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Topping Out Ceremony Marks Major Milestone for Centre for Law and Social Sciences at Exeter College

Exeter College and Willmott Dixon celebrated the topping out of the new Centre for Law and Social Sciences building on Tuesday 22 April, located on the College’s main site on Hele Road. This significant milestone signifies the completion of the building’s main structure, before the building opens in the autumn term. 

The new Centre for Law and Social Sciences (CLS) building consists of four floors and covers 2,800sqm. The £12million centre is the college’s largest investment in a new building and will host 25 new classrooms alongside new staff and study spaces to meet the demand of the increase in learners looking for academic qualifications. 

Jade Otty, Vice Principal and Deputy CEO at Exeter College, said; 

“It’s incredible to see this new building taking shape – it’s been designed with our students at the heart of it.  
 
“The Centre for Law and Social Sciences will give them the space and environment they deserve to grow, explore big ideas, and prepare for the future.  
 
“It’s exciting to know this space will inspire the next generation, just like Charlotte.” 

Rhys Gamlin, Assistant Site Manager and Charlotte Barons, Trainee Site Manager

The College was delighted to see a past student return to the site as part of the Willmott Dixon Team. Charlotte Barons was one of the first students in the country to study a T Level in Construction and the Built Environment and is now a trainee site manager.  

Thanks to a work experience placement organised by the College, she joined Willmott Dixon as a management trainee. Now in her third year of a degree apprenticeship with the company, she’s already working on notable projects, including a Passivhaus build for Exeter University and a new Centre for Law and Social Science, back at Exeter College. 

Speaking about working on the project, she said; 

“It’s amazing to be back. It’s so interesting to see it from the other side, knowing how the students will appreciate it the way I did when I was in the Construction Faculty. It’s so nice to give back to the College, after all they have done for me.” 

Rob Woolcock, Director of Operations at Willmott Dixon said; 

“We have a long-standing relationship with Exeter College, and we are delighted to have reached this milestone on the build of the Centre for Law and Social Sciences. We have significant experience in delivering facilities like the new Centre across the Southwest and we’re confident of the positive impact it will have on the students and the faculty for many years to come.” 

A Level students, Ebony, George and Theo.

One of the students who will be studying in the new Centre for Law and Social Sciences is A Level student, Theo Veliyeth. He studies Business, Economics, Law, and Computer Science and said;  

“It’s great to see the investment happening in these subjects, investment in Law and Social Sciences is important so this really does show the college cares.” He jokily added; “I am also looking forward to not having to climb up all the stairs of the Tower building!” 

George Chubb is studying A Levels in History, English Language and Law enjoyed the tour of the new building. He said; “I liked the open area where they are going to bring in some sculptures from Exeter Cathedral. I’m excited to continue my studies in the new building next term.” 
 
Students, staff, governors, and contractors were invited for a tour of the building, including a gathering on the roof. A huge thank you must go to all the partners and teams who have made this project possible such as AWW Architects, Hydrock, Peninsula Projects and the whole team at Willmott Dixon.  

The next major milestone will be the external cladding and brickwork before the project is completed in the autumn. 

Exeter College Students Shine at International Salon Culinaire 

Exeter College’s hospitality and catering students have showcased their culinary excellence at the prestigious International Salon Culinaire competition, walking away with an impressive array of medals. Demonstrating both exceptional skill and professionalism, the team secured five gold, six silver, 11 bronze, and five merit awards—cementing their status as rising stars in the industry. Notably, two silver medals were also awarded Best in Show. 

The students, who competed in a range of cooking and butchery challenges, received high praise from their tutor, who commended their dedication.

Deputy Head of Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, Matt Pickett, said;  

“Our students performed brilliantly and were a genuine credit to the college. Not only in their cooking skills, but their professionalism, manners, and hygiene. They walked away with an incredible set of medals.” 

Among the standout performers was Mia Walter, a Level 3 NVQ Hospitality and Catering Management student, who earned an outstanding five medals. Her accolades included gold for French trimming, chicken butchery, and sea bass and trout preparation. She also received silver for her avocado starter (Best in Class) and knife skills, along with a bronze for lamb butchery. 

