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Online A levels options

Hi, I'm a mature student looking to study bio and maths a levels online, but not sure which provider to pick.

I've narrowed my options down to NEC/National Extension College and Open Study College, but not sure which to choose.

I want an honest opinion on which is better in terms of quality, cost etc, cause i dont want to pick one and it ends up being a scam/not worth my time. I've seen some chats, but theres a lot of mixed opinions from what I've seen.

Has anyone used these providers? If so, could you let me know how they are and which one you guys recommend?

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

Original post

by anzlucia_

Hi, I'm a mature atudent looking to study bio and maths a levels online, but not sure which provider to pick.
I've narrowed my options down to NEC/National Extension College and Open Study College, but not sure which to choose.
I want an honest opinion on which is better in terms of quality, cost etc, cause i dont want to pick one and it ends up being a scam/not worth my time. I've seen some chats, but theres a lot of mixed opinions from what I've seen.
Has anyone used these providers? If so, could you let me know how they are and which one you guys recommend?

Hey @anzlucia_,

I studied Edexcel A-Level History of Art through NEC and thought it was fantastic; the course was laid out into bite-size and approachable lessons, and there was a tutor available to mark my assignments throughout different stages of the course.

I would note it had a very independent structure, which suited me well but may not work for students who prefer a lot of one-to-one support. I prefer hands-off teaching, which was exactly what NEC offered. It was quite expensive (I think about £700 (?) at the time), but when I was researching my options it seemed to be fairly on par with the rest of the market. Unfortunately, I can't comment on how it compares to the Open Study College as I did my other A-Levels in-person via sixth form.

Hope this helps and if you have any further questions, let me know,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 2

ghastlyqueer

Original post

by anzlucia_

Hi! I'm currently enrolled with OSC, and I have seen other people who are enrolled with NEC. Personally, if I could choose again from the start, I would choose NEC. The OSC materials have spelling mistakes, some of the tutors are rather unhelpful and take ages to reply. If you enroll and you decide you dont like the course, or want to change course, there is no chance for a refund. You will lose a lot of money for a service which is lackluster at best. It's most definitely a marketing scheme rather than an educational institution which cares about its students. If I were you, I'd pick NEC! If you have any further questions, let me know.

Reply 3

anzlucia_

Original post

by Kingston Eve

Hey @anzlucia_,
I studied Edexcel A-Level History of Art through NEC and thought it was fantastic; the course was laid out into bite-size and approachable lessons, and there was a tutor available to mark my assignments throughout different stages of the course.
I would note it had a very independent structure, which suited me well but may not work for students who prefer a lot of one-to-one support. I prefer hands-off teaching, which was exactly what NEC offered. It was quite expensive (I think about £700 (?) at the time), but when I was researching my options it seemed to be fairly on par with the rest of the market. Unfortunately, I can't comment on how it compares to the Open Study College as I did my other A-Levels in-person via sixth form.
Hope this helps and if you have any further questions, let me know,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Yeah, i was always an independent learner at school so that would definitely suit me.

Reply 4

anzlucia_

Yeah, i want to pick a provider that will be worth my time

My biggest worry as a mature student is spending lots of money just to have unreliable tutors or minimal support. Sure, I'm okay with self learning, but i don't want to feel isolated, you know?

It's reassuring to know that the tutors are actually responsive. And them being an experienced makes it better.

Reply 5

anzlucia_

Also, quick question, I'm not sure if you know the answer, but the site says that exams are not included, so I'm assuming you pay for the exams separately? I'm not really sure how that part works, sorry if it's a silly question. Would i have to enter myself? I'm a bit confused.

Since I'm doing bio and maths, it's 3 papers each for both. So would i just pay for all 6? I would probably put off maths since paying for 6 exams just isn't something i can afford. Still, if i just pay for biology, do i pay for all 3 papers in one go?