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Exeter College’s Annual Festival of Carols Enchants Audience with Timeless Classics and Original Flair

Exeter College proudly presented its annual Festival of Carols this Thursday evening, bringing together students, parents, and the wider Exeter community to celebrate the start of the festive season and a reflective close to the year, in the spectacular setting of Exeter Cathedral.  

The service was officiated by Reverend Matt Clayton, Leader of Unlimited Church and The Reverend Canon Cate Edmonds, Canon Steward at Exeter Cathedral.  

The festival was opened with welcome addresses from Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy CBE and The Reverend Canon Cate Edmonds, Canon Steward at Exeter Cathedral. Students then processed down the nave with a candlelit procession, singing ‘Wenceslas Canon’. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College, said:  

“I am once again in awe of the talent of our students, from those who have performed in a choir or orchestra, to those who have delivered a reading. This year the diversity of the talent on show was truly mesmerising.  My thanks go to all our performers, readers and staff who have contributed to this event being such a success. 

“After a spectacular start to the academic year, the Festival of Carols provides the perfect moment to reflect on what we have achieved and to thank those in our community who are critical to the success of the college.” 

A packed cathedral enjoyed performances from the College’s wide range of choirs and orchestras, including the Exeter College Student Choir, Exeter College Orchestra, Performing Arts Cathedral Choir, Exeter College Big Band, The Hill Choir and The Exeter College Festival Ensemble.  

Guests were treated to well-loved classics such as ‘All on a Silent Night’, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, and ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. 

Laura Eggins is the Higher Education Student Governor.

Several learners also did readings amongst many other student performances, including Laura Eggins, Higher Education (HE) Student Governor, who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Business. She decided to stay on at the College after completing a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship earlier this year. She said; 

“I’m in my second year now and I have just amazed myself at how well I did last year and how I have added to my experience, which was part of the reason for applying to be HE student governor.” 

Laura is hoping to stay on next year to complete the BA in Business Management. She says she hasn’t decided what to do next although she is thinking about training organisations in how to support visually impaired people, like herself.  

“The support at College has been amazing, even when I have had to teach staff about my visual impairment, all my lecturers have been really supportive and the Higher Education Advice Team too.  I get extra support through the Disabled Student Allowance, staff helped me set that up and with that support, I have really come out of my shell. My confidence has really grown.” 

Lucy Joyce is studying for an Apprenticeship.

Lucy Joyce completed her A Levels with Exeter College in the summer and is now a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice, working within the Apprenticeship Hub at Exeter College. Speaking about why she auditioned to do a reading, she said; 

“Part of my college course is about personal goals and one of mine is public speaking, I’ve got quite a few presentations coming up, so I thought this would work nicely alongside it and help build my confidence.” 

Speaking about her Apprenticeship, Lucy said; 

“I’m really enjoying it, it’s practical and it fits nicely into my work. I really enjoy working in my team, it’s a nice community to be a part of.” 

Troy De La Fosse is studying for a PGCE.

Troy De La Fosse is studying for a PGCE and works within the Art and Design Faculty at Exeter College. Troy previously studied for a Foundation Degree in Fine Art, eight years ago at Exeter College and hopes to one day teach at the College. Speaking about reading at the Festival of Carols, he said; 

“It’s my second time studying at the College and I enjoy performing arts and thought it was a great opportunity to give back to the College. I’m really excited, I think it going to be a great evening.” 

Speaking about his experience at College, Troy said; 

“The support has been fantastic, I have a great mentor, I work in a great department, and everyone is really friendly, helpful and inclusive and I work with great students as well. 

“I would 100% recommend Exeter College. I applied quite late so I feel like they took a chance on me and without Exeter College I wouldn’t be where I am now.”  

This charitable event, while free to attend, raises funds for a different nominated charity each year. This time Exeter College chose to support Pets As Therapy (PAT). Pets As Therapy is a national charity that enhances the health and wellbeing of thousands of people in communities across the UK. They strive to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, has access to the companionship of an animal. The College is very lucky to have its own Pets as Therapy Dog, Digby, who works with the Wellbeing Team to support student and staff mental health while at college. You can still donate here.

