International Baccalaureate Students Achieve World-Class Results

Exeter College students studying on the International Baccalaureate have achieved an incredible set of results with five students achieving 42 or more, with 45 being the maximum you can score. 39 points is the equivalent of three A Levels with the grades of A* A* A*.

This year 31 candidates took the International Baccalaureate (IB), achieving once again a 100% pass rate, with 26% of candidates achieving 40+ points. This is especially impressive when you consider the lack of experience these students have had in sitting exams and yet despite this, they have achieved an impressive set of results.

“It has been rewarding to see all the elements of my work come together to produce a result I am proud of.”
Florence Witham, IB student

Exeter College has a successful history of delivering the IB and this year celebrated its 30^th year.

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive said;

“One of the inspirational elements of the International Baccalaureate is being able to celebrate when our students excel against a truly international world average. In the first set of exam-based results for three years, this year’s IB cohort have continued the College’s legacy of excellent results. All students achieved the full IB diploma, thus giving the programme a 100% achievement rate.

“The cohort achieved an average point score of 36, against a world average of 31.98. However, it was at the top end of performance where students truly excelled, with over a quarter of the students achieving 40 points or more, with one student scoring 44 points, just one off full marks!

“I would like to congratulate our International Baccalaureate students on another set of excellent results. For over a quarter of the cohort to achieve 40 points or more is a remarkable outcome, especially when this is the first externally assessed and marked exams that these students would have experienced. The IB is a unique qualification, and it has been a privilege to see these students’ grow and develop over their two years at the College.

“I would also like to thank the staff who lead, coordinate and teach on the IB programmes, as alongside these excellent results the team also managed a full IB five-year review – the Ofsted equivalent for the IB and it went brilliantly!”

A group photo of the class of 2022 — The class of 2022

Florence Witham, who scored 44 points, is progressing to Bath University to study Biology. She said; “It has been rewarding to see all the elements of my work come together to produce a result I am proud of; I think the high academic standard of the IB has made me particularly well equipped to succeed at university, where I will be studying a BSc in Biology.”

Ruby Cutler has been accepted to study Medicine at Liverpool University. She said: “I was so shocked when I opened my results because I had prepared myself for the worst! I am now going to Liverpool University to study Medicine in September.”

She added that she feels she owes a lot to the amazing teachers who supported and helped the students through COVID.

Exeter College wishes the IB students all the best for their bright future.

Find out more about the International Baccalaureate at Exeter College.

Exeter College Students Return after two weeks at World-Leading Aeronautical University in Florida

Twenty-five Exeter College students returned to the UK on Sunday 3^rd July after spending 14 days experiencing university life in the USA and participating in core learning activities linked to aviation.

Exeter College is delighted to have secured government funding to be able to offer students studying the National Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering the chance to learn at a world-leading university in Florida.

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a specialised Aeronautical University based in Florida with several campuses across the globe. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes in arts, sciences, aviation, business, and engineering.

Ron Garriga, Office of Business Development and Professional Education at Embry Riddle said: “Spending time with the Exeter College students over the past two weeks has been such a pleasure. They are engaging, eager to learn, and extremely kind and respectful. These aviation enthusiasts will be a viable asset to their communities in the workforce of aerospace and aviation”.

Students got to experience campus life and attend workshops from world-class aviation teachers, global leaders in their profession, and learn specific skills and knowledge in drone technology, alternative fuels and future flight technologies.

The experience will improve their employability and career prospects, having developed their skill set in an aeronautical industry placement.

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

“Exeter College strives to give our students the best opportunities to learn and thrive on their chosen course. Our link with Embry Riddle is a fantastic example of exceptional learning without boundaries. Those who participated have learnt from the world’s best aviation university and will apply those skills as they progress into industry from our Future Skills Centre at Exeter Airport”.

