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Exeter College Festival of Carols Raises Money for Charities

Students, parents, staff and the Exeter community joined together to celebrate Christmas at Exeter College’s Festival of Carols in the stunning setting of Exeter Cathedral, all in the name of charity.  

“It has been great to see the Exeter community come together for a great cause and get in the spirit of Christmas,”

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive

The annual event celebrated the college’s exceptionally talented students, with performances from the Exeter College orchestra, as well as student choirs and piano and vocal duets.  

In addition to starting Christmas celebrations, the Festival of Carols raised important funds for the college’s two nominated charities for the academic year, Cancer Research UK and Exeter Foodbank. 

A grand total of £1297.19 was raised, all going towards two incredibly worthwhile causes.  

The evening started with a welcome address from Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy before a candlelit student procession through the nave.  

Students from across the college’s curriculum also did readings and the service was officiated by Prebendary Nigel Guthrie of St David’s Church and The Reverend Canon Cate Edmonds of Exeter Cathedral.  

Speaking after the event, John Laramy said, “This was an incredible celebration, showcasing the talents of some of our fantastic musicians and performers. More importantly, we have raised some vital money for our two charities of the year during what can be a difficult time of year for people who are fighting cancer or poverty. 

“It has been great to see the Exeter community come together for a great cause and get in the spirit of Christmas.” 

The event marks the last in the calendar year for Exeter College, as preparations continue in 2020 to celebrate the college’s 50 years as the UK’s first tertiary college, although their roots date back to the 1800s. Celebration events will be taking place throughout the year, showcasing the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have formed a part of the college’s 50 years as a tertiary college.

Exeter College Flying High in NICDEX 2019 Rankings

Exeter College has once again been ranked as one of the top colleges in the country in FE Week’s annual NICDEX rankings. 

This latest ranking means that Exeter College has never left the top five since the ranking’s inception four years ago. The Ofsted Outstanding college has topped the billing twice, come fifth once and this year’s fourth place ranking means they have been the highest ranked college across the four years since the NICDEX was created. 

“It’s an incredible achievement for us to consistently be one of the highest scoring colleges in the country when it comes to the NICDEX,”

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive

The NICDEX, created by FE Week Editor Nick Linford, ranks 172 further education providers on four key criteria based on data published by the Department for Education. Institutions are given a mark out of 10 in each category and their four scores are combined to produce an overall ranking. 

Exeter College’s consistently high ranking in the NICDEX is reflected in their scoring in each of the four categories. Both Employer Satisfaction and 16-18 Learner Destinations categories were marked as a perfect 10, with the college also impressing on Learner Satisfaction and Adult Destinations. 

Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College John Laramy said, “It’s an incredible achievement for us to consistently be one of the highest scoring colleges in the country when it comes to the NICDEX. 

“The NICDEX is a measure of how we’re doing as a college based solely on data that is published by the Department for Education. It’s a very open and transparent process and we’re continually one of the top colleges in England.” 

This latest achievement follows the news that employers rated Exeter College as the best further education Apprenticeship provider in the four counties of the South West for the second year running. 

The college’s latest round of academic results were also exceptional, with A Level learners celebrating a pass rate of 99.7%, well above the national average of 97.6%. International Baccalaureate students also delivered the best results in the college’s history of delivering the qualification; 100% passed and nearly a third of students achieved 40+ points, which is the equivalent to five A Levels at A/A*. 

Following the publication of the NICDEX, FE Week Editor Nick Linford said, “The NICDEX was an enjoyable intellectual challenge to create an annual performance table with an overall score, from a mix of key measures,” said Nick. 

“Most importantly, NICDEX is transparent. The four measures that make up the NICDEX are published by the DfE.” 

Find out how every college in the country ranked in the NICDEX 2019 on the FE Week website. 

Want to find out why we rank so highly? Find out what Exeter College has to offer by registering for our next Open Event. 

Applications are open now to study at Exeter College in 2020.

Success for Exeter College Apprenticeships after WorldSkills UK Finals

Harry Colgrave, an advanced bench joinery Apprentice, impressed the judges with his woodwork abilities at this year’s WorldSkills UK in Birmingham. Competing against the best young joiners across the country, Harry managed to achieve a Bronze Award in the prestigious competition.  

Our college was honoured not only to have Harry in the finals of this national skills contest, but also Reece Foster, who created outstanding work in the cabinet making category.   

Exeter College’s Work-based Construction Tutor, Benjamin Stone, commented on the standard of the Apprentices, “Harry and Reece have continued their road to success from an early stage in their Apprenticeship. 