 

You can see more photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Thank you to Emily Wilson-Manfield for the beautiful artwork used for the Festival of Carols Programme. Emily is studying the Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice; Art, Design and Communication. 

This year’s Festival of Carols was kindly sponsored by Taylor Lewis, Peninsula Project Consulting and Pollards Print. 

Give the Gift of Learning this Christmas

Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift?

Give the gift of learning this festive season. It’s easy!

  1. Choose a Leisure course and follow our simple Click and Pay system
  2. Input the details of the recipient
  3. Email info@exe-coll.ac.uk to notify our admissions team of the gift purchase.

Choose the perfect course now.

Our leisure courses can help you to discover a new hobby, spark creativity or learn new skills. These courses are an ideal way to unwind, what could be better than doing something that makes someone you love feel happy?

Make art, write short stories, craft clay pots, learn a language, play guitar, create silver jewellery or relax with yoga – browse courses to find the perfect gift.

Please note that College is closed between Friday 15 December 2023 and Tuesday 2 January 2024 so for any orders purchased during this time, the enrolments will be processed on our return in the new year.

Ellie Pickering and Ruth Brennan: Celebrating Excellence in Leadership and Professional Development 

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has honoured two outstanding individuals who have studied at Exeter College, Ellie Pickering and Ruth Brennan, for their exemplary achievements in leadership and professional development. 

Ellie Pickering, Project Manager at the University of Exeter, has been awarded the prestigious CMI Student of the Year, while Ruth Brennan was shortlisted for the CMI Apprentice of the Year. 

During her time at Exeter College, Ellie Pickering completed the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship, incorporating the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management, and achieved a Distinction grade in her end point assessment. Ruth completed the CMI Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship and also achieved a Distinction. 

Ellie, leading the PROTECT operations team at the University of Exeter, manages a medical research portfolio involving digital development, clinical trials, data management, and project oversight. Her instrumental role in managing the PROTECT: Platform for Research Online to Investigate Genetics and Cognition in Ageing, a significant 25-year cohort study, has engaged over 30,000 participants across the UK, Norway, and Canada. Ellie’s dedication to this groundbreaking research aims to understand the impact of genes and lifestyle factors on brain ageing, with a focus on preventing conditions such as dementia. 

Reflecting on her achievements, Ellie Pickering said; 

“It feels wonderful to have been honoured with this prestigious award recognising the effort I made in learning and applying what I learned in my day-to-day work. I would like to thank my tutors, Dee Ceponis and Nikki Hayes, for nominating me for the award. Being nominated in the first place was surprising and exciting. I feel motivated to continue working in such a way that others think so highly of.” 

She continues; 

“Participating in the CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 5 Diploma Course in Leadership and Management as an apprentice was transformative for me because I developed a positive and inclusive mindset along with a strong commitment to professional and personal development for myself and my team; the skills and knowledge I learned (and continue to learn) through CMI have had a tremendous impact on the work my team and I do.” 

Meanwhile, Ruth Brennan, has seen her journey marked by a determination to excel. Completing her apprenticeship has empowered Ruth to confidently transition into her current role as an Inspector of Health and Safety, utilising skills cultivated during her apprenticeship journey with Exeter College and GWR. She said; 

“I was humbled and delighted to be shortlisted for the CMI Outstanding Apprentice of the Year. The apprenticeship journey equipped me with the confidence and skills essential for my role as an Inspector of Health and Safety.” 

Ruth’s apprenticeship experience has been pivotal in developing crucial skills like emotional intelligence, active listening, and effective communication, enhancing her ability to excel in her current role. Her standout moments include honing her confidence, developing her management style, and creating a safe, respectful space for collaborative learning. 

About CMI:  

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence. It supports individuals and organisations in their quest for professional development and performance improvement, fostering a community of aspiring and accomplished professionals globally. 

Find out more about professional courses at the next Exeter College Open Event. 