He added; “At a time when new entrants to the aviation industry haven’t been more in need it’s vital Exeter College plays it’s part in providing the next generation of engineers. This wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration and support of Embry-Riddle and the Turing Scheme. We are looking forward to a return visit to the USA next year and watch the partnership flourish even further for the benefits of our students.”

This trip has been made possible by The Turing Scheme. The Turing Scheme is the UK government’s scheme to provide funding for international opportunities in education and training across the world. It supports UK teaching and training organisations to offer their learners life-changing experiences to study or work abroad.

Programme Manager for Aerospace, Jeff Watson, said: “The visit superseded all our expectations and has been a fantastic experience. We have never seen our students so engaged and attentive and every department we visited have been wonderful hosts. The students have really gained a huge amount both personally and professionally from our visit and the Embry-Riddle team have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome and safe.”

Programme Lead, Dave Tredgett had this to say: “This visit has been amazing for the students, they have really embraced this experience and have been great ambassadors for Exeter college. The Embry-Riddle staff have been outstanding and their ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude to anything we asked is to be commended.”

Student, Benjamin Wood said: “I had an amazing time and enjoyed everything about it. I really enjoyed being able to represent the College and get the experience needed for the industry, it was the opportunity of a lifetime!”

Find out more about this course and other Engineering courses at the next Exeter College Open Event.

Exeter College Launches Unique Engineering Academy in Partnership with HepcoMotion

Exeter College and HepcoMotion have launched a T Level Engineering Academy, the first of its kind in the UK. The Academy will be open to all T Level Engineering students from September 2022, giving learners a clear line of sight to industry and providing them with vital experience.

T Levels are a technical qualification that were first rolled out in September 2020, Exeter College was one of the first providers in the country to be offering the Government’s new T Level qualifications. From September 2022, Exeter College will be offering over ten T Levels covering subjects such as Digital Production, Design and Development and Health.

There will initially be fourteen places available with interviews being conducted at HepcoMotion in Tiverton. Students will benefit from a minimum of 40 days of industry placement, a mentor programme, site visits and specially selected sessions delivered at the College by HepcoMotion.

HepcoMotion, part of the Hepco Group of companies is a world-leading manufacturer of linear motion systems and automation components. Exeter College is delighted to be strengthening its partnership with Hepco through the delivery of this Academy. Working together on a number of projects since 2016, Hepco and Exeter College originally joined forces to offer Engineering Pre-Apprenticeships, Apprenticeships and Higher Education opportunities.

Head of Faculty for Engineering at Exeter College, Andy Wells said;

“We are incredibly excited to be able to offer our students this unique opportunity. The time spent with Hepco will be invaluable and will place our students a head above the rest when venturing into the world of work.

“It is hoped that this Academy will create a pipeline for talent spotting and recruitment – feeding learners directly into jobs in industry. We believe it will enhance the already great reputation that HepcoMotion holds in the local community and nationally and we cannot wait to get started.”

Head of Learning Development and Apprenticeships at HepcoMotion, Maurice Porter said;

“Hepco is pleased to build on its successful training programmes and apprenticeships by introducing The Hepco Academy in partnership with Exeter College. This exciting development will strengthen our partnership with the College and further develop our training for Hepco employees.”

Learn more about the T Level Engineering Academy.

Find out more about T Levels at Exeter College by downloading a School Leavers’ Course Guide or by visiting us at our next Open Event. Alternatively, please contact the College Advice Team on 01392 400600 or email cat@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Exeter College Reveals Strategic Plan and New Set of College Values

Exeter College has announced its strategic plan and unveiled its new set of values that will be fit for the future.

In the plans, the College has set out the vision ‘to be an exceptional college,’ and a mission statement that says the College aims to ‘shape futures by delivering world-class education and training for our city and region.’

Staff, students, and key stakeholders gathered together at Exeter College’s South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre on Tuesday 7 June 2022 to celebrate the launch of the strategic plan and values.

