On Friday, Exeter College celebrated its annual student awards at the iconic Exeter Cathedral. This extra special event marked 55 years of the tertiary college, further to its inception in 1970 as the first of its kind in the UK. To mark the occasion, 23 past and present students were awarded for excellence in their field. This celebrated the diversity of student achievements across academic, professional, and personal milestones. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College congratulated students, saying; 

“This year’s awards marked 55 years since we became the first tertiary college in the UK and this year’s award winners really showed the impact of an education system where the schools, university and college all work together. 

“The award winners were inspirational, achieving maximum marks, winning awards, excelling in sport and engaging in all that the College has to offer. For me the students and apprentices that won awards were living our values of ambition, collaboration and energy.  

“I would like to extend my thanks to our sponsors: without their support, these awards would simply not happen. Their contributions help us celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and the positive impact they make to college life. 

“Our ongoing success is rooted in a unique and collaborative education ecosystem here in Exeter, where amazing students, great employers, world-class partners, fantastic staff, and strong connections between schools, the college, and the university all work together effectively. It is an absolute privilege to celebrate the people that make Exeter College and our amazing community truly special.” 

Sir Michael Barber KB, Chancellor of the University of Exeter, served as the guest speaker at the event. In his address, he emphasised the critical need for raising skill standards across the South West to support the region’s growth and prosperity. He highlighted the vital role that institutions like Exeter College will play in shaping the workforce of the future, over the next decade and beyond. He said: 

“It’s a huge honour to be at the awards evening at Exeter College, partly because I live and work in Devon and Exeter is the centre of our county, partly because it is outstanding and recognised nationally as being one of the best colleges in the country. But most importantly, it is a chance to recognise the substantial student achievements and it a real pleasure to be part of this celebration.  

“Events like this are so important. Important to recognise all types of achievement, from all types of courses in all circumstances, at a wonderful college like Exeter.” 

Megan Ginsberg (pictured above) won Higher Apprentice of the Year, saying; 

“It’s a privilege to receive the Exeter College ‘Higher Apprentice of the Year Award’ in the historic Exeter Cathedral this evening. A brilliant way to start 2025.” 

Megan is now working hard on her Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at Exeter University. Additionally, she has joined AtkinsRéalis as an Assistant Project Manager on the Project and Programme Services (PPS) Team and Infrastructure Team. She has also set up an initiative ‘Construct Ability’, which aims to make construction accessible to all.  

“As a wheelchair user, this is particularly meaningful to the projects that I deliver and my life outside of work. 

“Exeter College provided me with a foundation that I could build my career on, supporting my academic studies with outstanding lecturers and facilities. I cannot thank the college enough for providing the resources that I needed to gain a distinction and finish my apprenticeship six months early.” 

Another award winner was Finn Phillips (pictured above), who won an award for Academic Excellence. After studying A Levels at Exeter and earning un unparalleled five A*s, he is now reading Maths and Physics at the University of Bath. He said: 

“It is really nice that I am receiving an award from Exeter. I very much enjoyed my two years at college, and this will be a great reminder of these times.” 

Speaking of his future aspirations, he said; 

“I would like to get into the water-polo first team at Bath. I am going to try really hard to get a first-class degree in Maths and Physics. My course allows me to have a year abroad and I am considering going to Australia to study at the University of Brisbane.” 

Hasina Rahmani (pictured above) arrived in Devon in November 2021, she initially joined our community classes and has since worked tirelessly to progress to ESOL Level 2 whilst also passing GCSE Maths and is now enrolled on a Diploma in Professional Cookery. She was awarded the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Student of the Year. She commented; 

“I am really proud of how hard I have worked, and this award proves how much time I have dedicated to studying.” She added; 

“My professional cookery course wouldn’t be possible if I hadn’t studied ESOL. I have learned so much which has given me knowledge and confidence to study something I am passionate about.” 

Higher Technical Learner of the Year went to Annabel Hodnett (pictured above). She is described as an exceptional student on the Foundation Degree in Sports Therapy, actively supporting and assisting with medical cover for the College’s successful Sports Academies. Annabel is now a registered Sports Therapist at Osteo and Physio in Honiton and Exmouth. She said; 

“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not just recognition of the hard work I’ve put into my studies, but also a reminder that challenges like dyslexia don’t define what we’re capable of achieving. It’s proof that perseverance and the right support can lead to great things. 

“Exeter College provided a supportive environment where I could thrive despite my learning difficulties. The tutors were understanding and tailored their teaching methods to help me learn effectively. The skills I gained, both technical and personal, have been invaluable in my current journey.” 

The final award of the evening was the #ExeCollProud Award, this year going to Ayomide Okesola. 

Ayo was an exceptional student who fully immersed herself in all aspect of Exeter College life. She has now been recruited to the College’s Student Experience Team as a Level 5 Apprentice, with one of her responsibilities being to lead the Learner Leadership Team. Commenting on receiving the award, she said; 

“Receiving this award is an incredible honour. It feels like meaningful recognition of the hard work and dedication I put into my time at Exeter College, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all that I do.” 

Speaking of her current role, she said; 

“This feels like a full-circle moment for me, as the learner voice provision was something that had a significant impact on me during my time as a student. I immersed myself in it, and it helped shape who and where I am today. To now be in a position where I manage and oversee that same provision — empowering other students and ensuring their voices are heard — is truly rewarding. I am incredibly grateful to Exeter College for this opportunity to give back and make a meaningful difference.” 

The student awards evening not only celebrated the individual achievements of the winners but also served as a testament to the collective effort of the entire Exeter College community. The dedication of the broader student body, the unwavering support of staff, and the contributions of industry partners all play a pivotal role in the college’s success. 

The Exeter College Student Award winners for 2025 are: 

Award Category	Winner	Sponsor
Award for Academic Excellence	Gracie Bauer	Peninsula Project Consulting
Award for Academic Excellence	Finn Phillips	Exeter Science Park
Award for Academic Excellence	Ruby Wallace
IB Learner of the year	Freya Gray	YESSS Electrical
Award for Vocational & Technical Excellence	Lincon Croft	Exeter Aerospace
Award for Vocational & Technical Excellence	Erin Price	Focus Group
T Level Learner of the Year	Lewis Attwood	NatWest
Apprentice of the Year	Isaac Bruce	Timewade
Higher Apprentice of the Year	Megan Ginsberg	Higher Apprentice of the Year
Digital Media Academy Student of the Year	Josh Tate	Optix Solutions
Music Academy Student of the Year	Yuri Warburton	The Purple Company
Michael Caines Academy Student of the Year	Oscar Mott	Lympstone Manor
Reach Academy Student of the Year	Amy Dunbavin	University of Exeter
Reach Academy Student of the Year	Ella Greed
Sports Academy Student of the Year	Hannah Sams	Exeter City Community Trust
School of Art Student of the Year	Lucie Sivier-Voller	Pollards
ESOL Student of the Year	Hasina Rahmani	Refugee Support Devon
The HILL Student of the Year	Emily Adams	Stagecoach
Bootcamp Learner of the Year	Rachel Vowles	Cartridges Law
Bootcamp Learner of the Year	Louise Worlin
Higher Technical Learner of the Year	Annabel Hodnett	Coreus Group
EXtra Learner of the Year	Max Slaney	Exeter Cathedral
The #ExeCollProud Award	Ayomide Okesola	Great Western Railway

Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible.