THE LORD MAYOR and Councillor Christine Channon were Guests of Honour at a celebratory event at Exeter College’s @34 restaurant to acknowledge the quality of an award-winning partnership between Exeter College, 22 schools, the local authority and key employers in the area. The award was for exemplary partnership and collaboration across Devon which focuses on offering educational opportunities to young people aged 14 to 16.

Welcoming his audience, Richard Atkins said: “Collaboration has always been something we have embraced and championed at Exeter College and this success story is clearly due to the continued effort and support from the many schools and partners we work with.

“We are delighted and proud to receive this award, and we look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues across various partnerships at a time where collaboration remains the key to a thriving learning community.”

As well as listening to speeches about the partnership, guests were treated to a buffet which had been prepared for them by pupils from Southbrook School.

Ian Munro, Regional Director of the Association of Colleges (AoC) South West, was among the speakers at the event.

He said: “The national AoC Beacon Award, now in its seventeenth year, attracted over 300 applications from Further Education colleges across the country. After rigorous short-listing and assessor visits, Exeter College were crowned as the winner and we are very grateful for the generous support of AQA, who sponsor this award.”

Examining board AQA’s Head of GCSE Maths Andrew Taylor, who also spoke at the event, added: “It was a pleasure to visit Exeter College and to present this award, on behalf of AQA, for exceptional partnership and collaboration between the College and an impressive number of schools, both local and further afield.

“In reading the assessor’s report recommending Exeter College for the award, I was particularly struck by the range of learners benefiting from this partnership and the truly collaborative and democratic character of the partnership. Such exemplary work that builds links between pre- and post-16 learning and smoothes the transition for learners is great to hear about, and AQA is delighted to be involved as a sponsor.

He continued: “The importance of this partnership for learners is clear and, in the changing and challenging educational landscape, it seems that such collaboration is going to be even more vital in giving young people the very best opportunities to acquire the skills they will need to succeed.”

Among the representatives of the 22 14-16 Partnership schools working with Exeter College who were present on the day was West Exe Technology College Deputy Head Vicki Carah.

She said: “In terms of being able to offer the very best to our students, the partnership is ideal. What really stands out about it is that it is not just about numbers; the College offers students the kind of individual support that they are used to in their own schools, and that is certainly something which has strengthened the relationship. What is particularly nice about this award is that it reminds us of how special this partnership is.”

Every year, the AoC Beacon Awards provide national recognition for excellence and innovation within the Further Education sector. This is the second Beacon Award which Exeter College has been presented with, having previously won the CoLRiC Beacon Award in 2009, in recognition of Exeter College’s outstanding 24/7 Learning Resources provisions.

At this year’s national ceremony in London, John Hayes MP said: “I am pleased to be part of the AoC Beacon Awards which recognises and celebrates the greatest successes of the further education sector. The Awards highlight the exceptional ability of many Colleges to respond to the needs of students and local businesses and revitalize the communities they serve.”