Before his current career in heating and plumbing, Justin spent 11 years at Tesco, working in various roles in different stores and getting management training. He says it was a great experience, but deep down, he was craving something more hands-on and fulfilling.
After tinkering around with some DIY projects at home, Justin decided to spend one of his days off doing some work experience at Synergi SW. The team at Synergi were impressed with Justin’s dedication and they offered him an apprenticeship. He made the tough decision to leave Tesco and fully commit to it.
Justin is now starting phase three of his Apprenticeship with Exeter College and he says that he can’t even begin to express how much he loved phases one and two. He has been passing his coursework, consistently scoring between 85-90%. He has poured his heart and soul into this journey and now it’s paying off.
Speaking of his experience, Justin said;
“This has been such an amazing experience, I’m still so overwhelmed. Thank you to Synergi SW and Exeter College for helping me achieve this award.”
Looking ahead, Justin says he is particularly excited about the future of the heating and plumbing trade, especially in air source heat pumps;
“It’s such a fascinating field, and I have a real passion for sustainability and renewable energy”.
Managing Director of Synergi SW commented;
“We’ve known Justin had a natural flair for the trade since day one, so it’s a credit to him that he has now been recognised as the best nationally. We’re delighted to have him as part of the team.”
Exeter College and Exeter City FC: Two Decades of Football Excellence and Community Impact
Now in its twentieth year, the partnership between Exeter College and Exeter City Football Club is a shining example of how education can make an impact in the community it serves and how that community can help shape young lives. This partnership boasts over 100 students on its academy teams, which includes men and women’s football, CEFA and futsal.
The partnership has made significant achievements during this time, including the growth in academy numbers, and investment in facilities for students and the community, providing a pathway for those aiming to be professional players, and a foundation degree linked with Exeter City Football Club and Plymouth Marjon University.
Showing no sign of slowing down, the College and the Club, with further support from the University of Exeter and Alphington Football Club, have recently invested in spectator seating, pitch side at the Exwick Sports Hub. The 3G pitch is used by Exeter City women’s side, also known as The Grecians, to play their home fixtures. The seating has provided fans with some much-needed shelter through the winter season and meant aspiring young players can come and support their team.
The new supporter seating at Exwick Sports Hub.
A new minibus for academy players has also benefited the teams, making their journey between college, training and away games, a lot easier.
Rob Bosworth, Deputy CEO, said;
“The partnership between Exeter College and Exeter City FC stands as a beacon of opportunity, guiding young talents toward both academic excellence and sporting achievement.
“Two decades of shared ambition, endless dedication, and boundless community impact has built not just a pathway to professional football, but a gateway to brighter futures for all our young people.”
The partnership between Exeter City and Exeter College combines training and matches with academic study. As well as having a performance pathway through the club’s apprenticeship scheme, the sports academy gives aspiring footballers the opportunities to develop their talents and focus on full-time academic or vocational courses, should they not quite break through as a professional player.
For over ten years Exeter City has provided the College with a member of its coaching staff to work alongside the college’s coaches to deliver training sessions. Currently this is Aaron Wakley for the Women’s Football Academy, Alex Bressington supporting the Men’s Football Academy, both who are College alumni themselves, and Chris Mcginn coaching Futsal and CEFA. The current Academy Operations and Performance Director, Arran Pugh is also a former Exeter College student.
Julian Tagg, Associate Director, President and Director of External Affairs at Exeter City Football Club, said;
“The partnership between Exeter City and Exeter College has gone from strength to strength over the last twenty years and really shows off the shared ethos, values and dedication of both organisations.
“All our young academy graduates have completed their education at Exeter College. In the past players like Dean Moxey and Ollie Watkins, who have gone on to achieve incredible things in their careers, and more recently seeing the likes of Sonny Cox go on to make his mark in the first team this season is both incredible to see and inspirational.
“The same goes for the likes of Connie Pengelly and Jess Sandland who have been crucial parts of the recent success of Exeter City Women. The College and Club work together to create well rounded young players.
“The new seated facility at the Exwick Sports Hub is yet another stride forward for the Women’s game and a celebration of what a partnership like this can produce.”
Sonny Cox celebrating scoring at Exeter City Football Club.