Search professional courses.

The Exeter City of Literature charity has released a new short film to celebrate Exeter’s status as a UNESCO-designated City of Literature. The film features members of its Partnership Network and the literary activity they produce throughout the city, from author events with Quay Words, plays with Beyond Face, festivals with Bookbag, and much more. Exeter was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2019 and will hold this title in perpetuity. It recognizes Exeter’s strong literary history, dating back over 1,000 years, and the city’s focus on literature and well-being within its cultural offer.

Exeter City of Literature commissioned local company Preston Street Films to shoot and edit the footage. Performance poet Shaday Barrowes-Bayewunmi recorded the voice-over, and freelance writer Duncan Moreland wrote the script. The film will be shown before all of the Powell & Pressburger and Dance First screenings at Exeter Phoenix in November and December.

Exeter has an unbroken history of reading and writing dating back over 1,000 years when the Exeter Book was created (itself recognized by UNESCO as one of the “world’s principal cultural artefacts”). Since then, the region has inspired writers from Charles Dickens to Agatha Christie; it’s been home to Hilary Mantel and Ted Hughes; and as a UNESCO City of Literature, it has brought world-renowned authors, Ukrainian poets, and international opportunities to the residents, students, and visitors of Exeter.

Anna Cohn Orchard, Executive Director of Exeter City of Literature says;

“Culture shapes and defines a place and we’re proud that the literary sector, in all of its creative forms, is defining Exeter’s future as much as it did its past. There is so much literary and storytelling activity going on in Exeter–this film celebrates that and shows why Exeter is a UNESCO City of Literature. Every organization featured in the film–and the attendees, visitors, and writers connected to them–makes Exeter the vibrant City of Literature it is.”

View the film.

Students Triumph in Accountancy and Cyber Security at National WorldSkills Competition  

Students from Exeter College recently made their way to the WorldSkills National Finals in Manchester to compete against thousands of young individuals and teams in the ultimate test of their ability.  

WorldSkills supports young people across the world via competitions-based training, assessment and benchmarking, with members’ national teams competing to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills olympics’. 

Exeter College was represented in Cyber Skills and Accounting. Lucy Doyle, Ashleigh Chambers and Christian Jones, studied a Level 3 and 4 Apprenticeship in Accountancy with the College and are now Accounting Trainees with Simpkins Edwards LLP. Their team ‘Surpassing Expectations’ came away with Gold. Emily Medland, Jack McAllister and Joanne Rogers also competed in this category. 

The accountancy team were given 4.5 hours to prepare a presentation based on a zero-waste grocery shop. The following day they then presented to a panel of judges including representatives from Kaplan and the ICAEW.  

Lucy Doyle said; 

“We are all incredibly grateful for the opportunity to enter this competition and have learnt invaluable skills which we will carry with us through our everyday and working lives.” 

Lucy Doyle and Christian Jones with their teachers at Exeter College

Programme Leader at Exeter College, Julie Rawle, said;  

“The Accountancy delivery team at Exeter College are proud to have contributed to ‘Surpassing Expectations’ success. The competitors were asked to complete a case study for an ethics focused business that was looking to expand. They made full use of their AAT level 3 and 4 knowledge, including sustainability, CSR, SWOT and PESTLE analysis, to win gold in the Accounting Technician category. Congratulations to Ashleigh, Lucy and Christian!“

Connor and Luke with their Bronze WorldSkills medals

Second years Connor Pester and Luke Mcstravick are studying the T Level in Digital Support Services and came away from the competition with a bronze medal after competing against some of the leading bright talent in their field. The skills that they have developed on the T Level have helped prepare them for this competition, with the IT faculty providing mentoring and technical input at each stage of their journey. 

At the competition they were tested on subjects relating to Cyber Security (ranging from Security Operations Center (or SOC) knowledge to Cisco Packet Tracer experience) and had to undertake both offensive and defensive cyber tasks that mirror real world experience.   