“Both learners have produced amazingly high-quality joinery work for their employers on numerous occasions. They have also happily impressed the experienced joinery Lecturer Gil Taylor, who is very fond of them both,” said Benjamin.   

The most exceptional Apprentices and young artisans from across the UK take part in the annual WorldSkills UK competition, all attempting to be the best in their chosen vocation. This competition accelerates young people’s careers; as they gain and improve on world-class skills that equip them for the workplace.   

To compete in the WorldSkills UK finals, students must be nominated by the assessors or lecturers and then attend a regional competition.   

Last June our Apprentices entered competitors for the painting and decorating, carpentry, joinery and cabinet making regional contests.  

The remarkable skill our Apprentices demonstrated earnt them well deserved distinctions in the cabinet making and joinery classes. This meant that Harry and Reece achieved their places in the national skill build final at the Birmingham NEC.   

Benjamin Stone concluded, “It was an honour for me to support and mentor these highly experienced tradesmen in action against the other seven competing regional finalists.”  

“I’m very proud to be a part of their success, and humble that they have acknowledged and thanked all of the Exeter construction staff for their accolades to date.”  

If you would like to share in the experiences Exeter College has to offer, applications are now open. 

Exeter College Celebrates Microsoft Innovative Educators

Exeter College and Microsoft joined forces to celebrate the digital innovators at the heart of the college’s Digital Transformation. 

Leaders from Microsoft’s Education Team gathered alongside Exeter College staff to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Ofsted Outstanding college becoming a Microsoft Showcase College and award members of staff with their Microsoft Innovative Educator badges. 

“Exeter is lucky to have such a strong and energetic college at its centre,”

Clare Riley, Microsoft Engagement Manager for Further and Higher Education in the UK

Anthony Martin, Digital Innovation and Engagement Manager at Exeter College, was delighted to celebrate the achievements of college staff who have embraced digital innovation in their work.  

Anthony said, “Members of staff here have not only taken the time to learn and embrace new technologies in their work, but they have also embraced the Microsoft community and are helping others around the college to use technology in a way that is transforming everyone’s understanding of technology and learning.” 

“Everything we do as part of this project is to try and upskill our staff so they can save time, become more efficient users of digital technology and spread that knowledge to our learners.” 

Commenting on the Microsoft Educator Community, Anthony said, “I genuinely feel like this is a great partnership for us at the college. It’s not just a thing we have signed up to in order to get free badges and T-shirts; it’s about empowering our teams, and ultimately our students, to learn the digital skills they need for the future of work ahead of them.” 

As part of the awards ceremony, almost 20 Exeter College staff were recognised for embracing Microsoft’s innovative technology in their work and Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy was pleased with how the partnership with Microsoft has influenced digital innovation across the college. 

John Laramy said, “It’s great to be able to mark more formally the partnership we have with Microsoft. We’re a college that would rather take actions than just words and today is a really strong action in terms of our commitment to Microsoft and their commitment to us. This is just the start of an exciting journey as we continue our digital transformation. 

“One of the big impacts we have already seen as part of this partnership is staff being more sustainable because they’re using IT more and paper less. That’s a win for staff, a win for students and a win for the environment.” 

Clare Riley, Microsoft’s Engagement Manager for Further and Higher Education in the UK, had been impressed by Exeter College’s forward-thinking approach to embracing digital technologies.  

“Exeter College has clearly worked hard to make sure that not only are students learning the right skills but staff can also develop and grow too,” said Clare.  

“From my perspective, it’s a college full of passion, ambition and delight. What I’ve found is a real can-do attitude and that’s very much the same mentality we have at Microsoft. Exeter is lucky to have such a strong and energetic college at its centre.” 

Clare was also keen to highlight how digital opportunities in the region can continue to grow thanks to the new South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College which will begin construction in the coming months.  

“One of the things I’m most excited about going forward is the Institute of Technology. It’s going to be really exciting for Exeter to have this project driving innovation at its core. Microsoft loves to share what it does and we will certainly be sharing our innovations with the team at Exeter College as the Digital and Data Centre comes to fruition.”  

Exeter College Vice Principal Rob Bosworth, who leads on the digital strategy at the college, said, “Our partnership with Microsoft plays an important role in our ambition to make every person, student and staff, an active digital citizen by 2025. We are embracing every opportunity to support staff and students to upskill and be comfortable with emerging technologies ensuring we are placed to be a college of the future.” 

Want to find out more about Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College? Register now for our next Open Event.  

Do you want to upskill your computer competency? Check out our IT courses on our course search.   

Applications are open now to study with Exeter College in 2020.  

Exeter College November 2019 News Round up

November was a month full of great news stories for the college and our students. Here’s our round up of the most popular stories on our website this month.  

