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Exeter College Hosts Celebration of Vocational Learners

Exeter College’s vocational students joined together to celebrate their achievements in a garden party held at the college’s Hele Road campus.  

Vocational and technical qualifications offer a more practical and applied style of study and are offered by a range of awarding bodies but at Exeter College BTEC, UAL and City & Guilds are the three largest. 

Many Level 3 programmes are the equivalent of up to three A Levels. Vocational & technical programs tend to focus on continuous assessment rather than exams and typically provide a practical method of acquiring skills for the workplace or further study. About half of the college’s vocational students use their Level 3 qualifications as a passport to university and half use the skills they have learned to start an Apprenticeship or join the world of work. 

Nationally, vocational students don’t have a formal ‘results day’ like their A Level peers as grades are released gradually over the course of the summer. However, in a bid to give some much-deserved recognition to these students, Exeter College played host to its first ever Vocational Garden Party, complete with cupcakes and live music from college alumni Ophelia Pearce, to celebrate the achievements of these hard-working students.  

The college has lots to celebrate around BTECs this year, with nine Exeter College students being recognised at the BTEC Awards 2019. This included Abbie Densham being crowned BTEC Science Student of the Year and Luke Bearpark being named BTEC Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year.  

“I’m delighted to welcome our vocational students here to celebrate everything they’ve achieved in their studies,” said Exeter College Principal John Laramy.  

“Vocational courses are a hugely important part of what we offer as a college and are a vital route in education for many young people. While they offer a different approach to learning to many A Levels, vocational study can still be applied academically to aid with progressing on to university-level studies as well as having a direct line of sight to industry.  

“Our teaching staff on vocational courses are all dual-qualified which means that not only are they excellent teachers, they’re also hugely experienced and successful in the industry they’re teaching students about.”  

Students who attended the event paid tribute to their time at Exeter College and the support of staff. Cain Spiller studied the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services and is now taking his next steps to become a fully-fledged Police Officer. He said, “I was very nervous before coming to the college but they’re great in how they support you.  

“I’ve really benefitted from staff guidance and whether you’re struggling with work or thinking about the next step of your career they give you the very best advice about what you can do.”  

Cain, 18, felt that the vocational route of study is what suited his needs as a learner best. He continued: “From a very early age I’ve known that I wanted to be a Police Officer and the Public Services course suited me perfectly. It was a really practical way of learning and that suited the way I work.”  

Vocational student Georgina Atiya-Alla is heading off to Plymouth Marjon University to study Primary Education after recently completing her Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. 

“It has been amazing at Exeter College,” said Georgina.   

“I’ve had my own personal struggles but as long as you work hard and put in the effort then everything will come through for you. For me, the work experience side of things makes the study more enjoyable because you’re learning the practical skills as well as the theoretical knowledge.  

“The staff here have been so helpful with me. They’re really encouraging and there’s always somebody there if you need to ask questions or talk about something.”  

Paulo Sallis from Totnes achieved a Distinction in his Extended Diploma in Fine Art and is going to be staying with Exeter College to study for his Foundation Diploma. He particularly enjoyed the freedom his vocational course gave him to fully focus on a subject he is passionate about.   

“I was considering a few other routes but I decided that I wanted to apply myself completely to a subject that I’m really interested in,” said Paulo.  

“The course has completely changed the way I look at art and the way I work. Doing a creative subject in this way has given me a whole range of ideas moving forward because I’ve had the time to fully engage in what we’re learning about.  

“Today has been a great opportunity to thank everyone at the college and talk with staff and fellow students about what’s happening next for us all!”

Find the right course for your future on our Course Search.

TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR ENROLMENT, WE HAD A CHAT WITH ALEX, SHE IS OUR COLLEGE ADVICE TEAM COORDINATOR.
Where do I go for enrolment?

Enrolment for all subjects takes place at our Centre for Creative Industries (CCI), just off Queen Street. Take a look at how to find us here. Everything you need is in one building so all steps of the process will be completed here.

How do I know what time to come?

You will have had an enrolment letter in the post with the date and time of your enrolment appointment. If you can’t make your appointment time, then please call 01392 400444.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, you can bring a parent or friends. It’s up to you.

What do I need to bring with me?

The most important thing is to bring your GCSE results slip. A list of anything else will be in your letter.

What happens when I walk through the door?

You will be greeted by a member of our team dressed in blue. Please have your enrolment letter ready and we will direct you to where you need to go.

During the process we will:

Take you to meet your tutor

Check your GCSE results

Confirm your course choice

Have your photo taken for your student I.D.

What happens if I have changed my mind about which course I want to do?