Luke Mcstravick said; 

“The competition was fierce as we had worked our way up from entry-level, where we faced 200 teams; to semi-finals where we faced 30 teams until we reached the finals where there were only 5 teams left. 

“I believe what I enjoyed the most from the experience was being able to meet like-minded people to myself and Connor, which allowed me to make some, potentially, life-long friendships and memories. The memento of my medal will forever remind me of my wonderful experience competing up in Manchester for the WorldSkills 2023 Finals.” 

Luke is completing his T Level industry placement with Mid Devon District Council and says; 

“I couldn’t ask for a higher quality or quantity of knowledge and experience. I learn skills there that will very much be applicable to my future profession in IT and beyond and I am treated with respect.” 

Connor is undertaking his industry placement with Securious based at the Exeter Science Park and will be one of the first in his cohort to complete the required hours for the T Level. 

Learn more about World Skills. 

Exeter College Students Wins the JISC Digital Student Award 

Exeter College ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learner Rahmatullah Omid, has been awarded the JISC Digital Student Award for positively embracing technology. 

Rahmatullah Omid came to the College as a Refugee from Afghanistan, having never used a computer, and has now progressed to win an award. He started studying a Essential Digital Skills course, alongside ESOL Level 2 in Listening, Reading and Writing. Rahmatullah has now progressed onto ESOL Level 3. He said; 

“I was surprised and shocked. I’m very happy to win the award. I have enjoyed my time at Exeter College. I like the teaching and my English and computer skills have improved a lot. 

Speaking about the future, he said; 

“I want to improve my education; I would like to go to university in the UK.” 

Since 2020, we’ve experienced a world where face-to-face communication hasn’t always been possible and therefore having a grasp on digital technology and communication is vital to stay connected. This free Essential Digital Skills course is more important than ever and can help learners on the stepping stone to something else. 

The course covers topics such as being responsible, legal and safe online, communicating online, and creating and editing (Word and Access/Spreadsheets). 

Rahmatullah’s teacher Krisztina Tadhunter nominated him for the award after completing an 8-week computer course last year. She said; 

“I am in awe and admiration of Rahmatullah’s total dedication to his studies. His positive approach and passion for technology have also proved inspirational for his peers.  

“Rahmatullah’s progress in English Language and IT Skills, despite language barriers, has been truly inspiring. His drive and hard work have led to a great achievement. I am excited about where Rahmatullah will direct his talent next.” 

You can find out more about free Digital Essential Skills courses at our next Open Event or call our Adult Advice Team on 01392 400170. 

Exeter College Students Win Top Prizes at National Institute of Carpenters Competition

Exeter College carpentry and joinery students have scooped the top prizes at the Institute of Carpenters competition. Students were presented with their prizes in a special ceremony held at the historic Carpenters’ Hall in London. 

The Carpenters’ Craft Competition is a national competition open to students of carpentry, joinery, and shop fitting. It gives outstanding students the chance to showcase their work, and have it judged by leaders in the field. Students can take part at both a regional and national level, with over 200 colleges nationwide eligible to take part. 

Success in this prestigious competition gives students a head start in their chosen vocation having achieved official recognition of their exceptional skills and high calibre workmanship. 

Laura Michell recently completed her Apprenticeship in Architectural Joinery and works for James Riggall Fine Joinery. She won the over 20’s prize and was the winner of the IOC Shield and the George Pysden Shield. Laura also won the over 20’s prize last year, making her the first person in the competition’s history to win the prize in the over 20’s for two consecutive years. She said; 

“I completed the piece out of curiosity and for fun, to see if I could do as well as I did in the previous year. I was very pleased and completely gobsmacked to learn that I won first place again for the second year running for my age category. I am extremely proud.” 

Lecturer for Carpentry and Joinery at Exeter College, Oliver Cox, went to London with the students to collect their prizes. He said; 

“I’m incredibly proud to have taught Laura over her two-year apprenticeship. To be the only person to win the competition two years in a row is an amazing achievement and she should be very proud of herself.” 