A Level student Kyle Kana, talking about his experience of college life

“We want people to understand the way we do things around here, that we want to be ambitious; for our students, and for our community. We want to collaborate so that together we are stronger, and we want to make sure that people feel a buzz and an energy when they come into Exeter College. We hope that there is a real connection between the vision that we are trying to achieve and the values that we imbue as a college.”
Principal and Chief Executive, John Laramy CBE

As part of the celebrations the College has produced a film, including their partners from the city, detailing how the values are embedded throughout everything they do.

Bindu Arjoon, Exeter College Chair of Governors

Exeter College Chair of Governors and Deputy CEO at Exeter City Council, Bindu Arjoon, attended the event and introduced the film, she said:

“Our strategic plan outlines where the College will focus over the next few years in order to achieve our vision of being an exceptional college. Exceptional for our students of today and tomorrow and also exceptional in our role supporting and serving the city and wider area.

“These values are our guiding principles and capture how we show up; who we are and how we behave amongst ourselves and when we work with others.”

The College has worked with several partners across the city to create a values film that truly reflects the work it does with the community and to share the message of the new values.

The College would like to thank the following people and organisations for their support in this endeavour.

Bindu Arjoon – Exeter City Council
Jean Brett – The Deaf Academy
Penny Endersby – Met Office
John Hart – Devon County Council
Karime Hassan MBE – Exeter City Council
Moira Marder – Ted Wragg Trust
Caroline Nicholson – Devon Recovery Learning Community / Devon Partnership Trust NHS
Lisa Roberts – University of Exeter
Tony Rowe OBE – Exeter Chiefs
Julian Tagg – Exeter City Football Club

Principal and Chief Executive, John Laramy CBE, said:

“Students, schools, employers, partners, stakeholders, and staff will all, we hope, see their priorities brought to life in our strategic plan for the next five years.

“We became an outstanding college in 2012 and repeated that feat in 2014, so we felt it was important to have a vision that helped us as a college to move forward. To be an exceptional college feels like the next natural step. As a college we were very keen to develop a set of values that really do feel like Exeter College. Some of our staff here have come up with “Our values are what makes us, us!” which I think is very apt!

“We want people to understand the way we do things around here, that we want to be ambitious; for our students, and for our community. We want to collaborate so that together we are stronger, and we want to make sure that people feel a buzz and an energy when they come into Exeter College. We hope that there is a real connection between the vision that we are trying to achieve and the values that we imbue as a college.”

Take a look at our Strategic Plan.

Exceptional Outdoor Adventure and Education Set to Continue at Haven Banks

Exeter College and Devon County Council are set to continue their successful partnership, having just renewed the fifteen-year lease on Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre at Exeter’s historic quayside.

The centre is well known as the South West’s premiere Outdoor Education and Training facility and is a hive of activity throughout the year. As well as offering numerous holiday activities for young people and schools, the centre provides courses and professional training for adults and is also home to Exeter College’s full time Outdoor Education programmes.

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE, said;

“I am delighted that we have been able to renew and extend our excellent partnership with Devon County Council to operate and run Haven Banks, this will make a real difference to the community and our students. This new extension to the lease will enable the College to invest with confidence in new cutting-edge resources to ensure it remains the standout Centre within the South West for all things related to outdoor adventure and education.

“I personally feel that the way Devon County Council work with Exeter College is a national exemplar of how an upper tier Local Authority can work with a local college to make a difference to skills, life chances and health.”

Devon County Council Chief Executive, Phil Norrey, said;

“I am pleased that we have been able to continue the partnership with Exeter College for running the Haven Banks Education Centre. Our natural environment is one of our county’s greatest assets, and we want everyone to find ways to enjoy it. By delivering high quality outdoor education for all ages, Haven Banks is helping more people become confident exploring what is on our doorsteps.

“We are committed to making Devon a child-friendly place where children and young people can thrive. That includes providing every child with opportunities to explore the outdoors safely, and to discover the benefits of outdoor adventures on both their physical and mental health.”