A recent success story of the partnership is Sonny Cox, Centre-Forward for Exeter City, he came up through the academy from a young age and recently scored the winning goal on Boxing Day against Wycombe Wanderers. He has just signed a new two year deal with the club. Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins is another example to come through the League Football Education (LFE) programme. In addition, there is currently an amazing 8 alumni playing for the women’s squad, who currently sit 9 points clear at the top of the table. This includes Connie Pengelly and Jess Sandland who are both currently studying on the Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development.
Connie Pengelly in action for The Grecians at Exwick Sports Hub.
The Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development is in partnership with Exeter City Community Trust and is in its tenth year and continues to support students into football coaching and teaching jobs. A recent example is Daniel Leigh, who graduated from the College last year. Daniel won the Higher Technical Learner of the Year at the recent Exeter College Awards and now works full-time at Exeter City Community Trust.
Exeter College is pivotal in making sure that players who come through the academy, but are not offered scholarships, still have a pathway to returning to professional or semi-professional football, coaching, or attaining academic opportunities that continue into a wide variety of fields, supported by the college’s extensive programmes.
If you want to be a part of the success of the Academy’s history, come and find out more at the next Exeter College Open Event. Register now.
“I’ve never looked back.” – Three Exeter College Apprentices on Why They Love Their Career Choice.
As part of #CollegesWeek2024 we caught up with some of our fabulous Apprentices to hear about why they love being an Apprentice. Colleges Week is an initiative spearheaded by the Association of Colleges to celebrate the work of colleges around the country.
As well as supporting students to find an Apprenticeship, Exeter College also employs a wide range of Apprentices across the organisation.
Nico Bautista, Kitty Coulson Byng and Lucy Joyce are completing the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and are all employed at the College. Apprenticeships cater to various career paths and interests, from Business to Health and Care, to Engineering and Construction and much more.
Kitty works with the Exams Team. Speaking about what she loves about being an Apprentice, she said;
“If you’re not quite sure what you want to do or how to go about getting a job, an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn things at the same time as working. It’s a really nurturing environment and can start you off on a certain career path.”
Lucy, who works in the Apprenticeship Hub, added;
“It’s a good foot in the door but you are still learning so even though you aren’t going to university, you are still learning skills that you can apply elsewhere.”
One of the many benefits of doing an apprenticeship is that you learn things in the classroom that you can immediately put into practice in your job role.
Kitty says her role has boosted her confidence.
“We work on a wide variety of projects and having to do things like presentations has really developed my confidence. Just speaking to a lot of new people and joining a big employer has really helped me and all my peers with that.”
Lucy added;
“What I’ve learnt from my apprenticeship is probably time management, having to prioritise work and college work, our work is fast paced so I’ve had to really get organised.”
Nico has come from a role where he was working alone a lot and is really enjoying being back in a team. He works in the Apprenticeship Hub with Lucy. He said;
“What I like most is the variety of stuff we do and getting hands on, not just theory but practicing the theory too.
“Learning those specific skills does make a big difference (like time management), you learn to collaborate, and its team orientated.”
So, what would they say to someone considering an Apprenticeship?
Lucy said; “For anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship, just remember university isn’t your only option. I looked on Instagram one day and found an apprenticeship and haven’t looked back since.”
Nico added; “If I knew about apprenticeships earlier, I would have gone down this route, rather than university. I feel like you get hands on experience, and you just figure things out.”
Explore the Apprenticeship zone on our website to find the right Apprenticeship for you.
You can find out more about Apprenticeships at the next Open Event on Wednesday 24 April or call our Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800.
Navigating the Path to Higher Education: Sherry’s Journey at Exeter College
Embarking on a journey toward higher education can be daunting, especially for those who seek a fresh start and a new direction. Sherry, a dedicated individual with aspirations of pursuing a career in Paramedic Science, found her pathway through the Access to Healthcare course at Exeter College after returning to education to retake her GCSEs. In an interview with the College, Sherry shared her experience, highlighting the pivotal role Exeter College played in shaping her academic and personal growth.
Sherry’s decision to enrol on a Access to HE course stemmed from her desire to unlock the doors to university education. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed; “I want to go to university, and because I’m a mature student, it’smy best option to get into university.”
Despite facing challenges during her GCSEs, Sherry persevered, recognising the need to strengthen her academic foundation. She shared, “I didn’t do very well at school…I didn’t achieve what I needed because I was in the mindset that I couldn’t do it, so I came back to College and achieved my English GCSE and my other GCSEs.”
