Exeter College has won the prestigious City & Guilds ‘UK Centre of the Year’ award – celebrating the outstanding opportunities delivered by the college to technical and vocational learners.

The City & Guild’s Lion Awards are one of most prestigious in the skills education calendar and is a culmination of the Medals for Excellence awards programme, which dates back more than 100 years.

Judges of the awards – known as the ‘Oscars of skills education’ – praised the College for ‘ensuring excellent care, guidance and support for their learners’.

The judges added: ‘Alongside a bold strategy for improving learners’ English and mathematics to ensure more learners improve their skills in these subjects, it offers specialist vocational courses, often using exceptional facilities, and provides learners with outstanding opportunities to work alongside, and learn from, industry leaders and specialists.’

The awards recognise excellent results and progression through learning as well as showcasing excellence in the skills sector by individuals, both in the UK and Internationally, who have overcome significant challenges to achieve their goals.

John Laramy, Exeter College Principal, said: “It is an honour for Exeter College to be recognised by City & Guilds as its Centre of the Year. Nationally there is a real focus on 'technical' education and to be identified as the best centre in the country, by one of the leading Awarding Organisations in the world, is a real credit to the staff and students at the college.

“We are delighted that the quality of the student experience, here at Exeter College, has been recognised by this national award. As Principal I would like to thank City & Guilds, as awards like this enable us in further education to celebrate excellence.”

Kirstie Donnelly MBE, UK Managing Director at City & Guilds said: “The wealth of talent across this year’s nominees and winners makes me incredibly proud of the achievements and dedication they have all shown. The Lion Awards are a great opportunity to showcase this talent and all of us at City & Guilds are honoured to have been a part of their success.”

City & Guilds is a global in skills development, providing services to training providers, employers, and trainees across a variety of sectors to meet the needs of today’s workplace.