Businesses Rate Exeter College Top in South West for FE Apprenticeship Employer Satisfaction for Second Year Running – A Department for Education survey once again placed Exeter College as top of the pile for further education Apprenticeship providers in the South West as businesses expressed their happiness at working with Exeter College Apprentices.  

“Our industry partnership approach means that our students get the very best out of their experience, while employers gain access to a dynamic and creative workforce,” – John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive.  

Find out more.  

College Charities of the Year Announced – Cancer Research UK and Exeter Foodbank were announced as our college charities of the year. Student and staff fundraising for this academic year will be raising money for two incredibly worthwhile causes.  

“It’s really important for our students to get involved with social action events and activities and to give back to their community,” – Megan Snell, Exeter College Deputy Head of Student Experience. 

Find out more.  

Festival of Carols 2019 – Details on our free Festival of Carols event on December 5th were announced, with the doors of Exeter Cathedral opening at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start.  

“The Festival of Carols provides an opportunity for us to recognise the start of the festive season and celebrate the talent of our student musicians, readers, staff and college community,” – John Laramy, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive.  

Find out more. 

Learn2Live Visit Exeter College to Talk Road Safety – BBC Spotlight, ITV Westcountry and Devon Live attended a Learn2Live event at Exeter College to see how our students engage with topics on road safety.  

“Learn2Live presentations aim at changing the attitudes of young drivers from the beginning of their driving careers, empowering them to know their destiny is very much in their hands,” – Harry Tangye, Devon and Cornwall Police Sergeant.  

Find out more. 

Exeter College Shortlisted for National Award for Employer Engagement – We were announced as a finalist for the Association of Colleges Beacon City & Guilds Award for Engagement with Employers.  

“The appetite for local businesses to turn work experience into fantastic Apprenticeship opportunities has never been stronger and more beneficial,” – Mike Blakeley, Exeter College Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement.  

Find out more. 

Charity Take Over in @thirty-four – Lucknam Park Head Chef Tom Westerland and two former Exeter College students came to @thirty-four for a restaurant takeover, sharing with our current students some insights in to industry during a busy evening service in the name of charity.  

“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused,” – Tom Westerland, Lucknam Park Head Chef.  

Find out more. 

Applications are open now to study at Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College in September 2020. Find out how to apply now.

Charity Take Over in @thirty-four

Catering students from our @thirty-four restaurant were paid a visit by Lucknam Park’s Tom Westerland and two former Exeter College students for a charity takeover to support the college’s charities of the year.  

Lucknam Park Head Chef Tom trained and guided the students through a bespoke five-course menu; inspired by his own flair for local cuisine with a modern twist. Tom brought two former Exeter College students with him that he currently employs in his restaurant near Bath, to share their experiences of moving from being students to working in the industry.  

“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused,”

Tom Westerland, Head Chef at Lucknam Park

The guests enjoyed their dining experience, and they managed to raise a fantastic £350 towards the college’s nominated charities for the academic year, Exeter Food Bank and Cancer Research UK.  

Tom said, “I want to show the students new food and allow them to try out something different.” 

“I think these experiences are really important for our young chefs; the main thing is to bridge the gap between work and college, but also to show them what goes on in the wider world.” 

Ian Biggar, the Lead Tutor for the Faculty of Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, said: “This is an opportunity for the students to get on first name terms with a respected chef. We open them up to the industry, and that opens them up to employment opportunities.”  

After working with and employing Exeter College’s alumni, Tom praised the quality of the chefs produced at the Ofsted Outstanding college.   

“Exeter College graduates are brilliant, really keen, excellent and focused. They’re absolutely outstanding,” said Tom.  

You can find out more about our front-of-house and hospitality courses at our next Open Event on the 15th of January 2020.  

Applications are open now to study at Exeter College in September 2020.  

Why it’s a Great Time to Apply to Exeter College

Choosing where you’re going to college is an exciting milestone in any teenager’s life. You want to make sure you make the right decision for you and your future.  

Here are a few highlights of how our Ofsted Outstanding institution is continually improving; ensuring our place as an exceptional college in the heart of the South West, ready to welcome new students.  

Applications are open now to study with us in 2020. 

Results Day Success 

A Level Results day (2019)

This year Exeter College’s academic results have, once again, gone above and beyond national averages.  

Our inspirational A Level learners achieved an overall pass rate of 99.7%, well above the national average of 97.6%, while well over 50% of students were awarded ‘high grades’ of A*, A or B. 