Driven by her passion for healthcare and enriched by her experience working as a Health Care Assistant in the accident and emergency department amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherry set her sights on Paramedic Science. The Access course provided her with a comprehensive platform to pursue her ambitions while balancing her professional responsibilities. Sherry explained, “I’ve been working in the hospital since the COVID pandemic,” emphasizing the seamless integration of her studies and practical experience.
Navigating her rigorous schedule, Sherry dedicated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to her studies at Exeter College, combining her educational pursuits with her work commitments. Despite the demanding workload, Sherry found solace and support within the College community. She remarked, “I feel like I’ve grown personally and academically…the College has pushed me in the right direction…everybody here has been very supportive.”
Central to Sherry’s success was her dedication to achieve. Despite initial apprehensions stemming from past academic setbacks, Sherry found herself excelling beyond her expectations. She reflects, “I didn’t think I’d be able to do it because I always struggled but I managed to get a higher grade than I thought I was going to get.”
As Sherry reflected on her experience, she wholeheartedly endorsed the Access to HE course at Exeter College. She attested, “It’s difficult and full-on, but it definitely sets you up for university…I’ve enjoyed it, there’s a lot of work but if you’re willing to put the effort in, it’s definitely a good idea to do.” Sherry’s testament echoes the sentiment of countless students who have found their future through completing an Access Diploma.
Throughout her journey, Sherry confronted various challenges, from managing her time effectively to overcoming self-doubt. Yet, with the support of her tutor and the support teams at Exeter College, she has emerged resilient. Sherry acknowledged, “All my teachers have been supportive…they see the best in you and want you to do your best. It’s been a fresh start.”
Sherry hopes to embark on the next chapter of her academic journey at Bournemouth University to study Paramedic Science (after applying for 5 universities and getting offers for all 5!). Her story illustrates the transformative power of education and highlights the potential that can arise from returning to the classroom.
If you are thinking about a career change or looking to find a new skill, then visit the next Adult and HE Open Event. Register today.
You can speak to our Adult Advice Team about all the Adult and HE courses on offer, including the Access to HE courses.
Exeter College Graduate Changes the Face of Gay Rights
Securing an equal age of consent for gay and bisexual men was a long process, drawn out by harmful stereotypes and hysterical attitudes from the media. In 1993, three men took the British Government to the European Court of Human Rights.
Today, we’re talking to Hugo Greenhalgh. He is one of the brave individuals who helped to battle the Government’s discriminatory laws against LGBTQIA+ freedom.
In 1967, the UK’s age of gay consent had been set at 21, even though the consent age for heterosexual couples was 16.
So, on 5th April 1993, three men – Hugo Greenhalgh, William Parry and Ralph Wilde – took the British Government to the European Court of Human Rights to change this unjust disparity.
Greenhalgh, Parry and Wilde appealed to the court, arguing that the consent age of 21 was a breach of human rights and impacted their private lives.
Their appeal, backed by UK LGBTQIA+ rights charity Stonewall, successfully managed to get the age of gay consent lowered to 18. This laid the foundations for Euan Sutherland and Chris Morris, who in 2001, continued the trio’s work by getting the gay age of consent reduced to 16.
But where did Hugo’s activism start?
Hailing from Ribston Avenue, Heavitree, Greenhalgh attended Exeter College between 1989 and 1991. As he studied for his A Levels in Maths, English and Russian, he was also the Gay Officer for the College’s LGBTQIA+ community.
“At that point, Exeter College was one of the two Sixth Form colleges in the country that had Gay and Lesbian officers,” Greenhalgh tells us.
“Katy Lawrence was the Lesbian Officer, and she and I went to the National Student’s Union conferences quite often.
“Katy was bisexual, and bisexuals were even banned from attending NUS gay and lesbian conferences back then. They’ve come to terms with it now, but it was a very strange time.”
Greenhalgh continues, reflecting on his early activism at the College. “Katy and I put up an array of notices around the College to raise awareness. We put up a list of famous people in history who were gay. Edward II and Piers Gaveston, for example, though we put up more contemporary names too.”
Greenhalgh’s actions meant he was no stranger to the principal’s office. “We stirred up trouble,” Greenhalgh says, proudly. “This was the 80s, where being gay or lesbian, bi or trans was seen as beyond the pale.”
But it was through his Devon upbringing that Greenhalgh claims he gained his courage to be the voice of thousands suffering the same discrimination. “At its heart, Devon is a very liberal place. You’ve got Exeter, Totnes, Dartington… There’s something about the culture in Devon that allows and encourages difference.