Just let us know when you arrive and we will take you to our advice zone where we can discuss your options, or you can talk to your tutor.

Can I find out about travel at enrolment?

Yes – our travel team will be on hand to advise you on our travel pass scheme. In the meantime, you can look up your options here: exe-coll.ac.uk/Travel

What other services will be there?

You will be able to find out about enrichment, financial support and speak to members of our Exeter College Student Union (ECSU). If you have any questions before you leave, just look for someone in blue and we will do our best to help you.

After enrolment, what happens next?

Check out our Freshers Pages to find out what happens during your first few weeks of college. During the first week we have pop up Help Zones at key sites across college where we are on hand to help. Your tutor is also a great person to speak to if you have any questions.

Students throughout Exeter College’s 36 available A Levels are celebrating success after A Level Results Day 2019. A massive well done to all students from everyone at Exeter College.

Laura Fraser-Smith, from North Devon, studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Exeter College and is now heading off to the University of Manchester to study Chemical Engineering after achieving straight A*s in her exams. Laura, who previously studied at Chulmleigh, said, “I really liked my time at Exeter College. It has been hard work but I’ve had excellent support from teachers and I really enjoyed my subjects and that has ultimately got me where I wanted to go.”

Laura on A Level results day 2019

Deanna Gillings studied Drama (A), English Literature (A*) and Law (A*) and has been successful in getting the grades she needed to study Law at the University of Cambridge. The student from Okehampton paid tribute to the role Exeter College played in her personal development. She said, “Exeter College has been a great step up for me in terms of my own independence. All of my subjects had elements that supported each other and my teachers have helped me along every step of the way.” 

Deanna on A Level results day 2019

Exeter College student Jack Smith has also been making headlines, with the BBC coming to cover his academic journey following a tough year at home. Having lost his father in 2012, Jack has spent the last year helping care for his mother who has been suffering with breast cancer.

Despite this, Jack has thrived at Exeter College and even completed Ten Tors as a Team Leader earlier this year. Jack achieved terrific grades in Maths (A*), Physics (A) and Further Maths (B) and is going to go to the University of Exeter to study Physics. He said, “I’m really pleased to get in to the University of Exeter. It has been a tough time for me but Exeter College have helped me along the way and I’m thrilled to be going to study Physics at University.” 

Jack on A Level results day 2019

Exeter’s own Ruby Cook is also celebrating her straight A* grades in Fine Art, English Literature and Spanish. She’ll be staying right here at Exeter College to study a Foundation Degree in Fine Art. She said, “I’ve loved it at Exeter College so far; it has been a really helpful and supportive environment. I’d definitely recommend studying here to anyone; I don’t know why they’d go anywhere else!” 

Ruby on A Level results day 2019

Tamira Phiri also excelled with her A Level results, achieving A* in both Law and Sociology as well as an A in English Literature. Tamira said, “I’m feeling absolutely amazing. It has been a really good experience, I got loads of support and it has been a great two years.” 

Tamira on A Level results day 2019

There’s still time to apply to study at Exeter College in September 2019. 

Exeter College Celebrates Another Year of Excellent Academic Results

Exeter College is celebrating another year of exceptional academic results, following the best International Baccalaureate results in the college’s history earlier this summer. Today’s A Level results are also setting new records, with students achieving an overall pass rate of 99.7%, well above the national average of 97.6%.

The success is particularly notable as this is the first year that all A Level results have rested solely on a final exam at the end of two years of academic study, rather than a combination of results achieved over two years.

The results represent a landmark achievement for the college and students, with this being the third successive year Exeter College has achieved its best overall pass rate with 30 of the 36 A Levels offered at the college achieving a 100% pass rate.

Exeter College has also remained well above the national average for ‘high grades’, with well over 50% of the college’s students achieving A*, A or B grades and an impressive 82% achieving A* to C grades, opening up a wide range of options for further study with top level universities or career opportunities in employment or via an Apprenticeship.

88 students from the college have achieved exclusively A* and A grades, with many progressing on to university study.

Today’s results confirm Exeter College’s position as the region’s first choice, Ofsted Outstanding, college in Devon with impressive results across a broad range of subjects from Fine Art to Sociology.

Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College John Laramy said, “No matter what the national media says about A Levels, these reformed linear A Levels are very demanding academic qualifications and students who have passed today have demonstrated the deep knowledge they have accumulated over two years with us through their exam performance.

“We now measure ourselves against the very best sixth form colleges in the country and I am pleased to say that against this benchmark we are doing well.

