After a 37-7 win against Henley College this week, Exeter goes to the top of South Pool Division 1 in the AASE League. The final will take place on Friday 2nd December against Gosforth Academy at Saracen’s Allianz Park.

It’s another accolade in a long list of successes this season including a number of Exeter College students featuring within the Chiefs set-up. Prop Marcus Street led the way, debuting at the age of 17 for the Exeter Chiefs first team, while Dan Swain, Sam Daly and Joe Snow have all figured for the Exeter Braves this term. Marcus along with Charlie Wright and James Kenny have been named in the England U18 squad while Richard Capstick has been named in the England U17 squad.

With Exeter College back in the AASE League for the first time in five years with the Chiefs Academy, Rob Gibson has praised the relationship created by Exeter College and the Chiefs to provide a meaningful route through to senior rugby.

“Obviously we are delighted to have got through to the final,” said Gibson. “The relationship between the College and the Chiefs is terrific with benefits for both parties which ultimately means the best for students and players,” added Gibson. “Already the rewards are bearing fruits with several players gaining ‘A’ league experience while still at College, while Marcus Street made his Chiefs debut last weekend at the age of 17 against Cardiff. The coaching staff of Sam Morton, Glenn Channing and Joe Satt have combined with existing staff Jon Hill, Jon Fabian, Steve Perry and Ross Morshead to provide a first class package for the students of the college. Having that pathway for players to follow is key to our success and long may it continue.”

Exeter Chiefs Academy manager Robin Cowling said: “Huge congratulations must go to Rob, his fellow coaches and the players at Exeter College for what is an outstanding achievement. A great deal of time and effort has been put in by all of them to get to this stage, but now they have this one final challenge to overcome…the future certainly looks encouraging for young players in the Westcountry.”

Exeter College has been placed in the top spot in a league table of colleges published by FE Week, an industry leading publication focused on delivering the latest further education and skills news.

The table was compiled using a points based system, with points awarded against a number of key criteria published by the Department of Education. Each college was scored out of a possible 16. A process that saw Exeter College score a perfect 16, something no other college was able to achieve.

“We are delighted that our unremitting focus on outstanding teaching, learning, employer engagement and the student experience has been recognised by this accolade.

“We have great students and a great team of staff. I would like to thank everyone – partners, employers, students, staff, leaders, governors and stakeholders – all of whom have contributed to our ongoing success.” said Exeter College Principal, John Laramy

This is the latest in a line of accolades awarded to the college in recent years, including being graded Ofsted Outstanding in 2014 and awarded the prestigious City & Guilds ‘UK Centre of the Year’ award earlier this year.

Michael Morpurgo, the award-winning Devon-based writer, former Children’s laureate and one of Britain’s best loved story-makers, visited Exeter College recently.

Best known for children’s books including War Horse, Kensuke’s Kingdom and Private Peaceful, Michael gave a guest lecture for our students on where stories come from and how they are made. More than 150 students from the college and local schools were thrilled to hear the author relay personal stories from his own childhood, and discuss how he writes about difficult subjects – such as war and holocaust – for young audiences.

The lecture was held in the college’s new lecture theatre and conference suite, which was opened in September.

Michelle Lester, IB Coordinator who organised the talk, said: “We were delighted to work with the Royal Society of Literature to host this special event, and for many students this was a chance to meet a childhood hero!”

For more about Michael Morpurgo click here to visit his website.

Two talented Exeter College students have won coveted awards at the South West Chef of the Year contest.

This October, the college once again played host to the prestigious competition, judged by a prestigious panel of judges.

Students were tasked with cooking a starter and main course in just 90 minutes. This year’s judges were a number of well-known and highly respected chefs including Michael Caines, MBE, one of Britain’s highest profile chefs.

There were 10 students in total from across the county and we are delighted that our very own Harrison Brockington, from Paignton won the Student/Apprentice category and Ethan Macdonald, from Aylesbeare, went on to win the Junior Chef category.

The aim of the competition is to celebrate the exceptional standards within the South West’s hospitality industry with a focus on the amazing array of produce available to us here in the South West.