Exeter College student Isaac Bruce, in his first year of the Architectural Joinery Apprenticeship picked up first place in the under 20’s category and was the winner of the JMA Cup. Robin Poynter-Taylder picked up second place in the under 20’s with Tom Reid in third. Additionally, Tomi Bartole picked up third place in the over 20’s category. 

Find out more about Carpentry courses at our next Open Event.

Exeter College Adult Apprentice Wins International CIPD People Management Award 

An Exeter College adult learner is celebrating as it was recently announced that she won an international award. Molly Wysocki-Jones was one of thousands of people entered for the CIPD (Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development) People Management Awards. 

The CIPD People Management Awards are the benchmark of excellence in Human Resources (HR), Leadership and Development (L&D) and Organisation Development (OD). Speaking about the awards, CIPD commented; 

“Every year we see exceptional entries that reflect the influence and impact that the people profession has on organisations. By entering these Awards, you can showcase your best work and get the recognition you and your team deserve.” 

Molly Wysocki-Jones won the award for Outstanding HR or L&D Apprentice and another Exeter College student, Laura Maker, was shortlisted in the Outstanding Student category. 

Viki Howden, Lecturer for the Professional Adult Learning Faculty at Exeter College, said; 

“To ensure that we are providing the best opportunities for our learners, we decided to enter them to the CIPD People Management Awards 2023. As a result, these learners had the opportunity to be tested by an expert panel and have the international exposure to recognise their hard work. We are incredibly proud of these learners’ and delighted with these results.” 

Molly smiles at the camera in her graduation gown.
Molly recently attended the Exeter College graduation at Exeter Cathedral.

Molly Wysocki-Jones studied the Level 5 Learning and Development Consultancy/Business Partner Apprenticeship and now works for NHS Resolution. 

“I didn’t realise that there were those learning opportunities once I was in work. It was quite exciting to see that was something that I could do. It was a really good way for me to learn on the job and have that experience whilst working. Having the option to learn with people from other organisations was a big draw for me too.” 

Speaking about the award, Molly said; 

“Apprenticeships are an incredible opportunity to develop such a range of skills, and after two years of hard work I was very proud to even reach the shortlist for the CIPD awards. CIPD are the benchmarking organisation for excellence within HR, L&D and OD and to be recognised amongst such leaders in my field was overwhelming yet very exciting! There was some imposter syndrome at play as I was hearing the stories of other award winners and their work, it doesn’t quite feel real that my commitment to my apprenticeship was recognised to this extent, but I am so grateful to have been a part of this year’s annual awards. 

Talking about how the award will impact her career in the future, Molly added; 

“Throughout my apprenticeship I felt my confidence grow both personally and professionally – it gave me the power to believe that I have the expertise and skills to deliver in my day-to-day role. It feels too easy sometimes to put ourselves down or to not accept compliments, but this experience has taught me to celebrate the wins, recognise the work that we all put into our careers and believe in ourselves that we’re worthy of the celebration.  

“With the CIPD award to my name, I hope to continue to champion the expertise that the course gave me, and I know that there are such a wide range of opportunities ahead of me as I grow my career in organisational development. 

Molly’s advice to those thinking about doing an apprenticeship is that it is never too late to consider a qualification and that you will benefit from the hard work for years to come. 

“A large part of my role at NHS Resolution revolves around the management and support of apprentices within our own organisation. Having lived and breathed the qualification for two years, I love having the chance to support others as they consider a course, study for the qualification and complete their training. Seeing the process through from beginning to end allows me to witness the growth of colleagues across the organisation and working in a role that revolves around people, this is a real privilege to me.  

“As I always say to those considering beginning an apprenticeship, they are open to everyone, of all ages and stages in their career – it’s never too late.” 

Speak to the Adult Advice Team to find out more about apprenticeship opportunities or visit us at our next Open Event. 

Exeter College Celebrates as Class of 2023 Triumphantly Graduates 

On Friday 20 October, over 250 graduates from Exeter College proudly processed to Exeter Cathedral in an important rite of passage as they completed their degree at Exeter College. Students graduated from a wide range of programmes including Manufacturing Engineering, Early Childhood Studies, Coaching and Fitness, the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting and Management and Leadership. 

