As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we are looking back on some memorable events which have helped us to become the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today.

THEN…

In May 2004, we celebrated the achievements of Exeter pensioner Helen who, by completing two A Levels at Exeter College, became a shining example of what many adult learners could achieve. 

Helen did so well in her studies she was nominated for the Senior Learner of the Year award by the National Institute of Adult Education. 

Completing her A Level in English Literature and an AS Level Maths in just one year, she continued her studies with a Maths A2 course. 

Helen said at the time: “I retired, but I decided that I didn’t want to watch daytime television, so I looked for alternatives. 

“I went for Maths and English because the subjects had changed so much since I was at school in the 1960s. I have enjoyed every minute of it. 

“It surprised me to be nominated for this award,” Helen added. 

Helen also admitted that she had also influenced other people to follow her lead, persuading friends and acquaintances to apply for courses and further their education like herself.   

NOW…

To this day, Exeter College offers a broad spectrum of courses available to adults, from entry level to degree level, from leisure courses to professional courses. We pride ourselves on giving our adult learners a personalised approach to teaching in a supportive and engaging environment. 

The Teaching Excellence Framework has awarded our university level teaching ‘Gold’, so our students know that they’ll receive exceptional teaching and gain the skills needed to take them to the next level. 

If you’re interested in completing an adult course, like Helen, find out more at our Adult Online Open Event on Tuesday the 16th of June, 3pm – 7pm.  

We can help you to find the right course for your future. At our open event, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from lecturers, ask live questions to teachers and learn about the support and guidance offered at Exeter College.  

You can register your interest in our Adult Open Event today.  

Read about the other ways Exeter College has supported the community during these unprecedented times.  

Check out everything we’ve done to celebrate 50 years since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college.   

Exeter College is celebrating 50 years since being named as the UK’s first tertiary college. Although our roots date back to the 1800s, our status as a tertiary college marked a revolution in further education and 2020 marks our 50 years of excellence since that landmark. If you have a memory of Exeter College through the years that you’d like to share, contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk or get involved on social media using #ExeColl50.