Harrison received fantastic feedback from the judges with them declaring his food was ‘well balanced, tasty and modern’.

He said: “The competitions really good fun, not just taking part but meeting new people and seeing what everyone else comes up with. This is the first time I have entered and next year I hope to enter the Semi Professionals category.”

Lead Tutor, Ian Biggar added: “Harrison is the most driven student I have ever had the pleasure to teach. His exceptional attendance and work ethic, combined with a natural ability ensures that competitions like this are just the start of an illustrious career.”

Ethan has been working in a professional kitchen since the age of 11 and clearly made an impact at the competition with judges commenting that they wished they had his skills at age 16. Ethan is studying Professional Cookery at the college and is an Apprentice at The Salutation Inn in Topsham.

Lecturer, Stuart Fowles commented: “I first met Ethan before he was a student and his talent was immediately apparent. Watching him in the competition at the weekend made me very proud, he really shines as he has such obvious enjoyment in what he does. I look forward to many more competitions with him.”

Thinking about your future?

Click Here to find out more about the Hospitality courses, our Michael Caines Academy and Apprenticeships available at Exeter College,

More than 190 Exeter College students dressed in caps and gowns took to the streets of Exeter to celebrate their University Level Graduation.

Students were awarded qualifications across the college’s broad offer of University Level studies from BA to Foundation Degrees, HNCs and HNDs at a ceremony held in the historic surroundings of Exeter Cathedral.

Sir Rick Trainor, Rector of Exeter College, Oxford University, recently named the best University in the world, was the guest speaker at this year’s event. He spoke about the longstanding friendship and growing links between his college at Oxford and Exeter College here in Devon.

As well as the graduating students, over 550 friends and family joined the celebrations at the Cathedral.

Exeter College Principal John Laramy said: “It was wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate the success of our Higher Education community, a key and growing part of Exeter College at our Graduation ceremony at Exeter Cathedral this year.

“We are very proud of our Higher Education community here at Exeter College and we were delighted to celebrate the achievements of our students, with their family and friends. What they have achieved is remarkable. More than 500 students now complete their University Level programmes at Exeter College in over 21 different subject areas, across a growing range of programmes delivered together with our university partners.

“We were delighted to be able to welcome Sir Rick Trainor, Rector of Exeter College, Oxford University as our guest speaker at our Graduation. I am very pleased to say that Exeter College and Exeter College, Oxford, have a special and growing relationship.

“Finally, I just wanted to congratulate our University Level students once again on their work, commitment, effort and success in achieving their ambitions with us here at Exeter College.”

Other guests who attended the Graduation included the Lord Mayor, representatives from partner universities, as well as partners and representatives from across the city and the local community.

Students graduated in a range of subjects including: Education, Health and Social Care, Public Services, Film and Television Production, Early Years, Fine Art, Photography and Digital Arts, Graphic Communication, Journalism and Practical Media, Aircraft Engineering, Applied Outdoor Adventure, Creative Writing, Coaching and Fitness, Sports Therapy, Football Coaching and Development, Business, Management and Leadership Studies, Construction and the Built Environment, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computing and Systems Development, Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Service, and Business Management.

During the day, we spoke to some of our graduating students. Click Here to watch what they had to say about their time at Exeter College

Thinking about your future? University Level studies at the heart of Exeter?

Exeter College offers a wide range of University Level courses with our partner universities including HNCs, HNDs, and Foundation Degree Programmes.

See our website for more information about the courses available for entry in 2017: http://www.exe-coll.ac.uk/HE/

Exeter College has been named as the number one further education college in the South West for their Apprenticeship programme for 2016.

The Skills Funding Agency also placed the college within the top ten of Further Education Colleges in the UK, with record breaking success rates of 86% propelling them to the top of the regional table. It comes as the college recently welcomed the next generation of Apprentices who have started on the college’s award-winning Apprenticeship programme.

And the college has recently worked with a number of Apprentices to spearhead a city-wide campaign on busses to raise the profile of the benefits Apprenticeships.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Apprenticeship and Employer Engagement, who oversees the Apprenticeship provision at the college, said: “This announcement reflects a time of significant success for Exeter College and reflects the impact of all our employer partnerships and Apprentices who are the real successes of our programme. There has never been a better time to be an Apprentice.