“And, of course, I was informed by activism at the time. I was bouncing around, angry and shouty. I was just being me.”
“I didn’t understand the law. I couldn’t walk down the street holding my boyfriend’s hand at 16, in case I got arrested. It was ludicrous. I knew this was the right thing to do. Anyone would have done the same thing in the same situation.”
As part of his campaign to lower the gay age of consent from 21 to 16, Greenhalgh, William Parry [his boyfriend], and Ralph Wilde spent 18 months on the road travelling up and down Britain. They gave speeches at town halls and students’ unions, broadcasting their message on TV and radio.
“People just weren’t aware of the disparity between the ages of 16 [the consent age for heterosexual couples] and 21,” Greenhalgh tells us.
Greenhalgh hesitates, explaining that halfway through his campaign things “got weird.”
On one of his many radio appearances, Greenhalgh met Dr Adrian Rogers.
Rogers applied to become the Conservative MP of Exeter in the 1990s. He’s well-known for his odious rants about homosexuality and gay sex, under the guise of it being the “best medical practice”.
“I admitted to having a sexual relationship with my partner, Will,” Greenhalgh continues, “and Dr Rogers called for a police officer to arrest me live on air.”
Luckily, the police officer fluffed the arrest, but that wasn’t the end of Greenhalgh’s feud with Rogers.
“Dr Rogers bought a private prosecution against us [Greenhalgh and Parry] several months later. I was questioned under caution at Rochester Row station [London], about our relationship. That was terrifying, as you can imagine.”
In 1993, Greenhalgh, Parry and Wilde applied to the European Court of Human Rights. The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act lowered the age of consent to 18 in 1994.
“Parliament had a choice between 21, 18, 17 and 16,” Greenhalgh explains. “They chose 18, and I was 19 when the campaign began.”
He continued, “Euan Sutherland and Chris Morris picked up the ongoing battle when they were 16. Eventually, in 2000, Tony Blair used the Parliament Act to push through equality.”
He laughs, “You may hate him nowadays, but Tony Blair and the Labour government really helped change the culture of the country at the time.”
“When we campaigned, the press coverage was varied. We had a lot of positive, but a lot of negative as well. The Daily Mail and the Sun were very, very anti-gay, with words like ‘bender’ still allowed as derogatory slurs in print.”
“Our campaign helped change public opinion, and we were fortunate to be backed by Stonewall, too. Tony Blair was entirely behind us, which really helped.”
Though he agrees that attitudes towards gay and bisexual men and women have improved dramatically since the 80s, he’s worried that in recent years, Britain is becoming increasingly complacent. Most of all, he’s concerned that the movement towards equality is nothing more than a ‘tick box’ for the Government, rather than an attempt at any real understanding.
“We think everything in the UK has been done, and it’s okay. I’m worried it’s not. We’re talking a lot about ‘the trans debate’. What debate? What are we debating – people’s existences? It’s ridiculous.”
“The problem, if you ask me as a gay man and a man of the media, is the press agenda. It’s transphobic, and it’s what we need to protect ourselves against.”
Now 49 years old, Hugo Greenhalgh has the same fire he did back in 1993. As the LGBTQ+ editor at the Thomson Reuters Foundation, his articles confront the global problem of homophobia and transphobia head-on.
Read more about our alumni in the latest issue of EXE magazine.
Exeter College Oxbridge Applicant Success Rate Sets New College Record and Amongst the Best in the Country
Students at Exeter College are celebrating their university offers to world-renowned institutions, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Exeter College is proud to announce that 24 students hold offers to the most prestigious universities in the UK, commonly referred to as Oxbridge.
This year saw 60 students apply. Nine hold offers for the University of Cambridge and an incredible 15 for the University of Oxford. The College’s new record success rate (40%) of applications to offers studying at Oxbridge puts Exeter College among the best in the country, even eclipsing the rates of many independent schools.
Students hold offers for a wide range of subjects including the highly competitive Computer Science, Fine Art, and Music. In addition, offers have been made in Classics, Law, Biology, History, English Language and Literature, Philosophy, Politics and Economics. This reflects the broad, exciting range of courses on offer at Exeter College.
Sandy Mulcahy (pictured above), who progressed from St Peters School, holds an offer to study Computer Science at the University of Oxford. He is excited at the prospect of living there next year. Speaking about the application process, he said;
“The process was quite long, with a lot of time spent doing practice MAT papers. However, Martin helped me all the way through with talks and one-to-ones to help with my personal statement.”