A young female chef stands in her chef whites wearing her medals
Mia scooped an impressive five medals at the competition.

Reflecting on the experience, Mia shared, “The morning was amazing. I got to try different foods, speak to professionals, and take in all the opportunities. Then I had all five competitions in a row – it was really intense. By the time I got to the lamb butchery, my arms were dead! But overall, it was an amazing experience.” 

When asked why she participated, Mia explained, “I wanted to gain experience, especially with lamb butchery, which I’d never done before. I also wanted to see where I stood and how well I’m doing. Hopefully, I did pretty well!” 

Looking to the future, Mia has ambitious plans to travel the world and work in high-end catering. “I’d love to work on super yachts, but first I need to get my STCW qualification. I’m also considering a free nutrition and dietitian course when I turn 19. I just want to keep gaining experience and move around the UK before I start traveling with a work visa.” 

The success of Exeter College’s students at International Salon Culinaire highlights the high standards of training and dedication at the college. If you want to join us, find out more at our next Open Event.

Exeter College Welcomes Institute of Carpenter’s Royal Patron at Final Nationwide Timber Industry College Hub Event

Exeter College was honoured to host the Institute of Carpenter’s (IOC) latest Timber Industry College Hub event, graced by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, Royal Patron of the IOC. This landmark gathering marked the final milestone in a series of events that have connected industry leaders, educators, and aspiring carpenters and joiners across the UK.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, greets special guests at the Exeter College Construction Centre

Royal Endorsement

The royal visit and the success of this event highlighted Exeter College’s commitment to preparing students for rewarding careers in the timber industry, while promoting sustainable practices that will shape the future of construction and forestry.

The presence of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester underscored the necessity of equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge required to excel in this essential trade.

Industry and Education: A Powerful Partnership

The Exeter College event opened with a warm welcome from John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive of Exeter College, who stressed the importance of fostering links between education and industry. Geoff Rhodes, President of the IOC, then set the scene, emphasising the vital role that these events play in supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.

The event featured a lineup of industry expert speakers and practical demonstrations by students, and covered key themes such as sustainable forestry, the evolution of timber in construction, and the variety of employment pathways in the trade. Darren Murrish (CITB) provided an insightful overview of the employment landscape and career opportunities, while Dave O’Connor (Exeter College) shared a college perspective on how industry partnerships help shape student futures.

Key Highlights of the Event:

Leading professionals from across the timber sector provided in-depth insights into sustainability, technological advancements, and employment trends. Speakers included:

  • Nick Boulton (Timber Development UK & Trussed Rafter Association), who explored UK raw material supply, sustainability, and the green agenda.
  • Roly Ward (Medite/SmartPly), who discussed MDF and OSB production and technical developments.
  • Neil Summers (American Hardwood Export Council – AHEC) shared perspectives on sustainable global forest resources and the international timber industry.
  • John Bailey (Benbow Group – NAS) offered personal insights on career opportunities in the shopfitting and interiors industry.
  • Ed Suttie (BRE) presented on new developments in the construction industry.
  • Samantha Barnes (Historic England), who discussed conservation work and the importance of the heritage sector.

Students participated in interactive workshops, showcasing cutting-edge woodworking techniques for the Duchess and attending guests. Axminster Tools, Reisser UK, CITB, and IOC also provided hands-on displays. The event also gave students direct access to potential employers and industry mentors, bridging the gap between education and real-world career opportunities. The IOC Mentoring Champions initiative was a central theme, reinforcing the importance of experienced professionals guiding the next generation of carpenters and joiners.

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward

This event was the culmination of the latest series of ten IOC Timber Industry College Hub gatherings, which have taken place over the last two years at Lincoln College, Building Crafts College (Stratford, East London), West Suffolk College, Neath Port Talbot College (Wales), UHI Inverness (Scotland), New College Durham, Leeds College of Building, Newcastle & Stafford College Group, Northampton College, and Exeter College. These events have successfully provided woodworking learners and apprentices with crucial industry insights, career guidance, and direct engagement with professionals from the timber sector.