On top of the impressive A Level results, our International Baccalaureate results are the best in the college’s history, with a 100% pass rate and almost a third of students achieving over 40 points out of a possible 45, putting them in the top 5% in the world. 

T Levels 

Last year we were announced as the only college in Devon to offer new T Level qualifications for 2020 delivery. This has helped cement our status as an education innovator and pushing new boundaries with technical education.  

In addition to our school leaver offering of Apprenticeships, A Levels and BTECs, T Level courses last for two years and aim to give learners practical skills for the workplace following their studies. 

You can apply now to study a T Level with us in Construction, Digital or Education and Childcare in September 2020. 

Additional courses will be rolled out from 2021. 

Personal Development Programme 

This academic year has seen the launch of our new Personal Development Programme for learners. This initiative enables students to tackle issues around citizenship, the environment and employability skills. 

This programme aims to boost the long-term progression and wellbeing our students and gives tutors extended time to tackle any individual issues our students want to raise about their studies.  

Gym and Dance Studio  

Exeter College’s New Gym (2019)

Our brand new Gym and Dance Studio opened its doors for the first time in 2019, giving our learners the opportunity to access industry-standard fitness equipment and a spacious dance studio. 

Students on sports-related courses use the equipment as part of their studies, while other learners can get student memberships to use the inspirational facilities.  

Mini Data Hub 

2019 also saw us open our brand new Mini Data Hub; a state-of-the-art facility complete with IT suites with industry-standard analytics software and specialist wide-screen display screens. 

Our Mini Data Hub is on the cutting edge of the digital world, helping our students to learn the IT skills required to thrive in data and analytics.  

Learner Voice and Student Representation  

It is important to us that we listen to our students. 

The Learner Voice programme gives students a say in the way that they learn and the experiences they have here at Exeter College. 

We use surveys and the Exeter College Students’ Union (ECSU) to hear your ideas, comments and concerns to inform how we do things around the college. 

The ECSU is and the Learner Voice programme is your chance to tell us how we can be the best college for you, so we can continue developing in line with the needs of our learners.  

Next Steps

If you would like to find out more about what Exeter College has to offer, pre-register and join us at our next Open Event on 15th January 2020.  

If you already know Exeter College is the right place for your future, apply online now. 

Free Adult Course on Business Start-Ups to Launch at Exeter College

Hopeful entrepreneurs are being given the chance to level up their skills thanks to Exeter College’s free qualification on creating a business start-up. 

Any adult with interest in developing their business skills or starting their own venture can attend free of charge, whether they are just curious about the subject area or already have some skills they want to develop.  

This part-time course will provide learners with a NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Creating a Business Start-Up. It’s designed for those who want understand how businesses are created, and why some thrive while others don’t get off the ground.

Learners will develop knowledge around a broad base of business skills. These include the progression of a business idea, pricing strategies and marketing methods.  

A remarkable 600,000 businesses are launched in the UK every year, but around half of those don’t make it past the first three years. This course aims to equip learners with the knowledge of how and why some businesses succeed while others don’t. Practical, transferable skills develop along with theoretical knowledge, which underpins any business venture.  

As a part-time course, learners can continue to work alongside their studies, or even start developing their own business idea in their own time.

This free course will launch in February 2020, and any adult learner is eligible to sign up and gain the GCSE-equivalent qualification.  

To find out more and register your interest, contact our Adult Advice Team on 01392 400170 or email: adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

Course enrolment is subject to availability.  

Exeter College Shortlisted for National Award for Employer Engagement

Exeter College has made it to the finals of the Association of Colleges Beacon City & Guilds Award for Engagement with Employers.  

The Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year. This award, supported by City and Guild, recognises exemplary practice in demonstrating an outstanding ability to work with and provide a direct service to employers. In particular, colleges that are effective in meeting employers’ skills needs and Apprenticeship requirements. 

“The appetite for local businesses to turn work experience into fantastic Apprenticeship opportunities has never been stronger and more beneficial,”

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College

Exeter College has made the coveted list of four finalists; recognised for engaging with employers and facing the skills challenges of industry in a proactive way.  

The college’s Apprenticeships programme has had a hugely successful year, building on a legacy of success for students in industry. Businesses across a range of different sectors are currently hosting Exeter College students, with the record levels of recruitment, totalling 1150 new Apprentices, joining the college in the last academic year. 

A recent Department for Education survey also announced Exeter College as the top-rated further education college in the South West for business satisfaction, solidifying the college’s status as a leading provider of Apprenticeships to its network of 950 businesses across the region. 

Students at Exeter College continue to develop their employability skills across a variety of courses in collaboration between the college and its affiliated local and national employers.  