Sandy is also a keen musician, with Music as one of his A Level subjects (alongside Double Maths, Further Maths and Computer Science) and playing piano in the College’s big band. He said;
“It’s been nice to have this outlet to balance out the other maths dominated subjects. Big Band is a nice bonus music related activity, and I enjoy the gigs we put on.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Exeter College; I really like the freedom you have to be out and about in town, it’s almost felt like university already.”
Ruby Wallace (pictured above) is studying English Literature, History and Philosophy A Levels and was previously at Cullompton School. She is very excited about her offer to study Philosophy and Theology BA (Hons) at the University of Oxford. Ruby praised the support she has had at College, saying;
“It’s definitely a hard process (to apply to Oxford) but there is so much support from Martin Gilbert and the staff at College to help with it. My advice for anyone thinking about applying to Oxbridge is to make sure you are consistent, work hard but don’t overwork because your wellbeing is also important.
“When it comes to the interview don’t worry about getting things wrong because they are not looking for someone who knows it all already, they want someone who they can help develop and you need to be yourself.”
Martin Gilbert, Biology Lecturer and Reach Academy Co-ordinator for Exeter College, said;
“I am absolutely delighted for all our offer holders. They have worked so hard during the application process; many have taken entrance exams, submitted written work and all have been assessed during the gruelling academic-based interviews.
“To have so many successes across so many academic disciplines in my opinion shows the true breadth of expertise here at Exeter College. I wish all the offer holders the best in the summer exams and hope that we are all celebrating again in August.”
William Bowden-Ritchie (pictured above) is studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) and applied to the University of Oxford.
“I received an offer for Philosophy, Politics and Economics BA (Hons). I wasn’t expecting the offer as I didn’t think my interviews went well, so it was a surprise.
“Exeter College was very supportive with the application process. I had a mock interview and lots of help writing the personal statement to get it just right. Martin Gilbert and my tutor were really helpful and encouraging with the whole process.”
Jade Otty, Vice Principal of Performance, expressed;
“We are immensely proud of the outstanding achievements of our students who have received offers from Oxford and Cambridge this year.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the staff who have provided invaluable support and guidance to these learners. I’m sure our learners would agree that their commitment to providing extra opportunities and personalised support has been greatly appreciated.”
Cressida Tremlett-Williams is studying A Levels in English Literature, Philosophy and Later Modern History and previously studied at The Maynard School. She has an offer to study Philosophy BA (Hons) at the University of Cambridge and says College has prepared her well for the future.
“You have a lot more independence at College and you can choose more freely how you spend your time, which is important to me. At College, I found it really nice being part of the Reach Academy, the Tennis Academy and the Learner Leadership Team. This has given me an active part in College life and helped me to meet new people.
“The College environment has been excellent at preparing me for what it will be like at university. The tutor system is really good here. I found adapting to College life hard at first but my tutor really supported me and built up my confidence and helped me believe I could achieve what I wanted.”
Cressida (left) and Tallulah (right) hold offers to study at the University of Cambridge.
Tallulah Jackson, also previously from The Maynard School, is studying Drama and Theatre, Religious Studies and Economics A Levels, and added;
“I received an offer from the University of Cambridge to study Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion BA (Hons), and I’m elated. Exeter College has been extremely supportive. They do an amazing job of identifying areas where perhaps you are not quite sure and really targeting that to help you achieve the best outcomes.”
Students with offers to study will find out if they are guaranteed a place after their 2024 exam results.
Want to join Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College? Apply online today.
Outstanding Exeter College Students Honoured at Awards Night
Exeter College’s Student Awards celebration has recognised the exceptional individuals whose determination and aspiration stood out in what has been a record-breaking year of achievement at the College.
Over 180 guests attended the glamourous awards ceremony, held at the Mercure Rougemont Hotel on 18 January 2024, to celebrate inspirational students from a wide range of College courses.
The awards mark the culmination of yet another outstanding year at the College. Highlights include the College’s best ever academic and vocational results and a full Ofsted inspection in which Exeter College became the first college in England to secure the two top grades of Outstanding (overall effectiveness) and Strong (how effectively the College meets the skills needs of the area). Students have continued to shine in every area of College life, with standout performances in every faculty and curriculum area.
John Laramy CBE, Chief Executive and Principal at Exeter Collegesaid;
“I would like to congratulate all of tonight’s award winners. It is truly fantastic to see students from all subject areas here this evening, representing the wide range of courses and opportunities available at Exeter College.
