Exeter College students are celebrating exceptional A Level, Vocational and T Level results today. The overall A Level pass rate was 99.5%, ahead of the national average of 97%, with 26 A Level subjects achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate. T level pass rates were 97% at the College, which far outstripped the 89% national statistic. Students completing Applied Advanced Level programmes have also achieved exceptional results with an overall pass rate of 99.2%.  

57% of A Level grades were at the highest A*, A or B, classified as ‘high grades’ – exceeding the national average. A*-C grades were also impressive with 83% of students achieving these grades, with the national average sitting at 76%. Over 50% of learners studying technical courses achieved distinctions or higher.  

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College praised students hard work, saying; 

“Today is a special day for all of us at Exeter College when we celebrate the results of all our sixth form students. This year our students have again shown why we are an Outstanding College, as they have achieved excellent A Level, vocational and technical results.  

“These young people had their schooling massively disrupted by a pandemic, with significant periods of time studying at home. As a result, two years ago, their GCSE results were adjusted to recognise the immense impact of that period. Despite this, they have achieved results that have exceeded 2019 pre pandemic benchmarks. As Principal and CEO, I simply want to congratulate them and to wish them well for the future.” 

Jade Otty, Vice Principal at Exeter College congratulated students and staff on this year’s achievements. She said; 

“Congratulations to all our learners and a huge thank you to our staff for the dedication and care they provide to our students. Almost all sixth form courses, whether A Level or technical qualifications, are entirely or largely based on challenging final exams.  

“This year’s cohort have worked alongside our amazing subject specialist teachers and tutors to hone not just their knowledge, but more importantly the character, confidence and resilience that is necessary in the build-up to these assessments. Our outstanding staff have supported them on this journey every step of the way, as teachers, personal tutors and in support roles – so a massive thank you to them.”  

The College has a uniquely broad A Level offer and students excelled across the spectrum of subjects. In nine different subjects more than a third of students achieved an A or an A*. In Fine Art 79% of students achieved a high grade with 43% at A or A*, over a quarter of the students achieved the very highest A* grade. Graphic Design also saw success with 91% of students achieving high grades. Science results were exceptional, in Chemistry 39% of students achieved an A* or A, while in Biology 35% achieved an A* or A with 9% achieving the top A* grade, in both subjects over 60% of students secured a high grade. 

Imogen Bond (pictured above) collected her A Level results today, she studied Biology, PE and Psychology, achieving an A*, A and B. She will be heading to Cardiff University to study Biological Sciences. Speaking about her results, she said; 

“I feel like it hasn’t sunk in yet but I’m glad I can celebrate with my family now. When I first got my results, I couldn’t believe it. When I opened them, I burst into tears, it’s completely surreal but now I’m just trying to soak it all in.” 

Speaking about her experience at College she said, 

“My sister came to college here and raved about it, it’s served me well with my results, it’s a great campus, and its right in the middle of town. A lot of my friends came here so I knew I would have a great support system around me. The environment is incredibly inclusive and it’s just a happy campus to be at. The support system, especially my tutor, has been amazing. I feel college has made me ready for university.” 

English Literature saw 60% of students achieve a high grade with a quarter of students achieving an A* or an A. 

Issi Marklew (second from left) studied A Levels in English Literature, Biology and Chemistry. Izzy is now heading to the University of Oxford to study English Literature. She got an A*, A and B. 

“I really enjoyed English Literature at GCSE and I chose it to balance out the Sciences I picked, but then I realised Literature was my real passion. All my teaching was brilliant, but in English particularly it really made me excited to study it and I had great support to get me to Oxford University to continue my studies.” 

In Law and Mathematics 62% of students achieved high grades, with 36% in both subjects achieving an A* or an A. In Further Maths, 32% of students achieved the highest A* grade. 

Music A Level, not commonly offered in state providers, and often part of the offer in private schools, achieved the remarkable feat of 100% of students achieving high grades and 55% scoring an A* or A. 

Hugh Wilson (pictured above) came away with three A*’s today in Physics, Maths and Further Maths and is heading to the University of Bath to take Aerospace Engineering. 

“I chose my subjects because that’s what I was good at, and I had a great teacher and tutor at college. The support in lessons was great and I really like how connected to the city it is.  

“College has been a great stepping stone to university and developed my independence.” 

Students collecting results for their vocational and technical sixth form courses today have also achieved exceptional results with an overall pass rate of 99.2%. Students in their second year studying Aeronautical Engineering, Health and Social Care, Sport and Outdoor Activities, Uniformed Protective Services, Performing and Production Arts and the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design all achieved 100% pass. 

Yuna Langdon (pictured above) studied Health and Social Care Level 3 and received an A* today. She is progressing to the University of Southampton to study Midwifery. She said; 

“I chose to move my course to fit with my specific career plans after passing AS Levels at the college. I did 175 hours of work placements which has helped to prepare me for what’s next. I have enjoyed the environment here, my lecturers, and the location in the city centre.” 

Over 50% of learners studying these courses achieved high grades. In Sport and Exercise Science a staggering 97% of students achieved high grades. Students also excelled in Information Technology – 71% high grades, Applied Science – 70% high grades and Health and Social Care – 57% high grades.  

Billy Floyd (pictured above) took the BTEC National Extended Diploma in IT, achieving a Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction and will be progressing to the University of Gloucestershire to study Cyber Security. Speaking about his time at College, he said he was 100% happy with his choice to come here. 

“The journey into Exeter college was so worth it for me, coming from Bideford. It is hard to move on from here as I have done so much; I have grown a lot at College. I was part of the Learner Leadership Team (LLT) which was amazing – it gave me so many opportunities. 

“College has prepared me well for the next steps. My LLT experience has helped me feel confident to go on to do similar roles with the students’ union at uni. College has really supported me in my decision-making, and in being ambitious.” 

T Levels students studying Construction, Health and Education & Childcare achieved an exemplary 100% pass rate. High grades were also impressive with 50% of Health T Level students and 63% of T Level Digital Support Services achieving a distinction grade or higher. This year is also the first results for the new T Level Business course, which had a 100% pass rate.  

Amelia Saunders (pictured above) studied the T Level in Health and achieved a Distinction. She is progressing to Nursing at the University of the West of England. 

“I chose a T Level for the practical experience – I liked the mix of academic and practical elements and my work placement at the hospital has really prepared me for the work placements I know I will have to do at university for nursing.  

“Having teachers who have vocational experience in healthcare meant they could advise me on career plans and university applications.”  

Exeter College and the College governors would like to thank and congratulate the class of 2024 and thanks staff, parents, and partners for making this another year to celebrate.