Exeter College is proud to run its Higher Education in partnership with four universities and two awarding bodies. This year, the University of Exeter, Kingston University, University of Plymouth, and Plymouth Marjon University, were all rated as Gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF). Exeter, Plymouth and Kingston join a club of just 11% of HE providers to score triple gold. This commitment to excellence is passed on through our own teaching and learning and student experience which Higher Education students benefit from. 

Two students smile at the camera in their graduation robes.

Higher Education at the College has had an exceptional year. The College reshaped and renewed its offer, with a focus on Higher Technical Education and became the first college in England to have a course kite marked as meeting the higher technical standard. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College said; 

“This graduation ceremony is a significant milestone for our Higher Education students, being able to celebrate their success in the historic setting of Exeter Cathedral makes this an absolute highlight of our academic year.   

“The dedication and hard work required to achieve a higher education qualification, often while working, means that today marks a huge accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of all their achievements, and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours.” 

This year’s guest of honour was College alumni, Ben Page, Chief Executive of Ipsos. Ben completed his A Levels at Exeter College, then graduated from Oxford University in 1986. A frequent writer and speaker on trends, leadership and performance management, Ben has directed thousands of surveys examining consumer trends and citizen behaviour. He said;

“It was great to see how Exeter College had developed since I studied there in the 1980s – it’s a different world.  

“I was very impressed by both the breadth and range of what is now on offer for students and business – and its strong partnerships with other local institutions and impact on the local economy, as well as on social mobility across the South West.”  

This year’s Exeter College Award was awarded to Hazel Robson who has just graduated from the FdA in Early Childhood Studies. This award goes to the person who embodies what it is to be a higher education student at Exeter College. Outstanding achievements, overcoming hardship, resilience, and being proactive in supporting peers are all qualities that Hazel has shown during her time with the College. 

Her tutor at Exeter College, Claire Tully, said; 

“Hazel takes her studies very seriously and has juggled her time very well as a mature student, looking after her family and working part time in an early years setting. She has demonstrated a resilient mindset and although there have been times of struggle, she has worked hard to overcome these. She is passionate about the care and wellbeing of young children and indeed of early years professionals too.” 

Two students smile at the camera in graduation gowns

Nicola Hunter and Emma Jarvis (pictured above) studied the HNC in Building Services. Emma Jarvis (right) has now progressed onto a degree at Bristol University and then hopes to do a Masters Degree in Building Services. She said; 

“It’s a relief to graduate, it was a long journey but it’s good to finish it. Meeting other people in the industry was nice, we’ve got contacts now to help us in the future.” Nicola (left) added; 

“I’ve gone onto Level 5 in Operations Management and going into Health and Safety and will probably do Level 6 next. We’ve had great teachers, really supportive, I would highly recommend it.” 

Stewart smiles at the camera in his graduation gown

Stewart Mead (pictured above) studied the Level 4 Apprenticeship in Associate Project Management. He is an Engineering Project Manager for Premier Foods, mainly working at Ambrosia, where he has been for 19 years. Speaking about his College experience, he said; 

“I am already a project manager so it’s an extension of my role and I wanted the professional credentials for what I already do.  

“I would recommend it – you do have to dedicate a lot of time to it, it’s not always easy, but if your team is supportive, you will get through it. I have already applied a lot of the skills I have learnt. 

“I’m delighted to be at graduation today, all the hard work has paid off for this moment and I’m excited to take what I have learnt into the future. It’s been supportive from the College and my tutor kept me on track, all in all, it’s been a very good experience. 

“I also won ‘Most Inspiring’ at the Apprenticeship Awards which was a pretty big thing for me, I wasn’t expecting it, but it was the cherry on top for all the hard work.” 

Emma smiles at the camera in her graduation gown.

Emma Collingwood (pictured above) studied the Diploma in Counselling after progressing from the Certificate in Counselling. She is now doing voluntary counselling for a local charity. 