Geoff Rhodes, President of the IOC, reflected on the impact of the initiative:

“The IOC Timber Industry College Hub events have been a tremendous success, offering students across the UK an invaluable glimpse into the future of the timber industry. These hubs have demonstrated the power of partnerships between colleges and businesses, and Exeter College was the perfect venue to mark the conclusion of this national initiative.

“We are honoured to celebrate this milestone at Exeter College with our Royal Patron, The Duchess of Gloucester, and are already planning our next series of college events, which will continue our journey around the UK.”

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive said:

“Hosting this final IOC Timber Industry College Hub event has been an incredible honour for Exeter College and for me personally, as I started my career in the construction industry. I am delighted that we have been able to support this event.

“This initiative has provided our students with invaluable industry connections, hands-on experience, and insight into the future of sustainable timber and construction. 

“The presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester further highlights the importance of equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this essential trade. 

“Strong partnerships between education and industry is key to our success and we will continue to ensure our learners are prepared for rewarding careers in carpentry and joinery.”

The success of the Timber Industry College Hub programme would not have been possible without the support of CITB and Timber Development UK (TDUK), whose collaboration has ensured that students receive relevant, industry-driven insights to help shape their careers.

Looking ahead, the IOC is dedicated to supporting its members and new starters coming into the sector, while strengthening the vital links between industry and education. The IOC Timber Industry College Hub events have laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration, helping to secure the future of skilled workers in the carpentry and joinery sectors.

For further details on the IOC and future events, please contact:

Institute of Carpenters
Website: www.instituteofcarpenters.com
Email: info@instituteofcarpenters.com

Celebrating the Success of Collaboration: Green Skills Achievement by Exeter College and East Devon District Council

Exeter College and East Devon District Council (EDDC) are proud to announce significant achievements through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) East Devon Retrofit Programme. This project aims to provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for students, residents and businesses of East Devon through a broad range of retrofit and renewable courses, which is a priority in EDDC’s Economic Development Strategy.

Available to the public and construction professionals, Exeter College has designed and delivered short flexible courses to provide foundational knowledge and skills progression to promote sustainable methods of construction.

This project also focuses on school engagement, delivering green careers talks and workshops to secondary schools across East Devon. This collaborative effort has significantly contributed to raising awareness of green careers, training, and skills to pupils from Years 7 – 11.

Key achievements of the project include:

  • Raising Awareness: Over 1,000 students from East Devon secondary schools have been introduced to green careers, training, and skills in construction
  • Certification and Qualifications: More than 100 East Devon residents have gained certificates or qualifications in retrofit, solar, heat pump, insulation and teaching
  • Supporting Industry Professionals: 6 construction professionals have been supported into education by gaining the Level 3 Award in Education and Training, addressing the skills shortage in the sector

These achievements would not have been possible without the generosity, time and commitment of key contributors from across the region. We would like to take this opportunity to thank:

  • Daikin – Leading the Introduction to Heat Pumps course and providing essential knowledge on energy-efficient heating solutions.
  • Naked Solar– Delivering the Introduction to Solar course, and equipping participants with fundamental insights into solar energy systems.
  • Paul Brown, Green Skills Lecturer at Exeter College & Managing Director of Swifix – Leading both the Introduction to Retrofit and Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit courses.
  • Bradfords Building Supplies – Supporting modern methods of construction by opening their East Devon branches to promote awareness of sustainable building materials.

Exeter College would also like to recognise those employers who have supported our school engagement events; BCR Associates, Taylor Wimpey, Coreus Group, Progressive, Willmott Dixon, SDS, Kier, Bell Group, Generation 4 Change, Ward Williams and Shared Apprenticeships. The generosity, dedication, and support of our valued employer partners have had a profound impact on students in the region, enhancing their understanding of green skills, guiding their next steps, and opening doors to future career opportunities in the sector.