“We are extremely proud of all our students, who contributed to one of the most successful years in the long history of the College, with an impressive array of results and achievements. I would like to thank all our students and our staff, who collectively, have yet again shown why we are rated as one of the best colleges in the entire nation.I would like to wish all those students who completed their studies with us last year the very best for the future, keep in touch!
“I must also extend a massive thank you to our partners, sponsors, and employers, whose collaboration, challenge and commitment means that as a College, we are able to offer amazing opportunities and experiences to our students.”
The College was delighted to welcome Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, as the Guest of Honour at the awards.
Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said:
“I am delighted to have been invited as the Guest of Honour for Exeter College’s annual student awards. These outstanding students will be our future leaders, and having the opportunity to celebrate their achievements with them was a real pleasure. They have worked so hard and they fully deserve their recognition.
“The University of Exeter and Exeter College have a longstanding partnership, and a shared purpose and ambition to see the city of Exeter, and the South West region, thrive. Both institutions believe very strongly in the power of education to change the world for the better, and together we are making a lasting difference to our region, through improving skills, breaking down barriers to attainment, and training the next generation. It is a partnership we deeply value, and one we hope will go from strength-to-strength in the coming years.”
The 26 award winners enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on their impressive achievements and the chance to catch up with past tutors and teachers.
Kaja Potoniec (pictured above) was awarded Higher Apprentice of the Year after being a standout student on the HNC Civil Engineering Apprenticeship. Kaja also undertook two additional Level 5 units which allowed her to progress to a Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Exeter. Kaja says it was unexpected when she was told she had won this award.
“I had a really good learning experience. Everyone was really helpful and the fact that I could do the extra modules which helped me progress was fantastic, I just couldn’t have done it without the support of the College. Tonight shows that anything is possible really.”
Nick Jarvis (pictured above) was a member of the Learner Leadership Team and a Student Representative, sharing feedback in the Learner Voice forum, as well as volunteering at College events. He studied A Levels in Maths, Physics and French. He was awarded EXtra Learner of Year. Nick is currently on a gap year and will be studying Physics at university this September. He said;
“I really enjoyed College, everyone was really welcoming. I had a lot of medical challenges and I was given a lot of support.
“All the work with EXtra really helped my interpersonal skills and built up my confidence, it was nice to speak with students I wouldn’t normally meet.
“It’s been a really nice experience tonight, it’s great to see my tutor again and my teachers so I’m very happy to be here.”
Katie Carlo (pictured above) came to Exeter College from the Teign School and studied the T Level in Education and Childcare and gaining an impressive Distinction Star. She won T Level Learner of the Year and is now doing an Education Degree at Cardiff University.
“When I first came in tonight, and saw it was so grand, I was a bit nervous but then I saw my tutor which was so nice. It was a pleasant surprise to get my award, I was happy. With my course, it turns out, I was one of nine in the country to get that grade which was a bit of a shock.
“I wanted to come to Exeter because of the city and to meet more people and have the choice of the variety of courses. I chose the T Level and really enjoyed my placement; it was arranged very easily, and it was a good distance from home. College was very flexible in helping me with what I wanted so I did a Teaching Assistant role.”
The winners of the ExeCollProud Award: Irsana Dombaeva, Kamila Elyasi, Sapida Elyasi, Hadees Khan, Zaid Razeen and Zainab Razeen pictured with tutor Matt Hine and Assistant Principal Sam Hillman
The final Award of the evening is the #ExeCollProud Award, chosen for those who have gone above and beyond, often overcoming exceptional circumstances. This year the Award went to a group of learners who impressed everyone from the moment they arrived at the College and started studying on the fast track GCSE programme. This award went to Irsana Dombaeva, Kamila Elyasi, Sapida Elyasi, Hadees Khan, Zaid Razeen and Zainab Razeen who had some incredible success with the GCSEs they sat in the summer, all now moving on to advanced courses at the College. Sapida Elyasi said;
“I can confidently say that one of the most enjoyable things about studying at Exeter College is the supportive community, staff members (teachers and others), that are willing to help and support however they can, allowing us to fully express ourselves and our potential.
“It didn’t feel like we have been pressured to do anything during preparation for GCSEs and even though everyone is studying more complicated courses now, we still feel that support from everyone in College.
“College is a place where we’re not afraid to ask for help. We are all grateful for this opportunity and for being nominated, it means a lot to us.”