In recent years, Haven Banks has also enjoyed immense success in running the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award and Ten Tors training for local schools. This year they have seen 70 students achieve a DofE bronze, silver or gold award and have helped more than 60 young people train for the gruelling Ten Tors challenge.

The Ten Tors event, organised by the Army and assisted by the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Dartmoor Search and Rescue Teams, is a challenge of teamwork, endurance, navigation, and camp craft and sees teenagers survive for two days completely unaided.

Exeter College students completing the Ten Tors Challenge.

Ben Hedden, Centre Manager at Haven Banks said:

“We are all delighted with the announcement of the renewal of the lease between Exeter College and Devon County Council. The past nine years have seen the Centre develop, thrive, and diversify its provision for the local and wider community.

“The past two years has been challenging and impacted on us all, and none more so than the children and young people within our community. The benefits of the outdoors and outdoor and adventurous activities are well evidenced and have been key to assisting young people to rebuild confidence, resilience, self-esteem, and lifelong memories.

“We continue to actively develop our programmes and are proud to continue to offer accessible and inclusive activities for all ages and every ability level. We look forward to serving our past, present and future users of the Centre over the coming years.”

Haven Banks offers a wide range of activities for young people and adults.

Haven Banks is at the centre of the local Outdoor Adventure community and is part of a growing industry that is supporting post-Covid recovery. It has been highlighted that placing greater importance on wellbeing and staying active will help young people to recover from the pandemic. Having missed formative years in education and spending time with peers, it is hoped that Outdoor Education will help to build resilience back up and provide young people with the skills they need such as working as a team, problem solving, and embracing new challenges.

To arrange a tour of the facilities or to find out more about the opportunities available at Haven Banks, please contact the centre’s reception on 01392 400150 or by filling out the contact form.

Exeter College takes the lead in championing apprenticeships with ‘Apprenticeship Awareness Week’

Last month, Exeter College’s Apprenticeship Awareness Week returned for an ambitious second year.

An exciting week of activities held across multiple College sites highlighted the College’s award-winning Apprenticeship provision and demonstrated the progression opportunities Apprenticeships offer to the College’s full-time learners.

Launched in addition to the Apprenticeship Week celebrated nationally in February, the curation of this week demonstrates Exeter College’s commitment to promoting a variety of training and education routes to young people.

The College was pleased to welcome 18 employer partners on-site as part of the week’s activities.

An employer exposition held at Exeter College’s Construction Centre, enabled full-time learners from Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, and other trades to meet with recruiting businesses face-to-face.

Similarly, Exeter College’s Technology Centre hosted an Engineering Apprenticeship event at which 12 local engineering organisations exhibited Apprenticeship opportunities to over one hundred student attendees.

The ‘Apprenticeship Festival’ brought a vibrant atmosphere to Exeter College’s Hele Road campus. This exciting new event gave students the opportunity to meet employers from a variety of sectors including IT, the NHS, and telecoms, whilst also participating in Apprenticeship-based games.

Mike Blakeley, Director of Future Skills and Apprenticeships, said:

“We are incredibly proud of the Apprenticeship provision that we provide here at Exeter College, it’s been great to dedicate a whole week celebrating and showcasing our opportunities with the vast range of employers that we are partnered with.”

Hosting virtual events enabled the College to maximise engagement with the student body. An ‘All you need to know about Apprenticeships’ webinar achieved record-breaking attendance with over 150 guests joining the event.

‘Apprenticeship Week’ made a splash on social media too, with Apprentices from partnering Exeter College organisations such as Adopstar, IT Champion and HepcoMotion taking over the College social media channels for the week and showcasing a typical ‘day in the life’ of an Apprentice.

Such events demonstrate Exeter College’s commitment to providing excellent career guidance through engagement with employers and promoting a diverse range of education opportunities to their students.