“These results and the last year of success is real credit to our students and I would like to both congratulate them and thank them for their contribution to life at Exeter College.  I would also like to thank our excellent teaching and support staff who each year work with our great students to achieve outstanding results.”

Maths and Science subjects continue to excel at the college, with a staggering three quarters (75%) of Further Mathematics students achieving high grades and 25% getting the very top mark of A* while almost 40% of Mathematics students received an A or A* grade. In addition, a quarter of Physics students secured an A or A* grade and students on the challenging Computer Science course are celebrating with around 60% achieving high grades. These positive results are especially welcome with the College’s new Digital & Data new build set to start commence later this year.

Recent investment in Exeter College’s new Gym and Dance Studio has seemingly paid off as high grades for the Physical Education A Level reached over 60%, a new record for the subject, with students making use of the new state-of-the art equipment.

In addition, learners in the college have excelled in a wide range of A Level subjects, including many that are under pressure nationally. For example, all Modern Foreign Language subjects performed incredibly strongly, with students of French, German and Spanish achieving a 100% pass rate.

In a time of increased pressure on creative subjects, all six of Exeter College’s Art A Levels achieved a 100% pass rate, with an incredible 83% of Graphic Design students achieving high grades. And, with recent news showing a concerning national drop in students studying English at A Level, Exeter College has seen almost a quarter of English Literature students getting an A or A* in this year’s results. 

Finally, with Philosophy A Level being rarely on offer outside of fee-paying or selective sixth forms, the college has seen its students of Philosophy continue to excel with over half of the students in this prestigious subject gaining high grades.

On Wednesday next week, Exeter College celebrates the success of its vocational and technical provision, as many students use these subjects as their passport to university or a well-paid career.

These hugely impressive A Level results follows on from Exeter College students achieving the best International Baccalaureate results in the college’s history with a 100% pass rate and nearly a third of students achieving more than 40 points out of a possible 45.

Exeter College Vice Principal Jade Otty was delighted with the academic performance of the college, and paid tribute to the hard work students put in during their studies.

“I’m obviously pleased for the college that these results are so impressive, but I’m especially thrilled for the students who deserve this success for all the hard work they have put in,” said Jade.

“We have fought hard to keep a breadth of choice in our A Level curriculum so that our learners can select a programme of study that motivates and inspires them so that they thrive and achieve. They are supported by our amazing teachers, who are A Level and subject specialists and really care about the students they teach.

“Our commitment to being a student-centred college that always puts the needs of our young people first is clearly working for our learners. We are all so pleased and proud of them and can’t wait to see what they all achieve in the future.”

There’s still time to apply to study at Exeter College in Septmeber. 

With A Level, IB and BTEC results pending, we want to give you some key information on what happens during clearing. Below you’ll find some FAQ and our answers to help guide you this summer.

Who can use clearing?

To be eligible for clearing, you need to meet at least one of the criteria below;

  • you’re applying after 30 June
  • you didn’t receive any offers (or none you wanted to accept)
  • you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
  • you’ve declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in Track

How do I know what courses or Universities are included in Clearing?

You can search for a University and course vacancies by using the UCAS search tool by clicking here.

The course I wanted to do is not available at any University. What do I do?

Keep checking the UCAS search tool as Universities add courses on a daily and weekly basis. Try also searching for subjects around your current choice, for example you want to study English Language, try creative writing or Journalism

I’ve found a course and/or University that I wasn’t to apply to, what do I do now?

Phone the University or college and give them your clearing number (you will find this in your track application). Ask them if they would accept you and tell them why you really want to come to their University and why you want to do that course (tip; tell them your future career plan or what you intend to do with your qualification).

I’ve been accepted, now what?

The University will be able to advise you what happens next. Usually, however, the University or College will give you permission to add them as your clearing choice on Track. When you have their permission, add them as soon as possible to your Track.

Do I have to pay for clearing?

If you applied for more than one University and paid the full amount, you won’t need to pay for clearing. However, if you only applied to one University or have yet to apply you will need to pay the standard UCAS fee.

To find out more information, use the UCAS Clearing website by clicking here and contact UCAS via their social media or phone to answer any of your questions.

The P&E Team will be available on A Level results day to answer your questions and offer you support.

Exeter College staff recently took part in the Bigwave Business Games. This is an annual competition, comprised of several games designed to test the physical and mental skills of business employees in the South West.  This is the 10th year that the Business Games has been running and the first year that Exeter College has taken part.  The aim of the Business Games is to raise money for The Exeter Foundation which is an organisation which supports charities and projects across the region. 

Assistant HR Advisor, Tash Wigmore said:

Taking part in an event like this is not only great for teambuilding and a fun way to meet different people within our own organisation, but it is also a good way to network and meet people from other businesses.” 