“We are thrilled with the positive impact this project has had on our community,” said Luke Moss, Skills Manager at Exeter College. “By working together, we have not only enhanced educational opportunities for our young people and adults but also supported the growth of green careers and sustainable practices across our region.”

Cllr Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, said:

“Supporting our residents to upskill and reskill into green careers is vital to developing the workforce we need to reach Net Zero by 2040. I’m delighted that we have been able to provide free opportunities for businesses and individuals to develop new skills and inspire the next generation to pursue jobs in clean growth industries.”

Whilst we are proud to celebrate our shared successes to date, we also recognise the importance of continuing this vital partnership. By ensuring the long-term impact and longevity of this project, we can continue to remove barriers to training and increase job opportunities for the students, residents and businesses of East Devon. For more information about future courses, please visit the Green Skills Advisory Panel website.

For more information, please contact: Luke Moss, Skills Manager, Exeter College, lukemoss@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Young Exeter College chefs cook up a storm for Super Theatre Appeal

The region’s next generation of talented chefs have been showcasing their skills to raise money for a new ‘super theatre’ being built at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (RD&E).

Students from the College’s Michael Caines Academy cooked for around 70 people at St Thomas Baptist Church, raising more than £600 for Royal Devon Hospitals Charity’s Super Theatre Appeal.

Tickets for the event, which also raised £600 for Dementia UK, completely sold out, and those lucky enough to book a table enjoyed dishes including smoked salmon crostini, mushroom and spinach pasta, and mascarpone and strawberry tart.

The event was organised by 17-year-old Lana Cousley, who is studying for her Diploma in Professional Cookery at the academy, which was inspired by former student, Michelin-starred Michael Caines.

Lana spoke to cookery school tutors, who were not only on board with the idea but also agreed to cover the cost of the food. She said:

“It was a great opportunity for us to show people our cookery skills, and we were delighted to be able to also raise so much money for two worthwhile causes.

“The team of girls who helped me are all absolutely incredible and none of what was achieved would have been done without them.

“Huge thanks also to everyone who came along on the evening, and to the college for providing all the ingredients, ensuring that all the money we raised could go to our two chosen charities.”

Ian Biggar, the academy’s Tutorial Area Manager for Hospitality, said he couldn’t be prouder of his students.

“They all did an amazing job and showed real enthusiasm, teamwork, and professionalism. It was great to see them put their skills into action while supporting such a great cause.”

Tom Darby-Clark, community fundraiser at Royal Devon Hospitals Charity, added: “Lana and the team were brilliant; not only was a real treat to be served such delicious food by some of Exeter’s most talented young chefs, it was also incredibly inspiring to see them supporting our Super Theatre Appeal.

“This new state-of-the-art operating theatre will revolutionise the type of surgery the hospital can provide, meaning fewer procedures, reduced risk of complications, faster recovery times after surgery, and less time in hospital.

“It will do so much for patients across Devon and the money Lana and her team have raised will take us one step closer to making this exciting project a reality.”

Find out more about the Super Theatre Appeal.

Exeter College students help to plant trees and make history at Killerton

The Community Forest project at Killerton has engaged local schools, colleges, and community groups in planting trees across three locations: Columbjohn, Elbury, and Beare Farms. Over the course of the project, trees have been planted by over 750 members of the public and local community groups, including The Royal College of GPs, Exeter College, The Duchy School, Exeter City Community Trust, Devon Carers, University of Exeter, Bradnich Scouts, Met Office, Cornerstone Academy – Broadclyst and Westclyst Schools, Exeter Age UK, HIVE (home school group) and Cranbrook Education Campus. 

One of the project’s highlights includes the story of Josh Mills, a 10-year-old from Cranbrook Education Campus, who planted trees on land worked by his grandfather and great-grandfather at Elbury Farm. 

Josh’s mother Bekki said; “Josh was possibly digging the same land as his grandad and great grandad!  Sadly, they have both passed away now but they would have loved to hear about the tree planting too.”

Josh and his peers in years 3-6 at Cranbrook Education Campus walked to this site to plant 985 trees across 3 weeks – representing one tree per pupil at the school. 