“I think you think of the College as something for younger people, I didn’t realise how much there is for adults and the number of different courses and the standard of the courses that they offer. 

“It was brilliant, I couldn’t imagine that it would have such an impact. This really changes your life, especially with Counselling, everyone came out slightly differently to how we went in. The tutors were amazing, very different in how they work but it complimented each other. I feel lucky that we had them.” 

Find out more about Higher Technical Education at Exeter College at the next Open Event on Wednesday 22 November.   

Exeter College’s @thirty-four Restaurant is named AA College Restaurant of the Year 

The Exeter College student-run restaurant, @thirty-four is going from strength to strength. Home to the prestigious Michael Caines Academy, which recently celebrated its 10th year, it has been awarded the AA College Restaurant of the Year, the highest accolade a college restaurant can achieve. This news comes after receiving an AA Highly Commended College Rosette earlier this year. 

This year’s AA College Restaurant of the Year competition challenged participating college restaurants to design an event celebrating one of three significant milestones in 2023: the 50th Anniversary of the first Concorde pan Atlantic flight, the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the NHS, or the 100th anniversary of Disney Brothers Studios. Students then had to present their ideas to a panel of judges. Exeter College chose to design their event around the 75th anniversary of the NHS. 

Students hold out awards for college restaurant

Andy Doyle, Partnerships Manager at People 1st International, judged the competition and praised @thirty-four’s approach, saying; 

“The Restaurant, @thirty-four, fully hit the brief with a well-planned and researched event proposed for the 75th anniversary of the NHS. They put great thought into all elements of the brief including the marketing plan for the event and how they would utilise other departments of the college provision such as performing arts.  

“They also ensured that the planned meal focussed on local produce and suppliers bringing in a sustainable approach to the whole event. Congratulations to the lecturers and chefs at Exeter College and well done to all the college teams that took part.” 

Hospitality students stand out the college restaurant with their award

John Laramy CBE, Exeter College Principal said; 

“Our vision is to be an exceptional college; this achievement is truly exceptional. A sector leading outcome that shows our world class partnership with Michael Caines MBE DL, our fantastic staff and the work of our amazing students.” 

Freya holds up the AA Hospitality Award
Freya Hole was one of the students who presented to the judges panel.

Michael Caines MBE DL, alumni, and patron of the College, said; 

“I feel incredibly proud of the students and staff for winning this amazing award, it is a true testament to all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes by the students and the College lecturers as well.  

“I think past, and present students can be proud of this progression for the College and of the restaurant itself, with the beautiful refurbishment to bring it up to modern standards. The enthusiasm from all the team behind the scenes and out front too, has turned it into an amazing experience for customers.  

“It’s easy to forget this is a training facility and a training environment and yet the standard is so high in every aspect in terms of the interior, the quality of the service and of course the food that is delivered by these young people, the future of our industry. It’s such a great achievement for the College, and rightfully so, they should be incredibly proud, it is brilliant to see.” 

Second year Michael Caines Academy student, Freya Hole (pictured above) was one of the students who presented to the judging panel. Speaking about the experience, she said; 

“It was an amazing opportunity to be able to work with Hospitality students from all three year groups to come up with this brilliant idea. We weren’t expecting to win so I think that’s what makes it even better because never in our wildest dreams were we expecting to win.” 

Tracey Bennett, Head of Faculty for Hospitality, Hair, and Beauty at Exeter College, added; 

“We are all so proud of the @thirty-four Restaurant and our commercial spaces and having this validated with the Highly Commended Rosette and now the College Restaurant of the Year has been amazing for everyone, students and staff alike.” 

“This is such a fantastic achievement for all the students and staff across the diverse range of courses we offer here at Exeter College. From the Michael Caines Academy, NVQ and VRQ students; they all strive to meet the high standards their lecturers set.” 

Staff collect award at AA Hospitality Awards
Staff were presented with the award at the AA Hospitality Awards in London.

Find out more about our Hospitality courses at our next Open Event.

Book a table at our award winning restaurant, @thirty-four.

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