“These type of announcements make us the first port of call for those deciding on what to do next. We offer support and guidance to those young people reviewing their next steps if they are considering an Apprenticeship. We have some outstanding options available for those wanting to do Apprenticeships and exam results are certainly not a barrier.”

The college has seen significant growth over the last twelve months and recognises that young people, parents and employers see the benefits in Apprenticeships.

The college has recently worked with a number of Apprentices themselves to spearhead a city-wide campaign on busses.

Apprentices Ella Fielding, from Ottery St Mary, Mickala Tuvey, from Exeter, Hymani Martinez, from Exmouth, Chey-Anne Jackson, from Uplyme, William Richardson from Seaton and Jamie Spencer are featured in the campaign.

Jamie Spencer, from Exmouth, who has recently completed his Apprenticeship and is heading off to continue his Activity Leadership career in Canada said: “It’s really strange when you first see your face on the side of a bus – but I’m incredibly proud. I was happy to help. Having an Apprenticeship has done so much for me.”

The news and campaign comes during an exceptional time for the college’s apprenticeship team which has gone from strength to strength in recent years and last year saw significant increases in terms of both new apprentices and success rates. It comes off the back of the college winning the TES FE award for Apprenticeship programme, being named the 2015 Apprenticeships 4 England Gold award winner and national recognition by OFSTED. OFSTED selected Exeter as the only college in the country to feature in its short films highlighting the quality and commitment to its employers.

Mike Blakeley added:

“We receive calls from young people and parents on a daily basis enquiring about our Apprenticeship options and we are committed to providing an excellent service. We have a dedicated team who support employers and Apprentices alike to start their apprenticeship journey.

“We pride ourselves on helping our apprentices find a job and work hard at delivering the training they individually need to be able to celebrate success when they reach the end of their journey.

“Through our employer network we have fantastic opportunities in accountancy, business, care and education, construction, engineering, hairdressing, hospitality, logistics, motor vehicle and sport and would welcome those interested to get in touch.”

Are you interested in becoming an Apprentice?

Please call our Apprenticeship Hotline on: 01392 400800 or email apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk

Four players from the Exeter Chiefs Academy at Exeter College have been called up to the top flight for the England Training Squad.

Students Charlie Wright, from Honiton, James Kenny, from Kingsbridge, and Marcus Street, from Thorverton, have won places on the prestigious England Under 18 Development Squad, while Richard Capstick, from Taunton, has also won a much sought after place in the England Under 17 Development Squad.

They will now train and play with other young rugby players from across the country for their final places to represent England on the international stage.

The remarkable success comes only a few months after the launch of the Exeter Chiefs Academy at Exeter College, which provides education and rugby training required to support learners to reach the highest level in the sport.

Rob Gibson, Exeter Chiefs Academy, said: “From an Academy point of view we are delighted to have four players selected into the England training Camps.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for the players to progress in their rugby career. It is also just reward for the players and families who support the players tremendously.

“The Academy and College Coaching staff are excited about the prospects and look forward to helping them through a very busy and demanding year.”

Rob Bosworth, Vice Principal, Schools, Partnerships & Curriculum, said: “We are very proud of the achievements of these students who will be joining other top rugby players from across the country.

“It’s a great start to the rugby season and is a fantastic outcome from our working together in partnership with Exeter Chiefs to deliver the Exeter Chiefs Academy here at the College.”

Exeter College has won the prestigious City & Guilds ‘UK Centre of the Year’ award – celebrating the outstanding opportunities delivered by the college to technical and vocational learners.

The City & Guild’s Lion Awards are one of most prestigious in the skills education calendar and is a culmination of the Medals for Excellence awards programme, which dates back more than 100 years.

Judges of the awards – known as the ‘Oscars of skills education’ – praised the College for ‘ensuring excellent care, guidance and support for their learners’.

