About Us
Established in 1963 as a not-for-profit distance learning provider, the National Extension College (NEC) has a strong, proud heritage in widening access to education. NEC’s aim is to transform lives and open up new possibilities for people of all ages by offering access to essential qualifications like GCSEs and A levels, as well as vocational qualifications in management, business and teaching. NEC’s courses can be studied flexibly, at any time and anywhere and offer each student an exceptional level of support to achieve their future ambitions. NEC is widely recognised as a specialist in online learning and continues to seek out new areas for innovation.
Press releases
The National Extension College announces new Chair, expanded courses and...
The National Extension College (NEC), a pioneer in distance learning for more than 60 years, has unveiled a series of updates to strengthen its... read more
23.09.2025 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
Online Distance Learning Provider, the National Extension College, to...
Following the success of its first-ever online open event, held in October 2024, the National Extension College (NEC) is hosting a second... read more
26.02.2025 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
Renowned online distance learning college to hold first virtual open...
Offering essential qualifications like GCSEs and A levels, the National Extension College (NEC) is holding a Virtual Open Evening on Tuesday... read more
15.10.2024 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
Renowned online distance learning provider launches resit courses for...
The National Extension College (NEC) is now taking enrolments on two new courses for resit exams in November 2024. The National Extension... read more
12.06.2024 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
National Extension College students receive their GCSE exam results
Distance learning students who sit their exams as private candidates are set to take the next step on their academic and career journeys after... read more
24.08.2023 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
Cambridge-based educational charity celebrates 60th birthday
The National Extension College (NEC), who are based in Sawston on the outskirts of Cambridge, are reaching a landmark birthday in 2023 as they... read more
02.08.2023 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
Workplace returners and adults seeking a change of career can apply for...
Adult learners could get up to £1,000 towards their study with NEC to develop their skills and help them to get back into the workplace or to... read more
27.07.2023 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
Comedian Russell Kane and author Kit De Waal launch new scholarship in...
The Russell Kane Scholarship, through the National Extension College, will support 3 learners through their GCSEs and A levels. A new... read more
22.07.2022 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
How ‘Eddie the Eagle’ Edwards Jumped Back into Education
As the Winter Olympics have drawn to a close we find out what happened to second chance learner Eddie the Eagle, the unlikely hero of the 1988... read more
01.03.2022 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
How did distance learning students do in A levels and GCSEs compared to...
NEC students achieved a high overall pass rate of 98.5% in both GCSEs and A levels. Background 2021 saw another year of exam cancellations... read more
20.08.2021 • By The National Extension College (Part of the Open School Trust)
