Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I apply to Exeter College?

  You can apply online through our website or by completing a paper application.

• Can I come and look around the College?

  You can come and look around the college, meet our tutors and see the fantastic facilities at one of our open events. We strongly recommend you attend at least one Open Event. If you can't make any of those dates you can contact the College Advice Team at cat@execoll.ac.uk or call 01392 400600.

• If I apply do I have to come for an interview?

  Yes, we will write to you two weeks before your interview with an appointment. You are usually asked to bring a recent school report with you and for some courses you may need to bring examples of work you have done - but your letter will tell you exactly what you need to bring. Interview evenings are held regularly from December, you will have a short chat with a tutor and it gives you a chance to ask any questions and for us to make sure that you understand what the course involves.

  For apprenticeships, and some full time courses, we may ask you to do an online assessment so that we can make sure you study at the right level. We will tell you this in your letter. At the end of your interview you will be given a 'college offer' confirming the course we are expecting you to take and the grades you will need.

• What will happen and do I need to bring anything with me?

  You are usually asked to bring a recent school report with you and for some courses you may need to bring examples of work you have done - but your letter will tell you exactly what you need to bring. Interview evenings are held every month from January, you will have a short chat with a tutor and it gives you a chance to ask any questions and for us to make sure that you understand what the course involves. For apprenticeships, and some full time courses, we may ask you to do an online assessment so that we can make sure you study at the right level. We will tell you this in your letter. At the end of your interview you will be given a 'College Offer' confirming the course we are expecting you to take and the grades you will need.

• What financial and learning support is available to me?

  There is lots of support available at college!

  • Students living outside of Exeter are entitled to subsidised travel (click here to visit our travel page).
  • We also have a Bursary Scheme available to students who may need additional help to buy uniforms, books and materials (click here to visit our Bursary information).
  • Our learning support team can help with additional tuition or support in lessons and we also have a wellbeing team including Nurses and Counsellors (click here to visit the Supporting you at college page).

• What will my college day be like?

  Lessons run between 9am and 4.30pm but you may not have timetabled lessons all day every day, so you will have time to study at our learning centres or take part in enrichment activities.

• What do I do when I have gaps in my timetable?

  We recommend you make the most of any gaps in your timetable to do independent study – working on assignments or reading for your next class. You can also use your time to take part in enrichment activities.

• How often do I see my tutor group?

  You will see your tutor group during tutorials which take place weekly or fortnightly.

• Where can I eat my lunch or get something to drink or eat?

  There is a restaurant at each of our sites where you can buy a tasty selection of hot and cold food and drinks at breakfast time and for lunch. As we have Healthy College status, there are plenty of healthy options too!

• What happens if I don't get my predicted grades?

  The most important thing is that you are studying on the right course at the right level, so if you do not get the grades you were asked for, we will invite you to have a chat with a tutor to look at the options available to you. This might mean changing course or taking a lower level course for a year first. We run a Results Helpline at the end of August if you are worried that you have not got the grades you needed – 01392 400555

• What happens if I don't get a grade C in English and/or Maths?

  English and Maths are an essential element of your programme of study. Employers, universities and the government require all young people to have a good command and understanding of English and maths.

  We are committed to supporting you to continually improve these skills, whatever level and course you are studying. We have lots of additional support on offer to help you to develop your literacy and numeracy skills during your time at Exeter College, both inside and outside the classroom.

   If you have not already achieved a C grade in GCSE English language and maths you must work towards achieving these compulsory qualifications alongside your other courses. During your first few weeks at college, we will assess your level of English and/or maths to decide how we can help you progress and succeed.

  We offer entry level, functional skills and GCSE qualifications in both English and maths and will work with you to find the best route to achieving these core qualifications whilst you are with us.

  English and maths are a core element of your study programme. To maintain your place at Exeter College good attendance and maximum effort are essential.

• What happens if I change my mind about what to study?

  You just need to let our Customer Services team know what you would like to change to. If it is a major change, we may ask you to come in for another interview. You can get advice on which course to study from our College Advice Team.

• What is enrolment like?

  All new students are asked to attend enrolment. You will be sent a letter with your appointment. Enrolment takes place at the end of August and beginning of September and is essential to ‘join’ your course. First you will have a chat with your tutor to confirm your grades and course choice and where to go on your first day, then you will collect your library and identification card and you will have a chance to speak to staff about travel and support if you need to.