The judges added: ‘Alongside a bold strategy for improving learners’ English and mathematics to ensure more learners improve their skills in these subjects, it offers specialist vocational courses, often using exceptional facilities, and provides learners with outstanding opportunities to work alongside, and learn from, industry leaders and specialists.’

The awards recognise excellent results and progression through learning as well as showcasing excellence in the skills sector by individuals, both in the UK and Internationally, who have overcome significant challenges to achieve their goals.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal, said: “It is an honour for Exeter College to be recognised by City & Guilds as its Centre of the Year. Nationally there is a real focus on 'technical' education and to be identified as the best centre in the country, by one of the leading Awarding Organisations in the world, is a real credit to the staff and students at the college.

“We are delighted that the quality of the student experience, here at Exeter College, has been recognised by this national award. As Principal I would like to thank City & Guilds, as awards like this enable us in further education to celebrate excellence.”

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, UK Managing Director at City & Guilds said: “The wealth of talent across this year’s nominees and winners makes me incredibly proud of the achievements and dedication they have all shown. The Lion Awards are a great opportunity to showcase this talent and all of us at City & Guilds are honoured to have been a part of their success.”

City & Guilds is a global in skills development, providing services to training providers, employers, and trainees across a variety of sectors to meet the needs of today’s workplace.

Devon’s four principal further and higher education colleges have launched a unique collaboration that will benefit learners and employers across the county.

City College Plymouth, Exeter College, Petroc and South Devon College are setting up the Devon Colleges Group, a partnership with a shared vision focussed on enhancing skills, raising aspirations and driving regional economic growth and productivity.

All rated as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, the colleges already have a successful history of working together. They employ some 3,000 professional staff to deliver high quality, responsive and efficient education and training to more than 50,000 students each year, from young people aged 14-19 to adults. Courses range from entry to degree and higher level, and learners include the most able as well as some of the most disadvantaged, those in the workplace and others studying on college campuses.

The colleges support more than 5,000 apprentices each year and offer university-level education to more than 3,200 students.

Phil Davies, Principal, City College Plymouth, says: “As an organisation devoted to transforming lives in Plymouth, we also recognise our wider regional role in driving economic growth.

“That’s why we are fully committed to the collective and strong collaborative working that the Devon Colleges Group will provide.

“Together we can use our experience and expertise to achieve a significant long-term regional impact, by increasing and improving education and skills, helping to create a high wage economy and promoting higher level opportunities to raise the bar for all.”

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College, said: “As Principal of Exeter College, an outstanding, dynamic and thriving college, our mission is to provide exceptional opportunities for our learners, employers and partners.

“We strive for excellence in all that we do, and our very broad range of courses and programmes means that our learners can choose the area of study or an apprenticeship that best suits their needs, interests and abilities.

“We welcome this opportunity to be able celebrate the uniqueness of each college as well as our distinctive and broad offers, and at the same time work together in collaboration with our neighbouring colleges to add value to Exeter, Devon and the wider region.”

Diane Dimond, Principal at Petroc, says:“At Petroc, we understand the importance of collaborative working. As part of the group, we can share our expertise and knowledge to maximise our impact in the region and improve our training and education offer to give our learners more choice than ever before.

“We have a long and successful history of working collaboratively with all the other leading education providers in the group and we are excited about the new partnership and the positive impact it will have in the area. We believe that the effective collaboration of the colleges in Devon is key to delivering the skills our regional economy needs, both now and for the future.

“Petroc is a good college with outstanding features, and is financially sound. In our very rural area, which has its connectivity challenges, we are proud to be able to provide wide-ranging, high-quality education, skills, training and professional programmes, for businesses and individuals, at a variety of locations and through flexible delivery options.”

Stephen Criddle, Principal and CEO, South Devon College, says: “At South Devon College we have a passion for learning and, as an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ college, we pride ourselves on delivering excellent programmes of study and other opportunities.

“The new Devon Colleges Group will provide a co-ordinated approach and greater focus on identifying good practice areas of strength and specialism, without diminishing the key local offer of each college.

“Our commitment to exceptional, free and impartial advice and guidance will be further enhanced by this collaboration as it will promote wider post-16 opportunities and ensure that learners, parents and employers understand more fully the breadth and depth of the offer across the county.”

