The class of 2021 has continued Exeter College’s legacy of delivering outstanding results year after year, but, for these students, this academic excellence has been achieved through extraordinary resilience, dedication and commitment. 

Exeter College is delighted that this year’s pass rate at A Level is 100%, in keeping with the A Level results over the last decade with pass rates between 99.5% and 100%. Learners following A Level-equivalent vocational and technical qualifications have also excelled, with many of them securing excellent university places alongside their A Level peers.  

“Nationally, the last year has been challenging for all of us, but our students have continued to shine bright and given us all something to smile about!” 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO

Today’s excellent A Level, AS Level, Vocational and Technical results follow the impressive International Baccalaureate (IB) results, which students received in July. 40% of the IB cohort achieved 40 points or more: the equivalent of all As and A*s at A Level. 

The results were down to learner’s hard work and dedication, and the support they have received from their excellent teachers. The College has been fully open whenever national guidance permitted this year, and in periods of online learning teaching staff delivered live online lessons following students’ usual timetables to ensure that learning and support continued. This continued delivery meant that almost every qualification managed to cover the full syllabus and so learners can move forward to their next steps secure in the knowledge that their results are robust and they have been well prepared for their next steps. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal & CEO of Exeter College, said; 

“Yet again students at the College have achieved outstanding results. These have been built on a legacy of fantastic teaching and the results this secures for college learners – as testified by the College’s status of Ofsted Outstanding since 2012. The main thing I wanted to highlight from this ‘different’ year was the students’ behaviour, attitude and dedication. I have been at Exeter College for nearly 12 years and during this last year I have seen the best attitude to study that I have seen in my time here. I want to congratulate all the students receiving their results today and thank them for making last year another highly successful one for the college.  

“Nationally, the last year has been challenging for all of us, but our students have continued to shine bright and given us all something to smile about!” 

“Whatever grades they are receiving today, I hope that every learner feels proud of the work they have put in.” 

Jade Otty, Vice Principal.

A Level students achieved amazing results in subjects right across the broad curriculum on offer. Students in art-related subjects in particular used the period of lockdown to refine their skills, which ultimately enabled them to produce some of the best work the College has ever seen.  A staggering 84% of students in Fine Art achieved high grades. In Graphic Design and 3D Design over 30% of students produced work that secured the very highest A* grade.  Following a number of outstanding years, Further Maths students again excelled with 54% securing an A or an A*. In Spanish 50% of the students secured an A or an A* and in Philosophy, statistically one of the most challenging A Level subjects, 62% secured high grades. In A Level Mathematics 39% of students achieved an A or an A* and in English Literature 52% secured high grades with 9% achieving the very highest A* grade. 

John Laramy continued: “It is important to remember that today is not just about learners getting into university. Today’s excellent results will enable many students to gain great higher apprenticeship opportunities locally, so that they can learn while they earn.  Many of these students will end up with a degree too, but they will have taken a different route to achieve that goal. So, today while we celebrate those students who are off to universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and Exeter, we are also delighted that so many students are using a local technical option as their next step to a fantastic job and career.” 

Jade Otty, Vice Principal, said: 

“Students and staff at the College have again demonstrated why we are an Outstanding College. I am so proud of how our fantastic teaching staff approached the grading process. Our staff have worked extremely hard alongside learners to ensure that our results were a robust and fair reflection on learners. Today, we have set-up a dedicated Advice Line to ensure students get the support they need. Some may have exceeded their predicted grades, so may now have an opportunity to move onto a different university, and some, like every ‘ordinary’ year, may have just missed out on a place. Any of our learners needing advice or guidance can get in touch and we will help them get onto their best progression option. Whatever grades they are receiving today, I hope that every learner feels proud of the work they have put in.” 

Exeter College and the College Governors would like to thank and congratulate the class of 2021 and, also thank staff, parents and partners for making the last year such a success.