More than 120 young people from Exeter College visited Columbjohn Farm as part of a student wellbeing initiative, planting native saplings and learning about the importance of trees in storing carbon. 

Lucy Welch, an A Level Environmental Science student, said: 

“The best part about tree planting with friends was making memories together for a good cause, especially when in a few years we can come back and see the difference when all the trees have grown, knowing that we helped to make a difference.” 

The tree species planted, including sycamore, elm, and oak, were selected for being native to the area, with the intention for them to become the veteran trees of the future, creating new habitats for native flora and fauna. 

Programme Leader in Maths and Science, Jon Read, said;

“The National Trust have provided us with a fantastic opportunity for our A Level Environmental Science students to get hands on experience of conservation. Our students helped to create a new habitat for native species of flora and fauna as well as providing an outdoor recreational space for locals to engage with, benefitting their health and wellbeing. 

“The tree planting, habitat management and agricultural practices are an essential part of the Environmental Science syllabus and the National Trust gave us tailored tours to increase our students learning and appreciation of countryside and conservation issues. A worthwhile visit for all our learners.“

This year, Exeter college students will continue to work with Killerton to design artwork, build wildlife boxes and monitor the establishment of trees and species populations over time. 

The initiative includes the addition of 6.9km of permissive paths and improvements to existing paths, enhancing public access to the new woodlands and the wider parkland. 

Exeter College and Bradfords Building Supplies Host Successful Retrofit and Renewables Awareness Events in Partnership with East Devon District Council

Exeter College, in collaboration with Bradfords Building Supplies and East Devon District Council, successfully completed a series of events aimed at raising awareness of retrofit and renewable technologies. These events, held at Bradfords’ Axminster, Honiton, and Exmouth branches, were part of the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) project designed to benefit East Devon residents and businesses.

The SPF project, a joint initiative between East Devon District Council and Exeter College, seeks to extend the reach of retrofit and renewable technology education beyond traditional learning environments. Bradfords and Exeter College joined forces to explore innovative ways to engage a broader audience, including both Bradfords customers and the public.

On specific days in February and March, Exeter College, along with renewable suppliers and members of the Green Skills Advisory Panel, took over the three Bradfords branches. These events provided valuable information, advice, and guidance on renewable technologies, the whole house retrofit approach, sustainable materials, and the training opportunities available at Exeter College.

The events were designed to serve as a one-stop shop for attendees to learn about the latest advancements in renewable technologies and sustainable building practices. Through targeted advertising, the events successfully attracted a diverse audience, eager to explore the benefits of retrofitting and renewable energy solutions.

Giles Bradford, Head of Sustainability at Bradfords commented;

“The scale of the retrofit challenge in the region is huge. It’s great to see local authorities getting behind schemes like this to help people understand retrofit and the solutions available. We were pleased to be able to provide a platform for this given our close relationship with both those who are going to need to do the improvements required and the supply chain for the solutions they will install.”

Luke Moss, Skills and Project Manager at Exeter College added;

“Our collaboration with Bradfords has expanded our reach, enabling us to share vital information on retrofitting, renewable energy, and essential skills. By offering a comprehensive one-stop shop for the public and trades professionals alike, we are breaking down barriers and facilitating engagement with the broader supply chain. We are excited to continue this partnership through our Green Skills Advisory Panel and Building Greater Exeter connections.”

We extend our thanks to East Devon District Council for their unwavering support with the SPF project and to Bradfords Building Supplies for generously allowing us to take over their branches for these events. We would also like to thank the suppliers and retrofit professionals who kindly gave up their time to attend the events, providing their expert advice.

Upcoming Courses

There is still time to sign up for our remaining courses, including Introduction to Heat Pumps, Solar, and Retrofit, as well as our Level 2 Understanding Domestic Retrofit qualification.

To find out more please contact: Luke Moss, Skills and Project Manager, lukemoss@exe-coll.ac.uk, 01392 400996.

