Academy Accommodation
At Exeter College we are extremely proud to offer our Rugby Academy students the opportunity to be part of our accommodation provision.
The accommodation provision provides full time 16-18 year old students enrolled on the Exeter Chiefs Rugby programme, the opportunity to be located close to College sites enabling them to focus on both their academic studies and training schedules.
In addition to the support from the college tutors, students will receive 24 hour care by our dedicated accommodation team who will liaise both with tutors and parents, be an advocate, listen, guide, encourage and nurture to facilitate a positive accommodation experience.
We offer two types of accommodation, either The Clock Tower, our boarding house, or to stay with a host family.
To find out more email boarding@exe-coll.ac.uk or phone 01392 400990.

The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is a 16-bedroom, grade two listed building, owned by Exeter College and located near the Colleges City sites. The house can accommodate up to 21 students. It is well located being within walking distance of all major transport links.
Host Families
Host Families welcome students to their homes and provide a warm, supportive atmosphere to help students focus on their studies and sports. They are carefully selected and provide a safe, welcoming accommodation within 30 minutes of the city centre.

Is our accommodation offer right for you?
How do I apply?
When you are ready, you will need to:
- Apply for your chosen course
- Apply for the Rugby Academy
- Participate in the Academy Trials
- If successful receive Academy place
- You will be sent an accommodation offer with an Application Form and any other relevant documents.
Please accept your offer and fill out all the forms and documents as soon as you can to secure your space. Keep in mind that we do have limited places in our boarding house, and that you may be offered a hosting family if full.
About The Clock Tower Boarding Accommodation
The Clock Tower is a 16 bedroom Grade II listed building owned by the College and located on New North Road, Exeter. The Clock Tower has 16 en-suite bedrooms, 11 single rooms and 5 twin rooms. Students will have access to the communal areas including fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, large open plan lounge and dining area, and games room.
The College offers weekly boarding for students from Sunday night to Friday morning and breakfast and evening meals are included. Students will receive 24-hour care from our dedicated boarding team in a comfortable/caring environment which engenders a culture of inclusivity and togetherness encouraging all young people to grow in independence and confidence and facilitate a positive boarding experience.
Our Boarding experience provides a safe, supportive, and caring environment which focuses on students’ academic progression, personal development, wellbeing, and success.
Our Clock Tower Family Values
Shared Responsibility
All students contribute to keeping communal areas clean and tidy. This includes washing their own dishes and respecting shared facilities.
Respect for Others
Be mindful of noise levels, personal space, and different schedules. Treat others’ belongings with care and ask before borrowing items.
Team Atmosphere
Contribute positively to the group dynamic. Support peers through challenges and celebrate achievements together.
An integrated team approach ensures that every aspect of a student-athlete’s development is carefully monitored and supported.
Weekly team meetings bring together representatives from accommodation, safeguarding, academic, and rugby departments to discuss individual student progress and address any concerns proactively.
Bedrooms and Communal Areas
Bedrooms
11 single en-suite rooms and 5 twin en-suite rooms
Each bedroom has a single bed, mattress protector, bedside table and lamp, wardrobe, chest of drawers/under-bed storage, mirror, desk and chair, waste bin, and a pin board.
Each bathroom is fitted with a shower cubicle, toilet, sink, mirror, and a waste bin.
Communal Areas
There is a fully fitted kitchen including an oven and all cookware, a microwave, a kettle, a toaster, crockery, and cutlery. There is a front and rear garden, and a large open-plan lounge and dining area.
The lounge features comfortable sofas, a large TV, a selection of board games, and a games console—perfect for unwinding and socialising with fellow students.
The Clock Tower Activities
The accommodation team will collaborate with students to create a diverse activity program that runs throughout the year.
To keep students informed about all the activities, they and their Parent/Guardians will receive a bi-termly accommodation e-newsletter. This will include details about upcoming events, relevant information, helpful links, wellbeing support, and cross-college news.
Engaging in house activities fosters connections, lifts spirits, and encourages personal development.
Recreational Provision
The Clock Tower is located within Exeter City Centre, where there is access to a broad range of recreational provision, shops, and restaurants within walking distance.
A range of extra-curricular activities, including sport, music, and drama, and access to the College gym is available to all students through the Exeter College Enrichment programme.
Extra Clubs and Societies
Join clubs, societies, and activities to build friendships and balance study with fun.
Student Code of Conduct
In addition to the Student Code of Conduct, residents in the Clock Tower will be required to adhere to the Clock Tower Accommodation Student Charter. Both Codes of Conduct are signed by all students at the start of each academic year. Breaches of these will be managed under the college Support and Conduct process.
Those students who turn 18 during the academic year will be expected to adhere to the same rules and routines as their under-18 peers.
Clock Tower Support
Students receive 24-hour care from our dedicated accommodation team in a comfortable/caring environment which fosters a culture of inclusivity and togetherness encouraging all young people to grow in independence and confidence and facilitate a positive boarding experience.
All aspects of pastoral care are overseen by the Accommodation Manager and Accommodation Staff to ensure the students have appropriate support and guidance.
- Students have regular 1:1 session with the Accommodation Manager
- Regular house meetings
- Two house representatives elected by students.
Exeter College and Clock Tower Accommodation have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment.
Host Family Accommodation – A Home Away from Home
Our Host Family Accommodation option for students who prefer a family environment or could not secure a place in the Clock Tower due to limited availability.
Our friendly host families are carefully selected and provide a safe, welcoming accommodation within 30 minutes of the city centre.
Annual visits by a college staff member ensure that the accommodation and the hosting are right for you and meet safety and quality standards.
Host Families welcome students to their homes and provide a warm, supportive atmosphere to help students focus on their studies and sports.
- Encouragement and stability as students focus on studying and rugby training.
- A caring and inclusive home environment from Sunday evening to Friday morning, term time.
- Healthy meals, including breakfast, dinner, and a packed lunch during the week.
- A single bedroom with a private or shared study space.