If you would like to find out more about Exeter College’s Apprenticeships, please email apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Exeter College Netball Team Win First Ever College Treble

Exeter College is excited to announce that the Women’s Netball first team have achieved an incredible treble, becoming the first ever college team to win three illustrious national competitions in one season.

The playing squad consisted of Charlotte Steer (Vice Captain) GS, Ella Williams GA, Jemma Potter WA, Lily Tomlinson C, Caitlin Jeffery (Captain) WD, Iris Hindley GD, Hannah Rae GK, Abi Down GS, Lottie Armstrong WD, Abi Greenslade WD, Emily Churchill GD, Kitty Sampson C, Bronwin Stewart C, Annie Grief GD, and Tilly Spong WD. The team have won over 40 games in one season to be crowned the champions three times over.

Charlotte Steer, Vice-Captain said;

“It was such a proud moment for me, winning with all the girls I have grown up playing netball with was surreal. Winning one title was great but to become the first college to win all three was the best and I’m so glad we were all a part of it.”

The treble success began where the team became National Premier League Champions. Exeter College joined Barking Abbey, Hartpury, and Queen Ethelburga’s in Walsall at the finals, as the top four teams across the South, Midlands, and North Premier Division leagues. Exeter was drawn against Barking Abbey and won 37-26, during a competitive and physical game. The team then met Hartpury in the final securing an impressive win of 34-30 to take the first of the three titles.

“This is the first time a team has won the treble and we commend the students for their commitment and application over a long season and the staff for coaching the team to such a high standard.”
Andy Perlejewski, AoC Sport Competitions Manager

The team then fought hard again and won the gold medal at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport National Championships in Nottingham. After an intense competition, the South West region were presented winners of the Wilkinson Sword, the first time the region has won the coveted title since 2016 – which the Netball team also contributed towards by winning Gold. The squad won the title in a round robin competition over other colleges, including Hartpury College, Billborough College, Greenhead College, Hartlepool College, and Worthing College to take home the second of the titles and become the National College’s Champions.

The final achievement came when the team came out on top in an amazing and tight fought match against Hartpury, winning 41-40 to win the AoC Sport National Netball Knockout Cup. The AoC cup sees teams drawn from all over the country and having to win each game to progress onto the next round.

Andy Perlejewski, AoC Sport Competitions Manager, said;

“AoC Sport congratulate Exeter College for their outstanding achievement in winning the National Netball Knockout Cup, the Premier League play-off final and the gold medal at the National Championships. This is the first time a team has won the treble and we commend the students for their commitment and application over a long season and the staff for coaching the team to such a high standard.”

Hollie Greenaway, Academy Lead at Exeter College said;

“Winning just one of these competitions is a fantastic achievement and to be the best College in the country in your sport is an outstanding feat. To win the treble is simply phenomenal and I am so proud of every player that has contributed to the success of the team. A special mention must go to the rest of the Netball Academy players in the second and third teams. Their support of the players has been unwavering and as a whole Academy they have been a pleasure to coach.

“The first team have been dedicated in their commitment towards training over the past two years and the resilience they have shown to win over 40 games in total during one season and finishing by winning the treble is extraordinary and they will go down in history. I wish them all the best as they leave Exeter College and continue to play Netball at their clubs and University destinations.”

Sam White, Netball Coach at Exeter College said;

“This prestigious treble status is a huge credit to the demanding work that the girls have put in over the past two years. Even during the lockdowns, they worked tirelessly with Hollie and Lucy remotely over zoom with workouts and pair strength training which I believe increased their motivation, resilience, and their mental well-being. The players are an exceptional group of athletes and truly deserve this tremendous accolade. They are a credit to themselves, the coaches and the College and we could not be prouder of them.”

Exeter College students help the South West to glory at the AoC Sport National Championships

Students from Exeter College competed at the AoC Sport National Championships in Nottingham last weekend, coming home with three gold and three silver medals as they helped the South West region to finish in 1st place.

