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Results Days 2024 – FAQs

When will my results be available?

  • Thursday 22nd August is the results day for GCSE courses, Level 1 and Level 2 courses. Results will be available from 8.00am.  

Select the correct Frequently Asked Questions tab below whether you are a current student accessing your GSCE results or a prospective student who has taken their GCSE exams elsewhere. If you have any questions please contact us.

GCSE Advice Line open Thursday 22nd August 8am – 4.30pm – please call 01392 400555.

GCSE Results Day FAQs for Applying Students

If you’re concerned about your GCSE results, don’t quite get the grades you’re hoping for or just want some more help and advice our helpful tool below can show you what to do next.

GCSE Results Help Flowchart
I haven’t applied yet, but I’d like to.

Please click here to apply online or download an application form. Once we have processed your application, the next step will be to attend an interview with a subject specialist at enrolment in early September. We will do our best to accommodate your first-choice course with us, but this will be subject to availability on your chosen course and whether you achieve the course entry requirements. Please note that the final date for online applications is the 31st August, after this date we will only be accepting paper applications. 

If you would like to discuss your options with a college adviser, please call 01392 400600.

I’ve changed my mind about my course and would like to discuss an alternative course option I have seen in your prospectus.

Please come along to your enrolment appointment where we will support you to find the course that’s right for you and your ambitions.

I have applied for a vocational course but didn’t achieve the grades I need, what should I do?

Please don’t worry. Just come along to your booked enrolment appointment. One of the course tutors/subject lecturers will talk you through your options. We offer vocational courses at a range of levels to suit learners of all abilities so we will be able to discuss the most appropriate level for you to begin on during your enrolment appointment. 

I’ve applied for an A Level or IB programme, but I’ve missed out on one grade I needed.

Please don’t worry. Just come along to your enrolment appointment. We will discuss your programme of study options with you when you come in. 

I’ve applied for an A Level or IB programme, but I’ve missed my offer on a number of grades I needed.

Please do not worry, the College have a wide range of courses, and we will have something for you. Just come along to your enrolment appointment. We will discuss your programme of study options with you when you come in. If you would like to beforehand have a look at our online prospectus so that you start to get an idea of what some of the alternatives are. There are also lots of useful resources on the College Advice Team page. If you are unsure and need some help you can call our College Advice Team on 01392 400600 to find out more about your options.

I’ve applied for an Apprenticeship and I have an employer, but I’m worried I haven’t achieved the grades I need.

If your grades aren’t quite what you hoped for please do not worry. Contact our recruitment adviser team on 01392 400800 for a chat about your next steps.

I’ve applied for an Apprenticeship, but I don’t have an employer to support my Apprenticeship yet.

Please contact our Apprenticeship Team on 01392 400800 to find out about current vacancies. 

If you are an Apprenticeship applicant aged under 18, you will have an alternative offer for a full time course. If you would like to take up this option rather than the Apprenticeship offer, please attend your booked full time enrolment slot. If you are unable to make your slot, or have not received one by post, please call 01392 400444 to re-arrange.

I have applied to the College, but I am planning to appeal one or more of my GCSE results from school, what should I do?

If you wish to appeal your GCSE results you will need to contact your school. They will be able to advise and support you on the GCSE appeals process and whether this is the right option for you. You should still attend your enrolment appointment with us. 

I missed out on my GCSE Maths and/or English grade 4 result from school and am considering whether I should enter the resit exams in the autumn term, what should I do?

If your GCSE grades were lower than you were hoping for, we will work with you to find a course that is right for you and your ambitions. Please come along to your enrolment appointment.  

If you have not yet achieved a grade 4 or above in Maths or English Language you will study these subjects alongside your college course. If resitting in the autumn term is right for you, we will support you to do this at College.

If I have achieved a grade 4 or higher in GCSE English Literature, but not GCSE English Language, do I have to re-take English Language?

No, if you have GCSE English Literature at grade 4 or higher you can choose not to retake English Language and will not have to study it at College if you do not wish to do so. If you wish to study it with us to improve your grade, we will support you to do so. Please talk to us about this at your enrolment appointment. 

I am a current GCSE student at Exeter College what are my grade boundaries?

Please see the GCSE Grade Boundaries here.

I'm looking for my GCSE English points scores and I can't see it. How can I access this?

Unfortunately, the points score for this subject is not available online. If you need this information for clearing purposes, please call us on 01392 400555 and choose option 2.

I can't access my login. I have tried resetting my password and still can't get in to My eILP, what do I do?

You can unlock your account and reset your password by following the instructions on this page.

Where do I click into to see my results - and what information will I see on my results page?

Log in to your My eILP page on your results day (check the dates and times above). Simply click on the link from your homepage of your My eILP and you’ll be taken to a page with your results. You will see the following: 

Result: this will be the overall grade you have been awarded for this qualification 

Level: this refers to the level of qualification you have been awarded, for example GCSEs are level 2, A Levels are level 3 and vocational qualifications can be level 1, 2 or 3.

I have marginally missed out on the overall grade I needed to meet my university offer and they have asked for more detail on the breakdown of my results – where can I get this?

