today and discover a flexible route towards university and beyond.

Got a question? Our friendly Course Advice Team will be happy to help you.