The college entered teams for all six events – Ten Pin Bowling, Touch Tennis, Clip N Climb, Pub Quiz, Mini Olympics and a Bell Boat Race.  Our teams were made up of a mix of teachers, support staff and senior management with some people taking part in more than one event. 

Staff member, Helen Earnshaw said:

Captaining the Mini Olympics team was brilliant fun – I was well supported by my team members who embraced the activities with a fun mentality and lots of encouragement for each other. I think it’s really beneficial to engage in wellbeing activities such as the Business Games which the college gets involved in as not only is it a good way to meet other staff from across college and get to know them but it’s a fantastic opportunity to promote physical activity and have a laugh along the way. Our team put in a strong performance and we lived up to our t-shirt slogan by ‘being exceptional’.” 

As first timers the college team did amazingly well and came joint 12th out of 28 teams. 

#ExeCollProud 

You can read more about the Bigwave Business Games here. 

Next Steps South West’s work at Exeter College is set to continue as the National Collaborative Outreach Programme has been extended for a further two academic years, with a new completion date of 31 July 2021.

Established in January 2017, Next Steps South West (NSSW) operates out of 14 partner universities and colleges throughout Cornwall, Devon and Somerset with the aim of providing impartial advice to young people who are trying to navigate their journey to higher education.

At present the collaborative project has reached 81 schools/colleges and over 13,000 students in the South West and has now passed its mid-way review. The NSSW team at Exeter College delivered 50 activities during the last academic year and engaged with over 1,000 students in the local area.

Funded by the Office for Students, the project is designed to improve higher education progression from high-achieving students in areas of historically low engagement.

As the project moves in to Phase Two, the NSSW team at Exeter College will be able to continue their work in running a variety of tutorial sessions, events and additional support with both Exeter College students and other pupils in the local area. In addition, the extension in funding for Phase Two will mean NSSW can develop support and guidance for local schools so that teachers and careers advisers have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to outreach available in schools.

The University of Plymouth is the lead institution for NSSW and has been awarded an additional £5.5million to support the implementation of Phase Two. As lead institute, the University of Plymouth acts as a centre point for all regional outreach work, ensuring all schools and colleges can access transparent and impartial education outreach from a variety of providers.

University of Plymouth Deputy Vice-Chancellor for International & Planning Simon Payne said, “We cannot underestimate the critical importance of outreach in a region known for low HE participation.

“As the partnership’s lead institution, we encourage diversity and proudly welcome students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Building upon the impact made in Phase One, our collaborative efforts will continue to transform the life chances of young learners throughout the South West.”

The NSSW team at Exeter College are gearing up for another year of outreach, with activities planned on women in STEM, business management and careers in medicine.

Find out more about NSSW.

Students from Exeter College have been celebrating success following the National BTEC Awards 2019.

A total of nine Exeter College students were recognised at an awards ceremony that took place in Westminster in July. The event celebrates exceptional BTEC students and apprentices while also shining a light on the inspirational teachers who have influenced their learning.

Exeter College’s Luke Bearpark was crowned Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year with Abbie Densham being awarded Science Student of the Year.

In addition, Bronze Awards were given to the Exeter College’s Kaisha Roberton, Dayna Edworthy, Ildiko Albert, Emily Strawbridge, William King, Daniel Reynolds and Daniel Huztable.

Luke Bearpark, who has now secured employment as International Cabin Crew with British Airways, was delighted to be named the BTEC Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year 2019.

“It’s an amazing feeling to have been given this award,” said Luke.

“It was so surreal to be called up on stage at this great event and be recognised with a national award. The lecturers have had a massive impact on my studies, because they’re all specialists in their fields and they’ve definitely helped me during my time at college.

“It has always been my dream to work in Cabin Crew and I don’t think I would have got my job at British Airways if it wasn’t for Exeter College. I’m going to be doing the job I’ve wanted to do for years, it’s really exciting.”

Joanna Watkins is a lecturer on the Travel and Tourism course at the college and has worked with Luke throughout his studies. She said, “Luke is a shining example of vocational excellence.

“We’re so proud of Luke for receiving this award and we’re delighted he has followed up this achievement by securing his dream job with British Airways.”

Abbie Densham’s award as BTEC Science Student of the Year comes following a tricky academic journey in which she had reconstructive surgery on her hip and also suffered with meningitis.

“It was an amazing experience being given this award,” said Abbie.

“The event in London was huge so to go on stage and have them talk about my journey was quite special.

