As the CEO of the National Extension College (NEC), I am excited about the Labour Party’s education manifesto becoming a reality under the new government. These transformative changes will significantly impact schools across the UK, promoting inclusivity, equity, and social mobility. Reflecting on our founder Michael Young’s vision, it is clear that NEC’s mission to […]
Tag: education
Labour Party’s Education Policies: Enhancing Social Mobility for Private Candidates, Adult Learners, and Homeschoolers
As the CEO of the National Extension College (NEC), I am thrilled to see the Labour Party’s education manifesto becoming a reality under the new government. This shift brings significant implications for private candidates, adult learners, and homeschoolers—groups we have passionately supported for decades. Reflecting on our founder Michael Young’s vision, it is clear that […]
Exploring School Attendance Challenges: A Podcast Discussion
In this episode of our podcast series, we discuss the critical issue of school attendance, led by our hosts Esther Chesterman, CEO of the National Extension College, and Samreen Shah, an educational consultant and Assistant Head in SCMH schools. They engage in an enlightening conversation, shedding light on various aspects of the growing concern of […]
Navigating the Complexities of Inclusion and Protective Characteristics in Education
 Welcome back to another engaging discussion on the NEC Podcast. In this episode, Esther Chesterman, CEO of NEC and Samreen Shah discuss the sensitive yet crucial topic: Protective Characteristics for Learners in Schools. They began with an honest admission of their nervousness, reflecting the importance and complexity of this conversation. To listen to […]
What Are the Alternatives to Going to University
To many, the idea of going to university is the ultimate goal. Whilst there is nothing wrong with going to university and gaining your degree, it’s important to keep in mind that university isn’t the only path to academic success. There are many alternatives to consider when it comes to furthering your education and kick-starting […]
Stages and transitions in education: How to deal with them
Welcome to another podcast episode! In this episode CEO Esther Chesterman is joined by NEC’s very own Karyn Nash, who is a qualified teacher and Pastoral Support Officer. Together, throughout the episode they discuss the important stages and transitions in education that some students may find challenging and how to deal with them. Returning to […]
Common misperceptions of distance learning
One common misperception is that distance learning students teach themselves, simply watching videos online. However, our courses, whilst flexible in the time that you can study them in, include assignments and tutor feedback on all work. This means that students do not simply teach themselves but are guided throughout their courses. “My daughter recently completed […]
Making a difference on this International Day of Charity
Did you know that Sunday, 5th September is the International Day of Charity? Established by the United Nations in 2015 to mark the anniversary of the passing of Mother Teresa, the day serves as a reminder of the crucial role of humanitarian work and philanthropy in lifting people out of poverty, crisis and suffering. Here […]
83 year old author and lifelong learning advocate, Diana, used lockdown to pursue her interest in philosophy
When lockdown hit, Diana (83) decided to use her time shielding to pursue a subject that has fascinated her for the last 10 years. Born in 1937, Diana passed the eleven-plus but home life made studying difficult. With parents focused on marriage prospects, she left school at 14 and went out to work. Diana had […]
Thanks paid to Dr Ros Morpeth OBE from across NEC for her leadership
Upon the retirement of Dr. Ros Morpeth OBE from her position as Chief Executive of the National Extension College, we would like to thank her for her decades of service and the enormous impact she has made to thousands of students’ lives. Ros has always gone above and beyond to support students and widen participation […]