Over 60 students and staff travelled to the University of Nottingham where they battled it out against athletes from colleges across England and Wales during the three-day event. They competed in a wide range of sports including Women’s Rugby 7’s, Netball, Basketball, Men’s Rugby 7’s, Tennis, and Cross Country.

AoC Sport Director of Sport and Student Experience Dean Hardman said:

“It goes without saying that the past two years have been extremely difficult for everyone and especially young people. We were therefore delighted to see the return of the AoC Sport National Championships for the first time since 2019 and the much-needed opportunity for our talented athletes from across the country to compete against each other at this fantastic event.

“Given all the challenges colleges have faced throughout the pandemic, it is outstanding to see so many join us in Nottingham and to see so many students enjoying their sport and its many benefits. It has been a privilege to host them.”

Silver medals were earned in Men’s Rugby 7’s, only missing out on Gold on a head-to-head rule, Cross Country, and Tennis. Amazing resilience and teamwork were shown by Netball, Women’s Rugby 7’s and the Barbarians South West Women’s Basketball team, to bring home gold medals.

As well as individual glory, the teams were aiming to accumulate points for their region and win the prestigious Wilkinson Sword trophy. After an intense competition, the South West region were presented winners of the Wilkinson Sword with a total of 140 points, the first time the region has won the coveted title since 2016. Yorkshire and Humber claimed the runners-up spot with 127 points and the South East came in at third place.

Sports Academy Manager at Exeter College, Chris Wall said:

“It’s outstanding to have the National Championships back after a period of 2 years without them. All our students have enjoyed the regional qualifying competitions and those that were rewarded by winning had an amazing experience in Nottingham. Even more pleasing was how they conducted themselves and performed. Let us hope this remains an annual event for the foreseeable future.”

More than 1500 students took part in 12 different sports at the University of Nottingham and surrounding areas. The event was brilliantly supported by 282 staff, 91 colleges, 45 student volunteers, countless officials, not to mention the AoC Sport team.

League Table: Wilkinson Sword competition

Region	Total Points	Final Position
South West	140	1st
Yorkshire & Humberside	127	2nd
South East	121	3rd
East	107	4th
West Midlands	101.5	5th
East Midlands	85.5	6th
North West	81.5	7th
North East	59.5	8th
London	52	9^th
Wales	27	10th

Exeter College help South West top AoC Sport National Championships table

Unique Bibliotherapy Course is Launched at Exeter College

Exeter College and Exeter City of Literature are proud to announce a new and ambitious bibliotherapy course offering unique skills to those working in community-focused organisations. Bibliotherapy is a method of improving wellbeing through reading. This innovative approach to literature and wellbeing, both from an educational and literary activity standpoint, is believed to be unique in the region.

A development group made up of esteemed bibliotherapist Susan Elderkin, experienced teachers, a psychotherapist, City of Literature Executive Director Anna Cohn Orchard, and book-industry professionals worked together to build the Introduction to Bibliotherapy Skills course. Exeter College is offering this course every term as an adult evening learning course.

“I have witnessed the power of the right book time and time again, so cannot wait to explore the power of wellbeing through reading…”
Liv Hooper – Associate Lecturer at Exeter College and freelancer for Exeter City of Literature

Trainees will develop bibliotherapy skills that they will be able to use to support people in their workplace and communities, people who would benefit from personalised book prescriptions and conversations around reading to increase their overall wellbeing.

Exeter City of Literature Executive Director Anna Cohn Orchard and Exeter College’s Head of Faculty for Professional and Adult Learning, Sarah Mandeno said:

“Exeter College and Exeter UNESCO City of Literature are dedicated to the idea that reading can change lives. We came together to create this innovative course because we saw what an impact Susan Elderkin’s bibliotherapy sessions had on the families at Whipton Barton Junior School last summer, and we wanted to find a way to ensure others could benefit from bibliotherapy in some way. We know that this course will be meaningful not just to the participants but to their workplaces and communities as well.”