Zainab Razeen added;
“Receiving this award has further motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my academic pursuits. It’s a reminder of the impact that determination and perseverance can have on achieving our goals. I am excited to build upon this nomination and continue my educational journey with enthusiasm and dedication.”
The College would like to congratulate all the 2024 award winners and say a big thank you to all the sponsors who make this inspirational event possible.
Award Category
Student
Sponsor
Award for Academic Excellence
Joshua Dargan
Peninsula Project Consulting
Award for Academic Excellence
Zoe Garner
Exeter Science Park
IB Learner of the Year
Eleanor Keay
Foot Anstey
Award for Vocational & Technical Excellence
William Turner
Focus
Award for Vocational & Technical Excellence
Sennen O’Connor
Exeter Aerospace
T Level Learner of the Year
Katie Carlo
Stagecoach
Apprentice of the Year
Aimee Fantham
Taylor Lewis
Higher Apprentice of the Year
Kaja Potoniec
Willmott Dixon
Digital Media Academy Student of the Year
Hugo Brizs
Nevada Construction
Performing Arts Academy Student of the Year
Elsie Gordon
Cartridges Law
Michael Caines Academy Student of the Year
Bryher Wilson
Lympstone Manor
Reach Academy Student of the Year
Therese Walsh
University of Exeter
Esports Academy Student of the Year
Oscar Bonner
Timewade
Sports Academy Student of the Year
Daniel Preece
Exeter “CITY” Community Trust
School of Art Student of the Year
Maisie Pepperell
Pollards
ESOL Student of the Year
Pamfiluta Petrescu
Refugee Support Devon
The HILL Student of the Year
Loui Benthall
Coreus
Bootcamp Learner of the Year
Lucy Yates
digiLab
Higher Technical Learner of the Year
Daniel Leigh
Optix Solutions
EXtra Learner of the Year
Nicholas Jarvis
Exeter Cathedral
The #ExeCollProud Award
Irsana Dombaeva, Kamila Elyasi, Sapida Elyasi, Hadees Khan, Zaid Razeen and Zainab Razeen
GWR
Exeter College Athletes Shine on International Stage
Exeter College is celebrating an array of sporting stars as numerous students represent their country in various sports, both at home and abroad. This proud roster of talented athletes showcases the College’s dedication to fostering a culture of sporting excellence and supporting students in achieving their athletic dreams.
One such standout is Harriet King, Amelia Baines and Ruby Hatherly, competing in the AP Race International at the prestigious London Aquatics Centre for Great Britain. This event offers the next generation a platform to race alongside current Olympic and world champions, promising an exhilarating weekend of competition.
Mimi Allington, Charlie Francis, and Steph Vellacott played for the AoC Sport England Hockey Team.
Joining the ranks of accomplished athletes is Evie Webster, a force to be reckoned with in BMX Racing. With an impressive track record, including placements in the last three World Championships for Britain and notable finishes in European championships, Webster continues to impress.
Ben Yunnie, excelling in Slalom Skiing, has made his mark with consistent top-10 finishes in the dry slope circuit. His ambitions are now set on the FIS competition in Bormio, Italy, Yunnie aims to further showcase his talent on an international stage.
Freddie Barlow, part of the GB talent squad in Modern Pentathlon, recently participated in the ‘Olympic Hopes’ competition and has competed internationally in various championships, displaying remarkable skill in multiple disciplines.
Charlotte Heath, Katherine Dyke, Mia Ryrie, Kayleigh Priest, and Tilly Pulfer (left to right) played for England U18 or Scotland U18 rugby teams.
The College’s representation spans across various sports, with individuals like Harry Brett and Harry Hebard joining England’s U19 indoor volleyball team, while Amelie Andrew secured a spot in the U19 British youth sailing team, triumphing in events across Europe.
Moreover, Exeter College proudly boasts talents like Mimi Allington, Charlie Francis, and Steph Vellacott in the AoC Sport England Hockey Team, showcasing the diversity and depth of sporting talent.
The rugby arena witnessed stellar performances from Jed Findley, Luke Evans, Nick Lilley, Charlotte Heath, Katherine Dyke, Kayleigh Priest, Tilly Pulfer, and Mia Ryrie, representing England’s U18 and Scotland’s U18 rugby teams respectively.
Daisy Liu and Innis Rose-Price played for the Great Britain U20’s ultimate frisbee teams.