Our Hosting Family Values
Shared Responsibility
All students contribute to keeping communal areas within the Host Family accommodation clean and tidy. This includes washing their own dishes and respecting shared facilities.
Respect for Others
Be mindful of noise levels, personal space, and different schedules. Treat others’ belongings with care and ask before borrowing items.
Team Atmosphere
Contribute positively to the family dynamic.
An integrated team approach ensures that every aspect of a student-athlete’s development is carefully monitored and supported.
Weekly team meetings bring together representatives from accommodation, safeguarding, academic, and rugby departments to discuss individual student progress and address any concerns proactively.
Host Family Rules
Additional rules may be put in place by the host family. Students are expected to follow these rules for the duration of their stay with the host family. We advise that students talk to the host family about any household rules when they first arrive.
Bedrooms and Communal Areas
Bedroom
All students should have a room where they can study and be alone. The student room should be clean and comfortable and have adequate heating and lighting, with a table/desk and chair to ensure that students can study. Where a desk is not available in the room, the student will be provided with a space to study freely and comfortably in another room free from distraction. This can include a separate study or dining room. It is expected that the student keeps their bedroom clean and tidy.
The host should always respect the student privacy and seek permission to enter the student room for any cleaning and tidying they may wish to do. If the student would prefer to take care of all cleaning themselves then we advise talking to the host at the beginning of the stay to avoid any misunderstandings.
Kitchen and Lounge
Students can use the kitchen and spend their free time in the lounge shared with the host family.
Bathroom Students will have access to the bathroom and washing facilities. Agreements regarding times need to be made in busy households, particularly during the morning routine. Towels will be provided as many students often do not bring their own due to them being bulky to travel with. In addition, the host family are asked to explain the use of all bathroom facilities as some students may not be familiar with their use.
Laundry
Students have access to washing and drying facilities within the house.
Accommodation Provision Activities
The accommodation team will collaborate with students to create a diverse activity program that runs throughout the year.
To keep students informed about all the activities, they and their Parent/Guardians will receive a bi-termly accommodation e-newsletter. This will include details about upcoming events, relevant information, helpful links, wellbeing support, and cross-college news.
Engaging in house activities fosters connections, lifts spirits, and encourages personal development.
Recreational Provision
The Host Families are located within easy reach to the Exeter City Centre, where there is access to a broad range of recreational provision, shops, and restaurants within walking distance.
A range of extra-curricular activities, including sport, music, and drama, and access to the College gym is available to all students through the Exeter College Enrichment programme.
Extra Clubs and Societies
Join clubs, societies, and activities to build friendships and balance study with fun.
Student Code of Conduct
In addition to the Student Code of Conduct, residents in the host family Accommodation will be required to adhere to the Host Family Accommodation Student Charter. Both Codes of Conduct are signed by all students at the start of each academic year. Breaches of these will be managed under the college Support and Conduct process.
Those students who turn 18 during the academic year will be expected to adhere to the same rules and routines as their under-18 peers.
Accommodation Provision Support
Students receive 24-hour care from our dedicated accommodation team who foster a culture of inclusivity and togetherness encouraging all young people to grow in independence and confidence and facilitate a positive boarding experience.
All aspects of pastoral care are overseen by the Accommodation Manager and Accommodation Staff to ensure the students have appropriate support and guidance.
- Students have regular 1:1 session with the Accommodation Manager
- Two student representatives elected by students.
Exeter College and Accommodation provision have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment.
Ofsted inspection of residential provision, 2018
“The support offered allows learners to focus on both their academic studies and extra-curricular opportunities. Independence skills are enhanced.”
“Listening to learners is an integral part of the College. Learner views are sought to inform policy, practice and review of services offered.”