Exeter College and Exeter City Women Relaunch Women’s Football Academy

Exeter College is excited to announce the relaunch of its Women’s Football Academy in partnership with Exeter City Women, offering an enhanced pathway for aspiring female footballers. This renewed collaboration will provide students with access to high-level coaching, top-class facilities, and elite playing opportunities, all while studying at an Outstanding college. 

With a stronger alignment between Exeter College and Exeter City Women, the academy now offers even more opportunities for players to develop their game both on and off the pitch. 

What’s New? 

This refreshed partnership strengthens the academy’s existing offering, allowing players to: 

  • Train a minimum of 3 times per week within their college timetable 
  • Compete in the highest level college leagues and national cup competitions 
  • Access Strength & Conditioning and Sports Therapy support 
  • Benefit from video analysis and game reviews to enhance performance 
  • Play beyond college within Exeter City Women’s playing pyramid 

A Renewed Partnership for Greater Opportunities 

Sports Academy Manager, Chris Wall, said: 
 
“This relaunch is a fantastic step forward for the Women’s Football Academy. Our renewed partnership with Exeter City Women strengthens the pathway for female players looking to develop at an elite level. With top-quality coaching, excellent facilities, and the opportunity to progress beyond college, this is an exciting time for women’s football at Exeter College.” 

Additionally, the partnership now includes accommodation support, making the academy more accessible to talented players from outside the local area. 

Upcoming Trial – Be Part of the Next Chapter! 

To celebrate this exciting relaunch, we are inviting aspiring female footballers to attend our upcoming trial session. This is a great chance to showcase your ability, train with our expert coaching team, and experience the academy’s professional environment. 

Date: Tuesday 1st April 2025 
Time: 18:00 – 20:00 
Location: Exwick Sports Hub (3G Surface) 

Sign up for the trial and find out more about the Women’s Football Academy.

Celebrating our Great Western Railway Apprentices on the Apprenticeship Train

For the second year in a row, Exeter College and Great Western Railway celebrated National Apprenticeship Week aboard the Apprenticeship Train, a special train service entirely crewed, driven, dispatched, and controlled by current and former apprentices.

Jenny Nansuga, Apprentice Driver Manager: “I really enjoy working for GWR, it’s a giant and there are so many diverse opportunities. Railways are so much more than driving trains, there are so many different roles. Apprenticeships allow you to learn as you earn, and get skills which lead to a direct line of employment as you are already working in the field.”

Left: Jenny Nansuga, Right: Ewan McDermott

The train was a fantastic way to recognise the contributions of over 260 apprentices across GWR’s 2,000-mile network and to inspire the future generation of rail professionals. Apprentices were on board handing out flyers and goody bags and offering advice and guidance to passengers who were curious to know more about career opportunities in rail.

Apprentices on board the Apprenticeship Train!

Rachel Geliamassi, Customer Service Director said: “To see our apprentices thrive is everything. They support each other, they give each other confidence and they’re paving their way in their career in a way that is so inspirational.”

Welcoming the train into Exeter St Davids, John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive CBE said:

“Exeter College is delighted to partner with GWR in offering exceptional apprenticeships. We are excited to welcome many of our current and former apprentices back to Exeter today to celebrate the world that is apprenticeships. Our partnership with GWR is a great example of what can be achieved when a college and fantastic employer work together to create something truly sector leading.”

Passengers on the Apprentice Train learnt about hidden careers in the rail industry, from train crew, engineering, and customer service, to IT, operational management, and finance. If you want to become a GWR apprentice, you can find out more on their website.

Considering an apprenticeship in a different sector? Take a look at our vacancies.

Contact the Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800 or apprentices@exe-coll.ac.uk

Exeter College Success Rate for Oxbridge is Ahead of Private Institutions

Exeter College is celebrating another strong year of Oxbridge success, with 16 students receiving offers from the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Despite a competitive admissions process, Exeter College continues to surpass national averages, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and student support. 

This year, 60 students applied to Oxbridge (37 to Oxford and 23 to Cambridge). Of these, 36 were shortlisted for interviews—representing 60% of applicants (49% for Oxford and 78% for Cambridge). Following the rigorous selection process, 16 students secured offers, achieving an impressive 27% success rate (29% Oxford, 22% Cambridge). Notably, this remains above the national averages for both Further Education (FE) colleges (21%) and independent schools (25%). 

