Workplace returners and adults seeking a change of career can apply for the NEC 60th Birthday Bursary

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 change career.

The National Extension College (NEC), is marking a special birthday in 2023 as they celebrate 60 years since the college was founded by Michael Young, Lord Young of Dartington.

Established in August 1963 as a not-for-profit distance learning provider, NEC has a strong, proud heritage of widening access to education. They aim to transform lives and open up possibilities for people of all ages by offering access to essential qualifications that can be studied flexibly, at any time and anywhere.

The NEC 60th Birthday Bursary will support one learner to get back into the workplace or to plan a change of career. One student will get a maximum of £1,000 towards their study with NEC. The college offers a diverse range of courses, including Functional Skills in Maths and English, business courses, GCSEs and A levels. Closing date for applications is Friday 4th August 2023.

NEC Chief Executive, Esther Chesterman, says: “NEC believes that everybody deserves a chance to achieve their learning goals, no matter their circumstances. We support learners of all ages to do this.

“The recipient of the NEC 60th Birthday Bursary will gain access to education that draws on NEC’s expertise, quality course materials and dedication to our students. Our flexible online courses will provide them with the freedom to study flexibly around their life and work commitments.”

The bursary is being funded by NEC Trustee and former CEO Dr Ros Morpeth OBE.

Applications for the bursary are especially welcomed from those from a lower socio-economic background for whom finance may be a barrier to study and who may otherwise miss out on educational opportunities.

Full details about the bursary and how to apply are available on the NEC website. 

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About The National Extension College

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. Our 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.

About Dr Ros Morpeth OBE

Ros has been involved with NEC since 1987 and was a second chance learner herself. In 2002, she was chosen as one of five Britons to become an honorary fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning, receiving the honour at an international awards ceremony in South Africa. In 1994 she received an honorary doctorate from the Open University for services to distance learning.

Ros stepped down from NEC after 16 years as Executive Director in 2003 to follow her interests in international education. She returned to NEC in December 2011. In 2014 she was named the Further Education Leader of the Year by the Times Educational Supplement, and received an OBE for services to further education in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Ros retired as CEO of The National Extension College in 2021 but has remained on the board of Trustees.

Contact: Amanda Davies (NEC Marketing Manager)

w: www.nec.ac.uk

t: 01223 400214

E: amanda.davies @nec.ac.uk

Registered office:

Woolpack House,

70 High Street

Sawston

Cambridge

CB22 3HJ