NEC Events

We’re busy planning our next series of webinars – come back soon to see what exciting events we have coming up. In the meantime, you can watch our full back-catalogue of previous webinars here.

Recent webinars include:

• our Virtual Open Day where we explored how onlne learning works and how the National Extension College (NEC) can help you or your child achive education and career goals
• The Power of Studying Languages Online co-hosted with The Open University, explored the value of linguistics and shared clear practical guidance to highlight the benefits – and nuances – of learning a languge online.
• University Your Way: Flexible Online Study for All co-hosted with The Open University, shared the flexible progression routes available to learners.
• Belonging – Supporting Young People to Thrive in Education and Beyond with Samreen Shah, Founder of Education Allies, where we looked at how connecion and support can help every learner to reach their potential.
• The Power of Creativity – Opening Doors to Meaningful Careers with Artswork, challenged some of the most common preconceptions about creative careers, and explored the ways in which creativity powers innovation across sectors – not just the arts.
• Applying to University co-hosted with Gem Standing from the University of East Anglia, offered tips and insights around the transition to university and explained how NEC can support our students with key elements such as personal statements, predicted grades and references.

In addition to these public events, which are open to everyone, we also provide a range of opportunities exclusively for students enrolled on our courses to join us and our partners for expert-led events to support their learning.

NEW – Upcoming Webinar

• Unlocking Higher Education: Navigating University Admissions via Non-traditional Pathways – We’re finalising the details of this webinar, which will be held on Thursday 3rd September 2026, and co-hosted by Gem Standing from the University of East Anglia (UEA). Check back here soon for full details and information on how to join us.

We’re currently busy planning our attendance calendar for the rest of this year, so look out for us at events coming later this year, we’d love to say ‘hello’.

2026 has been a busy year so far – here are some of our highlights:

BETT, January 2026

We kicked of the year with our annual visit to BETT, held at Excel in London. Our CEO Esther Chesterman, experienced the future of education first hand, from Professor Hannah Fry and Amol Rajan’s energising discussion on AI reshaping learning and society, and the RT Hon Bridget Phillipson MP’s announcement of a new Level 3 in Data Science and AI. Whilst our Online Learning Manager Helen Davies, and Online Learning Editor Simone King attended a series of webinars.

At NEC, attending conferences like BETT isn’t just about keeping up – it’s about staying ahead for our learners. As education rapidly evolves with AI, new policy frameworks, and inclusive teaching approaches, we’re committed to ensuring our courses, support systems, and teaching methods reflect the very best in current practice. Learning without limits means our team never stops learning. It means we’re constantly refining how we deliver flexible, accessible education that truly adapts to each student’s circumstances and goals.

Whole School SEND East of England Regional Conference, February 2026

Our SENCO and Pastoral Officer, Karyn Nash joined SEN specialists from across the region to explore how additional SEND provisions are developing in mainstream schools. The conference reinforced just how vital it is that schools and education providers are equipped to meet the needs of all learners. 

At NEC we’ve been giving students who need an alternative pathway access to recognised qualifications with expert tutor support. Conversations like the ones at this conference, help ensure our provision continues to reflect the latest thinking in SEND and inclusive education.

LAPS – Ahead of the Game, March 2026

LAPs brings together dynamic businesses and sports people who are thinking seriously about life beyond their playing careers and is exactly the kind of community that NEC exists to support. At this year’s event in Doncaster, Esther and colleagues from NEC’s Course Advice Team connected with athletes from football academies across the UK, to hear their ambitions and share information about how distance learning can help them to build their next chapter, on their terms. 

Association of Art History Conference, April 2026

NEC has a longstanding relationship with the Association of Art History – together we developed the only online A level in Art History available in the UK. NEC CEO Esther Chesterman joined art history professionals for a breakfast meeting at Churchill College in Cambridge, before attending their annual conference.

The Classical Association Annual Conference, April 2026

We were proud to once again part-sponsor the award for Outstanding State Sector Initiative – won this year by the Classics Department at Exeter College. Esther attended this annual conference, the largest annual Classics gathering in the UK, to co-present the award to the worthy winners. 

Classical education is at the heart of what we do at NEC and events like this remind us why it matters for learners of all kinds, at every stage of their journey. We were also pleased to work with The Classical Association (CA) again this year to offer state sector teachers the chance to study our Classical Civilisation A level course, thanks to a number of bursaries provided by the CA. 

Schools and Academies Show (SAAS), May 2026

Esther spent the day across EdTech and policy sessions at this year’s SAAS held at Excel, London. Staying connected to policy, practice, and the people shaping education keeps NEC’s provision relevant, responsive and rooted in what learners truly need.

SEND Conference, May 2026

Our Director of Quality and Assessment, Sarah Turner, visited the SEND Conference held at Excel, London in May.

This CDP-centred event is built around the real challenges facing the SEND community, equipping educators with the insights and strategies needed to deliver truly inclusive learning. Read Sarah’s take-aways from the day.

WEA Lifelong Learning Lab – Creating Good Work, June 2026

Lifelong Learning charity WEA has launched a national programme of Lifelong Learning Labs – a year-long initiative to reset the UK’s approach to adult education. Bringing together leading voices, learners and communities to shape new solutions and build a united, evidence-led case for the social, economic, and democratic value of lifelong learning. Running across England and Scotland, the Labs will test ideas and challenge assumptions through roundtables, research, online discussions and lived experience insights.

We were delighted that Esther was invited to join the roundtable on 2nd June in Brighton to discuss The role of lifelong learning in Creating Good Work.

Come back later to find out where you can hear us speaking later this year.

In June, we were delighted to have the opportunity to speak at the following event:

ISA / ISC Digital Conference 2026

Our CEO Esther Chesterman spoke at this year’s Independent Schools Council Digital Conference, joining technology thought leaders and decision makers to explore digital strategy, AI, learning, innovation, technology infrastructure and more. Held at the University of Roehampton, London. Esther explored whether high-quality, personalised education for SEND learners really has to cost what we think it does, and questionned ‘are we designing for inclusion?’.

NEC’s experience, built on over 60 years providing distance learning, suggests that the answer lies in accessibility principles baked in from the beginning, not bolted on as an afterthought. Our adaptive learning model, which was shortlisted for a Learning Technologies Award in 2024, shows this can be done affordably and at scale.

We’ll held our annual Trustee Away Day in June.

Every year, NEC’s Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team convene to anticipate shifts in the educational landscape and evolve our strategic position within it. By centering our core values, we ensure our mission remains resilient and future-ready, empowering every student to achieve their goals, their way.