However, the most impressive statistic is Exeter College’s interview-to-offer conversion rate. Of those shortlisted for interviews, 44% received offers—an exceptional achievement. At Oxford, this figure stands at an outstanding 61%, underscoring the strength of Exeter College’s preparation and support for its students. 

Student Success Stories 

A young man smiles holding a University of Cambridge sign


Among the successful applicants is A Level student Ved Kumar (pictured above), who has received an offer from Clare College, Cambridge, to read Natural Sciences. Studying Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, Ved expressed his excitement about the opportunity: 

“I stayed at the university for a residential last year and I loved every aspect of it—the people, the city, the mindset. Now that I’m months away from potentially securing that as my environment for the next three years, I’m completely ecstatic! Aside from the incredible experience of studying at Cambridge itself, I’m so glad that I will be in a very musical environment in my college—the regular gigs and jam sessions are the main reason I chose Clare.” 

Reflecting on the application process, Ved highlighted the support he received: 

“The application process for Oxbridge felt pretty daunting at times, but I felt really supported by my tutor and my teachers. All the dates, deadlines, and next steps were really clearly laid out from the start. I got a lot of really useful personal statement feedback, mock interviews for both Biology and Chemistry, plus some more informal interview preparation.” 


Niamh McLaughlin (pictured above), from Barnstaple, also received an offer to read English at Cambridge. Studying English Literature, English Language, and Philosophy, she spoke about how the process helped her grow academically and personally: 

“It was definitely a long process, but it wasn’t all stress and hard work. In many ways, it made me grow to like my subject more. I’ve found some new favourite books in the personal statement-making process! I’m also a part of the Reach Academy, which has been really helpful since the start of the first year. They’ve taken us on university visits, held talks with guest speakers, and have offered sessions on how to build a personal statement. The mock interview process offered by college was also really helpful; the whole style of a Cambridge interview isn’t something you get to practice much in everyday life, so having a taste of the sort of questions they might ask was a great opportunity.” 


Elena Carey (pictured above), from near Barnstaple, has secured an offer to study Chemistry at Oxford after achieving A*s in Physics, Maths, and Chemistry last summer. She has spent the past year on a gap year, using the time to further explore her academic interests: 

“I’m really happy. I’m so glad that I decided to apply this year. I feel like it paid off. It’s definitely a difficult process, but a wholly rewarding experience. I applied quite late, and the college was great at getting my references in and arranging mock interviews for me, even though I had already left.” 

Looking ahead, Elena is particularly interested in nanotechnology: 

“Currently, I’m really interested in nanotechnology, and I want to research more about that. I’ve had a few lab placements which were really interesting. I’m sure my interests will change at university, so I’m looking forward to exploring that.” 

Billie Stokes, Assistant Principal at Exeter College, expressed her pride in the students and staff: 

“ We’re so proud of these students and everyone who applied to Oxbridge this year, their hard work and dedication have been truly inspiring. A huge thank you to Martin Gilbert and our fantastic teaching staff, whose support and commitment provide our learners with invaluable guidance and experiences. Their dedication has been instrumental in helping our students secure such an incredible number of Oxbridge offers across a wide range of courses, from the sciences and humanities to social sciences and linguistics. It’s fantastic to see our learners pursuing such diverse and exciting academic pathways!“ 

Martin Gilbert, Head of Academic Aspiration, praised the students’ achievements: 

“I am so pleased for the Oxbridge offer holders; they have worked so hard to gain the skills and academic evidence that these world-class universities are looking for. The application process is long and rigorous, and the range of subjects they hold offers in, from Physics to Classics, highlights the breadth of specialists that we have here at Exeter College. With the help and guidance from all our outstanding staff, these learners have shown themselves to be independent, explorative, and capable of critical and analytical thinking.” 

With continued success in Oxbridge admissions, Exeter College remains a leading institution for students aiming to study at the most prestigious universities in the world. 

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