Contact us on the chat function or advice line and we will arrange for our exams team to get the information you need.

When will I receive my qualification certificates?

Certificates will be issued in November and you will receive notification informing you when and how you will be able to access these.

I believe the awarding body might have marked my paper wrongly, can I ask for a re-mark?

If you wish to see your exam scripts or request a review or recheck of the marking please access this webpage where you will find details of all the services you can request, deadlines and fees. Please be aware that you must pay the fees through Wisepay at the time of submitting your request. Alternatively you can email examsteam@exe-coll.ac.uk for further advice.

What does my BTEC/T Level grade mean?

Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications

BTEC Level 1/2 Firsts   BTEC Level 1/ 2 Tech Awards BTEC Level 2 Technicals
Level 2 Distinction (D) Level 2 Distinction (L2D) Distinction (D)
Level 2 Merit (M) Level 2 Merit (L2M) Merit (M)
Level 2 Pass (P) Level 2 Pass (L2P) Pass (P)
Level 1 Pass (L1) Level 1 Distinction (L1D)
Level 1 Merit (L1M)
Level 1 Pass (L1)

Level 3 qualifications

Single grade qualifications (e.g., National Certificates and National Foundation Diplomas) If a qualification has multiple grades (e.g., a National Diploma/National Extended Diploma) then each grade is as follows: BTEC Level 3 Nationals (teaching from 2014)
BTEC (QCF) qualifications
Distinction Star – D* Distinction star – D*
Distinction – DS Distinction – D Distinction (D)
Merit – ME Merit – M Merit (M)
Pass – PA Pass – P Pass (P)
For example a triple grade of D*DD would be Distinction Star, Distinction, Distinction. Near Pass (N)

T Levels

Year 1  One grade for the core exams – A* to U 
One grade for the Employer Set Project – A* to U  
 
Plus, an overall grade for the Core component (a combination of the above) – A* to U 
Year 2 One grade for the Occupational Specialism – Pass (P), Merit (M) or Distinction (D)  
 
An overall grade for the T Level if all requirements (including completion of an industry placement) have been achieved – Pass (P), Merit (M), Distinction (D) or Distinction* (D*) 

What is clearing and how do I apply?

Clearing is the process universities and colleges use to offer places for courses which still have spaces available. If you have made an application and haven’t been offered at a place at the universities you applied to, you may be able to find another course / university offer through clearing. For more information about clearing, please visit this page.

  • applications to clearing can be made from 1pm on Thursday August 15th
  • prior to 1pm, you should use the UCAS pages to research available courses and universities
  • if you find a course / university you are interested in, you should telephone the university first prior to submitting a clearing application. Failing to telephone the university admissions will result in a delayed application.
  • You can also use a service called ‘Clearing Plus’ to help you find a course to suit you. More information about this system can be found here.

I'm a second year student who would like to stay on at Exeter College to gain other qualifications. Are there any options for me?

If you are 18 and have completed study at level 3, we may have an option that would fit in with your progression ambitions. It will depend on what you are aiming for long term. To be of value to you it will need to be a different course to those you have already gained – you can’t just do more A Levels, or resit the same ones again. Some examples of the kinds of progression opportunities we do have are below. You can contact us using our Live Chat function on the website or email Futuresteps@exe-coll.ac.uk so we can discuss the options available to you. 

  • Art foundation – Level 4 – For those looking to spend a year developing their artistic skills and portfolio before progressing to university. 
  • Courses such as HNCs and Foundation Degrees at Exeter College. Details of all our Higher Education courses can be found under the Higher Education section on our website. Applications for these courses are still open. See the courses we run here.
  • An Apprenticeship will enable you to be paid by an employer, achieve additional qualifications and gain work experience. Typically, as an Apprentice you will spend one day a week at College and the rest of your time will be working in an employer’s business. We work with hundreds of employers right across Devon and offer Apprenticeships across multiple subject areas, at all different levels – from Level 2 to degree apprenticeships. Check out our current vacancies here and come and speak to our friendly team who can explain how it all works. We are based in the Apprenticeship Hub in Queen Street – you can also book a virtual appointment with us here.

I would like to enter to sit my GCSE English and/or Maths exams in the autumn series – how do I do this?

If you are returning to College and wish to try to improve your GCSE maths and/or GCSE English grade in the Autumn exam series, your teacher will work with you to assess if this is right for you. However, you must continue to study maths and/or English if you have not yet achieved a Grade 4 or higher. If you have left the College, you will need to find an alternative centre that will allow you take your exam as a private candidate.    

If I choose to sit GCSE exams in the autumn series and the results are worse, which result will stand?

Your best grade will stand.

I'm a current GCSE / Level 2 learner and I don't know if my grades allow me to progress, what can I do?

Your tutor will contact you, by telephone, on 22nd August. They will talk through your options with you.

Can I get my external unit results?

For external units sat in 2024, these will appear on your online results slip. If you need any further unit information for clearing purposes, please call us on 01392 400555.

I'm a parent and my young person is away, how can I access their results?

