Fully online courses designed by subject experts to cover awarding body specifications.
Since 1963 the National Extension College (NEC), a not-for-profit charity, has sought to provide opportunities for people who missed out on education. NEC’s original remit to offer second chance solutions to learners of all ages is still as relevant as ever.
Our course materials are designed by subject matter experts, and all NEC online courses lead to qualifications from the major UK exam boards.
Introductory package
NEC is launching an introductory package so that schools can benefit from our expertise.
Working with NEC can help you to:
- Stretch your gifted and talented students.
- Support students unable to attend school or college, such as those with a long-term illness.
- Maintain and expand subject choice – choose from a wide range of subjects including psychology, philosophy, astronomy and politics.
- Overcome timetable clashes and staff shortages.
- Fill gaps in students’ GCSE qualifications – including English and maths.
- Develop transferable independent study skills that prepare students for higher education and employment.
Courses available
With 21 subjects at A level, 16 at GCSE, and Functional Skills at Levels 1 and 2 in English and maths, we offer a wide range of options to help your school and pupils.
Enrol at any point, study anywhere
- Enrol a student at any point in the year with no minimum enrolment numbers.
- Students can study anywhere, from home or at school.
How NEC supports your students’ learning
All NEC’s courses are designed to be flexible so the learner can work at their own pace. This means that your students will be able to fit their independent study schedule around your timetable requirements and any other commitments they may have. They can access their course online wherever they are, whether they are at school, home or on the move. With course materials and assignment feedback from NEC, and input from your school’s nominated mentor/teacher, students will have the support they need to excel.
Exams and non-exam assessment (NEA)
As a school or college, you would normally be responsible for entering students for the exams. Should this not be possible for some reason, we can offer students a place at one of our partnership exam centres in the UK.
Many of NEC’s GCSE and A level courses now include non-examination assessment. For the subjects NEC offers, this could be a practical endorsement, spoken language endorsement or written coursework.
As an approved centre, NEC is able to mark and authenticate coursework through our exams service. We are also able to offer venues that accommodate the endorsements.
Learn more about our schools offer
UK Schools
Download our Schools Guide for UK institutions.
International Schools
If you are an international school, please visit our International Schools page.
UCAS application 
NEC offer two additional services to support students' UCAS application.
- Predicted Grades and references
- Personal Statement review
We can work with your institution to support an existing application.
More information
Have any questions for NEC? Fill in the form below to contact our Schools team.
If your school is based outside of the UK, please click here or Whatsapp call Marcelle Du Rand: +27 83 9543810.