The Devon Colleges Group has pledged to analyse effectively the skills needs and gaps in the region and respond quickly to emerging trends in order to deliver Devon’s growth ambitions within a prompt timescale.

Collectively they will continue to serve their local communities by providing high quality and relevant education and training, while combining their efforts to enable the delivery of training that may otherwise not be viable.

Looking to the future, the group will work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that Devon has the right mix and balance of provision, including the staff expertise, curriculum and infrastructure capacity to deliver on local, regional and national agendas.

Chris Garcia, Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, says: “We welcome the commitment being made today by the Devon Colleges Group to support the Heart of the South West economy. Improving skills and working with employers are key parts of helping to create a more productive and inclusive economy and we look forward to continuing to work with all our colleges and training agencies to achieve this aim”

Exeter College is celebrating its best ever A Level results – with an outstanding 99.8% pass rate.

Students from all four corners of Devon and further afield amassed excellent A level results, with more than half – a staggering 54% – achieving the very highest A*, A, and B grades.

As well as highest number of students achieving straight A* and A grades, the college celebrated 100% pass rates in 33 of its 38 A level subjects.

The exceptional results will see students fulfilling their dreams of studying at Oxford and Cambridge, Russell Group and top universities, employment and apprenticeship options.

This year’s results demonstrate Exeter College’s academic excellence and cements its ranking amongst the top Sixth Form colleges in the country.

The results saw particular strengths in a wide range of key academic subjects on offer at the college, with an outstanding number gaining the very best A*, A, and B grades, including 77% of Economics students; 58% of English Literature students; 90% of students studying German; 71% of Fine Art students; 70% of Textiles students; 68% of History students; as well as 65% of students studying Spanish.

STEM subjects excelled in the college’s new, dedicated Maths and Science Centre. Maths saw 67% of students gain the very best A*, A, and B grades, with more than a fifth achieving the coveted A* grade.

The A Level results announced today follow on from the college’s outstanding International Baccalaureate (IB) results this summer.

Students achieving the very highest results reflect the college’s wide geographical reach, with students from Exeter and across Devon who travel to college gaining straight A* and A grades, ranging from Barnstaple to Tiverton, from Sidmouth to Okehampton, from Holsworthy to Torquay, wider afield from Dorset and Somerset, and also internationally.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal, said: “These staggering A Level results are the best Exeter College has ever achieved, with more than half of our students amassing the very highest A*, A, and B grades.

“As Principal, these results are a testament to the hard work, commitment, and dedication of all our students and staff which has led up to today. I’d like to congratulate each and every one of these students on their success.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in delivering these exceptional results. These results will be a passport to so many students going on to achieve their dreams of university, embarking on their career, and the next stage of their lives.

“At Exeter College we pride ourselves on a culture of excellence in our teaching in a broad range of subjects. This year’s results are truly exceptional, and are a reflection, I believe, of this culture of excellence.”

Emma Fielding, the College’s Assistant Principal responsible for A levels said: “The results across the wide range of A level subjects that we offer are truly stunning and I couldn’t be more proud of our amazing young people and the specialist academic staff that have nurtured and supported them.

“As well as stimulating our students academically, we place tremendous importance in supporting them as individuals, with our well established tutorial system and extensive enrichment programme.

“Our tutors and progression team work with students to provide expert university or careers guidance to help them prepare for life after college. I have such admiration for these fantastic achievements and want to wish all of our young people every success and happiness as they move on from college and take the next step in their lives.”

Best Ever Exeter College A Level Results – Summary

• • 54% achieved the very highest A*, A, and B grades;
• • Outstanding 99.8% pass rate overall;
• • 100% pass rates in 33 of its 38 A level subjects;
• • Exceptional results at the very highest level A*, A and B grades, in a broad range of A level subjects on offer at Exeter College, including:

• – 77% of Economics students;
• – 58% of English Literature students;
• – 90% of students studying German;
• – 71% of Fine Art students;
• – 70% of Textiles students;
• – 68% of History students;
• – 65% of Spanish students.