Not to be outdone, Innis Rose-Price, Daisy Liu, Ioan Sharpe, CC Addison, Toby Bullock, and Aaron Hale, make waves in ultimate frisbee, squash, netball, sprint kayaking, and football, demonstrating the breadth of sporting talent nurtured at Exeter College.
These exceptional achievements stand as a testament to the College’s commitment to nurturing excellence in sports and providing a platform for students to shine on the international stage. As these athletes continue to reach new heights, they serve as inspirations for future generations, embodying the spirit of dedication, passion, and unwavering determination.
Find out more about the Sport courses and opportunities available at Exeter College at the next Open Event.
A new £12million Centre for Law and Social Sciences
In 2024, we will start a number of transformational investments into our estate to enhance facilities for our learners. Our largest investment is in a new £12million Centre for Law and Social Sciences, due to open in September 2025.
The building will replace the current Baker Building and host 25 new classrooms alongside new staff and study spaces to meet the demand of the increase in learners looking for academic qualifications such as A Levels, T Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
The proposed building will be a BREEAM excellent accredited building, made up of a mixture of amazing teaching spaces, a staff room, social and study spaces, lecture theatre, exam testing suite and a moot chamber (for the College’s award-winning debating teams to practice in and its aspiring lawyers to hold mock-trials in). There will also be space for changing facilities for cyclists and runners, to assist those that travel to College in this way.
This new block will be linked with the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Languages. There are incredible success stories that come out of this academic faculty, with learners progressing to universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and even Harvard.
There are also plans to enhance the landscaping around the site, particularly on the elevation that looks out over Exwick. The demolition of the current building will affect how others see the site, so part of the scheme is addressing the changes in the landscape with the ambition to create a better, more sustainable environment and more usable space for students and staff to enjoy.
See and hear more about this development from John Laramy CBE, Exeter College Principal and CEO by watching the video below.
Jay’s Aim Educates Thousands of Young Exeter College Students in CPR
Exeter College has been working with Devon charity, Jay’s Aim, to train thousands of students in the correct use of CPR. In addition to this, the charity has worked with the College Safety, Health and Environment Manager to help replace defibrillators in key places across College sites.
The charity aims to reduce the number of young people that die of sudden cardiac arrests in South West England. They do this in 3 ways; by offering free to attend CPR and defibrillator training, providing public access to defibrillators (in most cases funded by the charity for public places), and offering heart screenings for young people.
Dan Osborne, CEO and Charity Manager at Jay’s Aim has been working closely with the College. He said;
“Jay’s Aim was set up in memory of Jay Osborne, who died from a sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 28. Jay didn’t have many, if any, signs, or symptoms and sadly, had a cardiac arrest while he was out running in Exeter and couldn’t be saved. A lot of what we do is to try and make people aware that it is not always the people that you might think that have a cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can and do happen to young people as well.”
When someone has a cardiac arrest, if somebody can start immediate CPR and make use of a defibrillator within the first five minutes, their chance of survival goes from 6% up to 74%. Dan explains;
“The downside is that every minute that passes after the five-minute mark, the chance of survival goes down by 10%. So, by six minutes you are down to 64%, by seven minutes your down to 50%, and so on.
“That statistic highlights why it is so important to have defibrillators everywhere and why it’s so great that Exeter College have now got 10 defibrillators across all of their sites, hopefully making that magic five-minute mark much more achievable in any location that you might be at Exeter College.”
Kelly Lamb, Student Experience Officer at Exeter College, has been working with Jay’s Aim to facilitate the CPR sessions. She said;
“CPR training is essential for young people, and we are proud to have successfully trained approximately 3000 students over the past year.
“The workshops with Jay’s Aim go beyond imparting life-saving skills. Students actively engage in the workshops, contributing to a positive learning environment where they not only acquire crucial knowledge but also participate enthusiastically. The workshops enhance their readiness to respond effectively in emergencies and this fosters a sense of empowerment and community responsibility.”
Mike Loomes, Safety, Health and Environment Manager, at Exeter College has been coordinating the replacement of defibrillators across the College sites. He said;
“We have invested a lot of time, effort, and money with Jay’s Aim and this work with them is absolutely invaluable. Many of the defibrillators on Exeter College sites are external facing so are accessible to the public. This includes Exwick Sports Hub, the Maths and Science Centre (end of Queen Street), Flowerpots Playing Fields, and Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre.”
Exeter College will continue to work with Jay’s Aim to train young people in CPR and highlight the importance of attending heart screenings.
