The National Extension College was set up 49 years ago as a not-for-profit organisation for distance learning for people of all ages. It was originally founded in 1963 as a pilot study for the Open University.
The National Extension College teaches around 20,000 learners a year on over 150 home study courses, and provides open-learning resources for organisations and training providers including schools, further education colleges, local authorities and NHS Trusts.
The National Extension College was founded by Michael Young, Baron Young of Dartington (9 August 1915, Manchester - 14 January 2002), a British sociologist, social activist and politician.