Adult learners look to the future after momentous Graduation
More than 130 Exeter College adult learners celebrated the completion of their higher education studies at Exeter Cathedral on Friday 16 October as they graduated in front of family, friends and lecturers.
Learners gathered in Exeter city centre, dressed in their caps and gowns, before completing the traditional ceremonial procession from the Rougemont Hotel to the iconic Cathedral, supported by family, friends and members of the public.
This year, Exeter College learners were joined by close to 70 learners from North Devon College, as the two colleges came together for a joint graduation, the first since January’s merger that formed the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group (ENDC).
The graduating class of 2026 completed higher education courses and apprenticeships across a broad range of subjects. These included Degrees in Sports Therapy and Business Management; Foundation Degrees in Aircraft Engineering, Certificates in Education, Higher National Certificates in Construction, and apprenticeships in Management Consultancy and Project Management.
Many adult learners at Exeter College balance their studies with work, family and other life commitments, demonstrating their dedication to achieving their qualifications and pursuing their ambitions.
The ceremony marked an important milestone for ENDC, which was formed when Petroc College merged with Exeter College and returned to its former North Devon College name. Through the two Colleges in Exeter and Barnstaple, the Group provides higher education courses and apprenticeships designed to help people across Devon develop their skills, progress in their careers or move into new areas of work.
ENDC delivers adult and higher education qualifications in partnership with the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Kingston University and Plymouth Marjon University, as well as Pearson and the Chartered Management Institute.
John Laramy CBE DL, Group Principal and CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, recognised the graduates’ achievements when he addressed the class of 2026 at the Cathedral. John said:
“I would like to congratulate every graduate and thank them for their contributions to the higher education and apprenticeship communities. This day is an opportunity to recognise their success and dedication, and it is a privilege to share this important moment with them.
“As an alumnus of both Exeter College and North Devon College, I am particularly proud to see the two Colleges come together under one roof and celebrate this year’s graduating class in front of their teachers and so many family and friends.
“Since the two Colleges merged in January we have united under the shared ambition of building an exceptional college group that serves people, communities and businesses across Devon, and adult education will play a considerable role in achieving that ambition.”
Jade Otty, Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group Deputy CEO, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the first ENDC Graduation. Addressing the attendees, Jade said:
“Graduation is always a highlight of our academic calendar, but this is a particularly special year for us because this is our inaugural Graduation Ceremony as a Group. We are so proud to bring together students and their families from across Devon from both of our colleges to honour what a milestone achieving university-level study is.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported our graduands, from their lecturers to their family and friends, for helping them on their higher education journey. I would also like to congratulate the Class of 2026; you are forever an ENDC graduate, and I wish you all the best of luck for the future.”
Shelley Clark completed her Project Management Apprenticeship at Exeter College while raising a young family and living with multiple sclerosis. Reflecting on her achievement, Shelley said:
“My time at Exeter College was a truly supportive and inclusive experience. Balancing full-time work, a young family and living with multiple sclerosis was an immense challenge, but the incredible support from both GWR and the College made it possible.
“The freedom to be myself, without worrying about not knowing something, was an absolute highlight. The lecturers were amazing, offering tailored individual support alongside regular classes. They also delivered feedback in a way that made me even more determined to succeed.
“The course completely transformed my self-belief. I have now stepped into a Project Management role, a position I previously never had the confidence to pursue. To anyone considering an adult course at Exeter College, my advice is simple: just do it.”
John Griffiths, a Programme Leader at Exeter College, completed his Certificate in Education at the College. He also received the Exeter College Award in recognition of his hard work and progression as a new member of staff. Reflecting on his experience, John said:
“My learning experience was invaluable, transformative and, most importantly, enjoyable. When I started, I had no idea how to teach. Now, I know that my teaching skills are appropriate and effective.
“My teachers and mentor helped me greatly with my academic writing and prepared me thoroughly for the assignments. One of the many highlights of the course was experiencing those magical lessons where I put the learning theories into practice and saw my learners engaged, having fun and learning.
“I’ll continue to put what I’ve learned on the course into practice in my teaching. To anyone considering studying an adult course at Exeter College, I’d encourage them to go for it! It gave me a new career and the confidence to do it well and enjoy it.”
James Herbert achieved a Distinction in his Junior Management Consultancy Apprenticeship, which he began after completing his A Levels at Exeter College. He balanced his apprenticeship with working for the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and competing in the high jump, where he reached eighth in the UK under-23 rankings. Reflecting on his experience, James said:
“My learning experience at Exeter College was really positive. I felt well supported, and my tutor created a great environment in which I could thrive. Completing my apprenticeship straight after my A Levels and achieving a Distinction was a big highlight, as was meeting the other amazing people on the course, who I’m now pleased to call my friends.
“Balancing work and study was a big adjustment, but I really enjoyed my time with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service. I was also competing at a high level in the high jump, reaching 8th in the UK in the U23 age group, training twice a week and competing once a week. Managing everything was challenging, but I felt I took it in my stride.
“I enjoyed every minute of my apprenticeship and couldn’t have asked to meet a better group of people. I’ve now started a new role with the Fire Service as a Junior ICT Project Manager. It’s been great so far, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”
Megan Harding-Shepphard completed a Higher National Certificate in Architectural Technology at Exeter College and has since started an apprenticeship with construction firm Bouygues UK. Megan said:
“My learning experience was a struggle at first, but it became easier as I progressed, thanks to the support of my lecturers. They were always there when I needed them, whether I needed help with my studies or support with something happening at home or work.
“I balanced my course with two jobs and other changes in my life, so managing my time was important. I made the most of the support available at College and completed extra work outside of my classes and jobs when I needed to.
“I would encourage anyone considering an adult course at Exeter College to take the opportunity. There is a great support network, and you are never seen as just another student. I now plan to progress to a Level 6 qualification in Building Information Modelling coordination and management.”
Discover Adult Learning at Exeter College: https://exe-coll.ac.uk/adults/
