Apply

Bursary applications are now open. Apply now to have funding in place for September 2025. Click here to apply now.

Call us on 01392 400 500

As thousands of teenagers picked up their GCSE results last week, few would have spared a thought for adults nervously arriving to collect their own results after a year of hard work.

That was exactly the case for a number Exeter College’s GCSE students as they arrived at the college on Thursday to see if their hard work had paid off.

Alison Squire, 41, previously struggled in school and decided to study at Exeter College as a personal confidence-builder as her son starts to prepare for his exams in the coming years.

Alison chose to study for her GCSE English at the college and achieved a magnificent Grade 7 (A) as she collected her results last week.

“I couldn’t be more proud of myself. For the first time in my life I am genuinely really proud of what I’ve done,” said Alison.

“When I was a teenager I really struggled in school, I couldn’t understand things and I never really fitted in. I came to Exeter College as a confidence boost and to prove that I can do things.”

While Alison didn’t attend college with the aim of broadening her horizons in her work at a pre-school, she understands that achieving her new qualification will open doors for her in terms of career profession.

Alison continued: “I’ve got a lot more prospects now in my job but I still want to progress my maths skills further as well to help me even more.”

The 41-year-old will be returning to Exeter College in the coming months to do exactly that; starting with her Functional Skills Maths before gearing up to take on the GCSE-level qualification.

Alison wanted to pay tribute to the staff at Exeter College for the role they have played in helping her back in to education.

She said, “I was so nervous on the first day of coming here but everyone just made me feel so welcome.

“I’ve loved coming back to college and the class has been really supportive. I’ve made some great friends and there’s a really good team of people helping. Personally, I just want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to my tutor Wendy for all the support, encouragement and belief that she has given me.”

Fellow GCSE English student Karen Mcanally was also collecting her results and she was delighted with her Grade 6 (B) qualification.

The GCSE certificate marked the next step in Karen’s journey towards studying a psychology-related subject at degree level.

Karen, 44, also returned to college having previously struggled to engage with formal education.

“I didn’t do very well in school, I preferred to be more social at that time,” said Karen.

“I didn’t pass anything at school but I need these qualifications to get on to Exeter College’s Humanities Access to Higher Education course before hopefully getting a degree.

“I was nervous about coming back to college but I also knew it was going to be completely different to the last time I was in school. This time I was coming to college and actually wanting to learn. The teaching is completely different to when I was first in school because now you can get that time with teachers when you need it and you’re not just ignored at the back of the class if you don’t understand something.”

The next step in Karen’s journey is returning to Exeter College to study Functional Skills Maths before taking on the GCSE level qualification.

Adults can study for the GCSE English and Maths qualifications at Exeter College for just the resource fee of £40*, with all tuition coming free of charge. Find out more about GCSE English and GCSE Maths at Exeter College.

*Some ineligible learners may have to pay a fee, check the course page for more information.

We understand that you might be nervous about starting at college but we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to be. Everyone will be new, just like you. This is an exciting start to the next chapter in your life, so we would urge you to grab opportunities with both hands, get involved and make new friends. 

SO WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ENROLMENT? 

At enrolment you will be given a booklet detailing your first day of college and where you need to go. Induction Days will take place on the 5th and 6th September. Induction Days will involve you getting to know your tutor and lecturers. Full timetabled teaching will then start on Monday 9th September. 

FRESHERS’ FAIR 

Freshers’ Fair will take place on 6th September. This is an opportunity for you to find out about all the enrichment opportunities available at college and sign up. We think these activities and clubs are a great way to make new friends and meet people with similar interests to you. Enrichment is an important part of your time at college and can really help to boost your university applications and CV. Our advice is to give it a go! 

WHAT NEXT? 

You will find you settle into college life quickly and before you know it you will be confident in where everything is. During your first week there will be Help Zones around college where you can go and speak to our team in blue if you have any questions. Your tutor is also always there to help too so ask them if you are unsure about anything. 

GETTING INVOLVED WITH COLLEGE LIFE 

The Exeter College Students’ Union (ECSU) is run by students for students and is your Students’ Union. Its aim is to make the college the best place to be and to represent the views of all students, both within the college and nationally. 

As a student you can join the National Union of Students (NUS) which has great benefits, including discounts on things like driving lessons, eating out and high street shops. Join at enrolment, our Freshers’ Fair or online via the NUS website – www.nus.org.uk 

Here are just some of the things you can get involved with as part of the ECSU: 

  • Join one of the student groups, such as the LGBT group 
  • Take part in fundraising for the college charity of the year 
  • Become an ECSU Officer and help to support and represent students at the college 
  • Find out more on the ECSU page of our website

To develop your skills outside of your core studies we encourage students to get involved in enrichment. This can be anything from debating to photography, learning a new language or maybe taking on a challenge such as Ten Tors or DofE. There is something for everyone and if we don’t currently offer it you could set up your own student run group or club. Our enrichment programme helps you to enjoy, achieve and make a positive contribution to life at college. 

Find out more here.

FINALLY…A BIT OF ADVICE 

Be yourself, get involved and make the most of your time with us. That is the advice that our students always want to pass on. You won’t get this chance again and we really believe we can give you an exceptional experience at college so just go for it.

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.”

Showing 181-190 of 1242