The first cohort of learners to benefit from this course will be people made up of organisations from across the city and region such as Magic Carpet, CoLab, HMP Exeter, Devon Recovery Learning Community, and others. The course will then be offered to adult learners every term, open to anyone with an interest in this area.

Associate Lecturer at Exeter College and freelancer for Exeter City of Literature Liv Hooper said:

“It has been a privilege to have been part of the team building this course, and I am tremendously excited to be co-teaching our first cohort. As a bookseller and (self-declared) literary enabler for the best part of a decade now, I have witnessed the power of the right book time and time again, so cannot wait to explore the power of wellbeing through reading with those best placed to share it with others.”

You can register your interest for the course here and we will be in touch later in the year with course dates and further information.

Exeter College Men’s U18 Rugby Team become AOC Sport Champions of England and Wales

Last night the Exeter College Men’s U18 rugby squad headed to the home of Exeter Chiefs to play a spectacular final against Ivybridge Community College in the AoC Premier League National Finals, grounding out a victory to retain the AoC Premier League title.

Premiership rugby ground, Sandy Park, was the perfect venue for these two Devon colleges to go to head-to-head in what was an eventful final match and with over 1000 spectators, they did not disappoint.

Academy Coach, Keith Brooking said; “Last night showed how strong age group rugby in Devon is. For two local colleges to get to the final of a national competition is great to see. For the Exeter Chiefs and the AOC to allow the final to be played at Sandy Park was amazing and with a great crowd and atmosphere it highlighted the appetite for age group rugby in the area.

“The actual game was a great final with the result in the balance right until the final whistle and from a coaches point of view it was interesting to see what pressure does to a player. Both teams played their part in a great final with Ivybridge College having the majority of the territory and possession and playing some clever rugby while Exeter College showed their courage in defending their line time and time again.

“From an Exeter Chiefs Academy view point it was excellent to see players from all over the County giving their all on the Sandy Park pitch and you never know we might see some of them on there again at some point.’

Exeter College celebrating winning the AoC Premier League National Finals

With a strong start from both teams, it was clear the teams were evenly matched with neither team giving each other an inch of ground in the first 20 minutes. That soon changed with Ivybridge scoring at 24 mins and by half time it was 5-10 to Ivybridge.

Exeter raced into the second half with renewed vigour and quickly scored again bringing it to 12-10 to Exeter. The next 15 minutes saw Ivybridge camped in the Exeter 22 with Exeter struggling to clear their lines and giving penalties away at the breakdown. However, some spirited defence kept Ivybridge out, and twice they were held up over the line to keep the score line at 12-10.

Ivybridge launched a number of attacks after further penalty infringements and a yellow card for Exeter. However, some more resolute defence and a turnover ball saw an end to the encounter with prop Tom Gulley able to show his footballing skills, kicking the ball into a packed main grandstand at a raucous Sandy Park. A fitting end for Gulley, one of nine second years in the 22-man Exeter squad who pulled on the Exeter College jersey for the last time last night.

Exeter College Coach, Jon Fabian, commented after the game:

“Before the game, we said that we wanted the players to enjoy themselves, be proud of the performance they’ve put in and come back into the changing room with a win. When we look back at the game, we controlled the early possession, but the Ivybridge defence held us out and we eventually found ourselves 10-0 down. It was vital to us to get on the scoreboard just before half-time and this was just what we did with a great move from the back line.

“In the second half, after we scored early on, the territory was controlled in a much better manner by the Ivybridge side, but the fight and character showed by our guys in defence was absolutely amazing. It was this aspect which ultimately decided the result of the game, after Ivybridge spent 20 minutes in our 22 without adding to their first half score line. Although we won the game, a huge amount of credit must go to the Ivybridge side, who played an unbelievable game and showed such huge character.”

Exeter College Men’s U18’s Starting Line Up