“I was really well supported by my tutor and lecturers at Exeter College; they helped me achieve during the BTEC and also looked out for me when I was searching for the next step in my journey to become a vet.”

Maths and Science Lecturer James Hallmark paid tribute to the work ethic of Abbie, who is now on Bristol University’s Gateway Veterinary Programme.

James said, “Abbie has shone since she joined the course and has completed a work experience profile with around 300 hours of veterinary and allied placements.

“She’s a remarkable student and this award should prove to her how exceptional her work has been.”

The awards were organised by education company Pearson and their President in the UK, Rod Bristow, said: “All those that won this year deserve huge congratulations and stand every chance to continuing that success into the careers they are now ready to start.”

“This year’s awards are a fantastic celebration of them, alongside the schools, colleges, universities, training providers, and employers who have underpinned their efforts.”

Exeter College students are celebrating after achieving the best International Baccalaureate (IB) results in the college’s history.

This year the prestigious IB saw a 100% pass rate, with almost a third of students (32%) achieving 40+ points. This is the equivalent of five A Levels at A/A*, putting them in the top five to ten per cent of students in the entire world. Two candidates achieved an incredible 43 out of 45 possible points.

Further to this, more than 50% of the students achieved 38 points or higher which is the tariff requested for a place at the University of Oxford.

The IB is an internationally recognised qualification that allows students to study six subjects across a wide range of disciplines spanning languages, arts, humanities, maths and sciences. Students are also required to study theory of knowledge, complete an extended research essay and a portfolio, which are all graded to calculate final points.

The exceptional results mean many of Exeter College’s IB students are going on to fulfill their dreams of studying at world-leading universities. Two learners leave the college to accept places at Oxford and two will go on to study medicine in the new academic year.

John Laramy, Principal and CEO of Exeter College said:

“Our IB students have certainly embraced the vision of the college and achieved a set of exceptional results, which are simply the best in our 20 year history of delivering the IB. I would like congratulate the students on these remarkable results and thank them for being a key part of the Exeter College family for the last two years.

“I would also like to thank all of the staff who teach on, coordinate or support the delivery of the IB, these outstanding results are the result of talented and passionate staff working with excellent students.

Lilith Foster-Collins, an IB student who previously studied at Great Torrington School said:

“I have absolutely enjoyed my time studying at Exeter College. There was no question over which college I wanted to go to – I chose Exeter College because I really like the college environment, rather than a sixth form one. You gain independence, it’s got a more university level atmosphere but at the same time you get the support you need, and I think it’s a great stepping point up from school.

“It’s been really good studying six subjects on the IB, because you get the diversity of different subjects. I have been able to explore different interests and I think that has helped me choose my degree better as well.”

This year the cohort had an average point score of 37.5, up from 36 last year and way ahead of the world average which is currently 29.76 (2017/18).

In an unprecedented move, the leaders of every general further education college in England have joined forces to write an open letter to the Chancellor and Secretary of State for Education urging them to “answer the calls from business” and respond to the “challenges of technological change and Brexit” by urgently investing in the country’s technical and vocational education system by implementing the main recommendations of the government’s recent Post-18 Education Review (the Augar Review).

The 203 leaders are responsible for institutions that educate and train 2 million people each year, employing 180,000 staff and they have a combined turnover of £6 billion per annum.

Member of the Independent Panel and co-author of the Augar Review Bev Robinson OBE said, “The government’s response to the outcomes of the well-received Augar Review is arguably a watershed moment for the British government.

“Choosing to enact the recommendations would demonstrate the government’s commitment to the much-needed skills revolution which our country needs, which industry is crying out for and which will promote social equity for all adults, not just the 50% as it is now.”

The Augar Review called for, amongst other things, an end to the 17.5% cut in education funding for 18-year olds, support so that everybody, regardless of age, can achieve to at least level three, and a rebalancing of the traditional post-18 educational landscape.

Exeter College Principal John Laramy was one of the signatories of the letter and he added, “Exeter College is fully behind the Augar Review and it recommendations.

“The partnership between schools, Exeter College and Exeter University shows what can be achieved when all of education joins together for the benefit of a city or region.

“As a college we believe our country needs world class schools, world class colleges and world class universities – to do this further education urgently needs more investment if it is going be an engine for social mobility and support businesses to improve productivity.”

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges said, “It is extraordinary to have every leader in every general further education college in the country collaborate like this.

“These college leaders are uniquely placed at the hearts of their communities, working closely with local, national and international business, supporting individuals to get on in life, and driving the social mobility agenda.

“Government needs to listen to them if they’ve got any chance of tackling the major issues this country faces, now and in the future.”

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