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Exeter College, was delighted about the acknowledgement of the college’s partner-focused approach with employers. 

“We’re all thrilled to have been selected based on the work we do with employers,” said Mike. 

“We are coming to the end of an ambitious five-year strategic plan and this is another accolade that helps us to realise our aspirations of becoming the Apprenticeship provider of choice for the business community right across the region. 

“We always want to ensure our students get the most out of their experience working in industry and that employers see the value of working with colleges to face the skills challenges of the future together. The appetite for local businesses to turn work experience into fantastic Apprenticeship opportunities has never been stronger and more beneficial. 

“We are constantly looking to build on and improve the experience for businesses and employers as part of our ongoing mission to be a truly exceptional education and Apprenticeship provider.” 

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Colleges often don’t get the recognition they deserve, the AoC Beacon Awards aim to showcase exactly why colleges are so important and reward their dedication to learners and their progress in the workforce. Colleges produce the workers of the future and it’s clear from those who have made it through to the final three that their contribution to local and regional economic development must be valued.” 

Applications are open now to study with Exeter College in September 2020.

If you’re an employer or a young person considering getting involved in Apprenticeships, contact our team on Apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk or 01392 400800 to discuss your options.

@thirty-four gets the royal treatment

Exeter College alumni and former butler to The Royal Family, Matthew Balman, visited students last week at our @thirty-four training kitchen and restaurant to share his experiences in industry.   

Matthew said, “It’s strange being back at college; there’s a lot of bits I recognise and a lot that I definitely don’t. It’s super nice being back in Devon and at Exeter College!”  

From 2002 to 2005, Matthew completed his Level 1, 2 and 3 NVQ in Kitchen and Service at Exeter College. Continuing his studies, he achieved a diploma, making him a qualified pastry chef and pâtissier. While at college and dreaming of becoming a chef, Matthew completed work experience at a Michelin star restaurant in Hampshire. Once qualified, he worked there as a full-time commis-chef.  

“To have someone with the skills, experience and knowledge that Matthew has to come in and work with students is invaluable,”

Stafford Pitts, Programme Lead, Hospitality and @thirty-four

Although Matthew remains passionate about cooking, he realised that it was guest interaction and seeing the job through that he thrived the most off. In a slight career shift, he switched to working in the service industry and soon found himself rising through the ranks to royal service.   

Matthew spent the next four years at Gidleigh Park in Dartmoor, successfully working his way up to senior head waiter, before moving onto the Nare Hotel in Cornwall. Here he learnt invaluable skills in a quaint, yet busy environment. By the time he was 25, Matthew was managing a restaurant in the Cotswolds.  

Throughout this time, Matthew competed in a range of competitions, from ‘Young Chef, to Young Waiter’, to ‘The Annual Awards of Excellence’.  

Matthew successfully got through to the semi-finals of ‘The Gold Service Scholarship‘, where he met an employee of The Royal Household. Through this meeting, Matthew attained an interview and succeeded in becoming a footman at Buckingham Palace. He moved to London to serve The Royal Family, where he stayed for four years.  

Most recently, Matthew has been working as a butler and chef for a family in Holland Park, London.  

Considering his time at Exeter College, he explained how the skills he learnt here have helped him progress in this career: “The best piece of advice I ever got was ‘be busy when you’re quiet so that you can be quiet when you’re busy.’ You can never be too prepared; I can’t begin to explain how many times learning this has helped me.”  

Visiting Exeter College

While visiting Exeter College’s @thirty-four last week, Matthew worked alongside students to create a Buckingham Palace butler experience on a budget, giving both students and diners a distinct, unique experience that was fit for royalty.  

“When I was in college, I went into a kitchen thinking that is what I wanted to do; I didn’t realise front-of-house was an option – so that’s what I’m here to show students,” Matthew explained.   

The night was a success, with students learning the intricacies of a royal service, how to lay the table, fold napkins and serve guests to royal standards.  

Stafford Pitts, Programme Lead of Hospitality and @thirty-four, was delighted to have Matthew come and show students his skills and inspire them to new standards of hospitality and service.  

Stafford said,  “To have someone with the skills, experience and knowledge that Matthew has to come in and work with students is invaluable.”

“The chefs usually take the forefront of this industry, so to have a night where the front-of-house were the stars was brilliant. With Matthew also being an ex-student to the college, he has a great understanding of how they were feeling and how to reassure them. He also realises the importance of promoting front-of-house and the many paths it offers as a potential career option.” 

You can find out more about our front-of-house and hospitality courses at our next Open Event on Wednesday 20th November. Pre-register here.   

If you are an alumni of the college and would like to work with current students, then please get in touch here.   

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