Whether you achieved the grade you expected or not in the 2020 exams, there are still a wide range of options available to you.

Looking to take exams in the Autumn exam series?

The autumn exam series is an opportunity for students in England who were either unable to receive a centre assessment grade this summer, or who want to try to improve their grade, to sit their exams.

AS and A level exams will run from 5th - 23rd October and GCSEs will run from 2nd - 23rd November. The timetables have been released by the awarding bodies.

More information and FAQs can be found on our Exams 2020 page.

Would you rather retake your A levels or GCSEs in the future? Or are you looking for an alternative route like the OU?

Retake guides - resitting A levels and GCSEsWhether you entered for centre-assessment grades this year and are disappointed with your results, were not eligible for assessment this summer, or haven’t studied for a while and want to boost your grades, NEC’s free downloadable guides to retaking will give you all of the information you need.

From retaking the same subjects to changing your subject choices entirely, alternative qualifications to different career paths, these guides will point you in the right direction and motivate you to get back on track.

Download the guides here.

Are you on your way to university this Autumn? Or looking for a way to do your degree online?

Congratulations to all those who are starting university this Autumn!

If you are looking for a way to continue your distance learning journey, our unique new offer may be the option for you and if you move quickly you will be in time to get your place in the next undergraduate intake.

A unique partnership to support your lifelong learning.

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OU@5020Blue-Edited

Study with NEC and get 10% off your first year at the Open University

The Open University (OU) and The National Extension College (NEC) are working together to make progression from FE (further education) to HE (higher education) a lot more affordable. 

Here is the offer: Current NEC students or alumni within three years of progressing their studies with NEC, will be eligible to claim a 10% discount on all Open University Level 1 undergraduate courses*. 

Online learning can open the doors to students of all ages and backgrounds, providing the flexibility and framework to achieve academic success.

More than 40% of NEC students plan on going on to university, with many choosing to study with the OU after achieving their GCSEs and A levels with NEC. This is a fantastic opportunity for all those students who  appreciate the flexibility of distance learning and wish to continue their studies into higher education; whether it’s to pursue a career goal or simply just to study the subject you love.

*Average saving of £619.

How to receive 10% off your OU course

When you apply to the OU to study any Level 1 undergraduate distance learning course, NEC students and alumni need to provide their NEC student reference number as well as any further evidence of having studied with NEC that is requested by the Open University; such as a copy of the confirmation of enrolment email you first received once enrolled with NEC. NEC students and alumni must have either have completed a course within the last 3 years or have made significant progress on a course/s they are currently enrolled on for the discount to apply. This discount is subject to the OU’s normal terms and conditions.

Find out key dates and information on applying to the Open University here: http://www.open.ac.uk/courses/apply/key-dates

Level 1 registration for entry to the OU this autumn closes on September 10th.

10% discount on NEC courses for...

Open University staff and students

NEC is pleased to offer a 10% discount on all it’s online distance learning courses to Open University members of staff and their families, students and alumni. T&Cs apply. Visit our fee information page for more information.

Union members

Thanks to a long-standing agreement between NEC and unionlearn, trade unionists are entitled to a 10% discount on the cost of our courses. If you’re a member of a trade union, simply let us know when you enrol and we’ll reduce the cost of your course accordingly. T&Cs apply. Visit our fee information page for more information.

Want to complete A levels in a year?

IGCSE Double Science OnlineOur A level courses are designed to be studied over two years but did you know that we also offer Structured Fast Track A levels in some subjects?

With a more structured timetable including live webinars with your tutor, a smaller cohort and tutor-marked assignments, our Structured Fast Track A levels in biology, chemistry, maths, physics and psychology are designed for completion in one year. Click here to learn more.

Do you have a specific career goal in mind?

If you are interested in a particular career but don't know where to go from here, we would recommend our free Career Track guides. These include information about qualifications you will need and different routes that you can follow towards your final goal.

Nursing career tracks

Career Track guides available:

  • Teaching
  • Paramedic
  • Nursing
  • Physiotherapist
  • Police
  • Midwife