For legal reasons we are not allowed to release results to anyone except the person who sat the exam/s. Your young person can log on to access their results through their ‘My eILP’.

What support will be available from College if I need it on my results day?

There will be a range of support available on results day and beyond.

We will be running a live chat function that can be found on our website as well as a phone advice line, 01392 400555, on results day to offer general support and signposting. Both might get busy – please do check the FAQs first as they might answer your query.   

Please note, if you would like more in-depth advice about your next steps, you should email futuresteps@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

How do I get my results?

Current students Level 2 (GCSE) results will be available through your My eILP on results day and time as outlined above. 

If you can’t access your account, you might need to reset your password.  

Please remember to update your contact details on My eILP, including your phone number, as we may need to contact you directly on results day. 

Class of 2023 Continue the Legacy of Excellent A Level Results  

Exeter College A Level students logged on this morning to find out their AS/A Level results. The class of 2023 excelled with an overall A Level pass rate of 99.6%, compared to 97.2% nationally, and a staggering 25 A Level subjects had 100% pass rate. The College has exceeded every metric of its 2019 results (the last pre-pandemic results), which has nationally set the benchmark for this year’s results as awarding bodies return to pre-covid grading.  

Of particular note is this year’s overall high grades at 59% (A*/A/B), which is over 6% ahead of the 2023 national average. An amazing 172 students achieved straight A*/A’s. This is especially impressive considering that this is the cohort who were in their two final years of school when the pandemic hugely disrupted education.  

Given the picture nationally, we are exceptionally pleased that fewer learners this year missed their university offer than last year. This success means that the class of 2023 exceeded the standard set by even last year’s record-breaking cohort.  

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College, said; 

“I am delighted with this year’s A Level results, in every measure our students have achieved results that exceed those achieved before the pandemic. 

“I would like to congratulate the class of 2023, who despite not sitting GCSE exams and having a turbulent final two years of school, have navigated these challenges and shown commitment, skill and tenacity to achieve truly excellent results.   

“I would like to thank the expert staff, who have in equal measure over the last two years used their talent and care to help our students to achieve these outstanding results.” 

Exeter College’s Vice Principal, Jade Otty said;  

“Our learners this year should be very proud of their results – they have worked so hard with the support of our fantastic teaching and support staff to more than catch up on the learning and experiences they missed previously.  

“The way in which our subject-expert teaching staff have supported this cohort’s confidence and skills through ‘Excel’ (our bespoke exam support programme) has been incredible and hugely appreciated by our learners.”  

Billie Stokes, Assistant Principal with responsibility for academic programmes at the College, said; 

“We are exceptionally proud of our A Level learners. Not only have they maintained the standards of excellence achieved by the college’s pre-pandemic cohorts, they have done so whilst engaging brilliantly with all the amazing experiences that college has to offer so that they have emerged as mature and confident young people ready and excited for their next steps.”  

There were impressive results from right across the College’s varied curriculum offer. For example, in Maths, the largest cohort of A Level students, 32% of students achieved the top two grades of A* or A, and in Further Maths, 37% of students achieved an A*. 38% of Physics students achieved an A*/A and in A Level Economics 70% of students got high grades.  

A student opens his results and smiles
Joshua Dargan collected his results today.

A Level student Joshua Dargan (pictured above) studied Economics, Sociology and Politics and achieved A*, A, A. He plans to go to London School of Economics to study International Social and Public Policy and has embraced all aspects of his college experience, including talking to governors. He hopes to enter the world of Politics. 

“The last two years have gone so quickly and been amazing. The people and the learning – together they make learning fun. Even though you only know some teachers for a year, you get a personalised learning experience. I loved discussing world economic affairs with my teachers. The last two years have been a real highlight of my life.”  

A student opens his results and smiles
Howard Carter collected his results today and is progressing to the University of Exeter.

A Level student Howard Carter studied Environmental Science, Biology and Geology and achieved triple A*. He will now go to the University of Exeter to study Environmental Science. Howard describes his college experience as brilliant and goes on to say; 

“From start to finish it’s been brilliant. I’ve had enthusiastic teachers which make it easy to learn, when you enjoy the subjects you’re doing, that’s half the battle. The work I have done has paid off today and I’m really excited about the future.” 

In the creative subjects, Fine Art and Graphic Design both excelled with 71% of Fine Art students achieving high grades and an impressive 25% of Graphic Design students achieving an A*. In Music 69% of students achieved an A*, A or B. 

In the Humanities and Social Sciences learners also excelled. History and Law saw an impressive number of high grades, with students achieving 76% high grades and 69% respectively. 66% of Literature, 63% of Classics and 61% of Spanish students achieved an A*, A or B.  

Two students smile at the camera
A Level student Evie (right) was delighted with her results.

A Level student Evie Fairclough-Kay studied History, English Literature and Fine Art and took the Extended Project in her final year. She achieved two A*’s and two A’s and will be progressing to Oxford University. She said; 

“I am going to study History and English combined honours at Regents Park College in Oxford. I would really like to go into journalism, that may change, but I’m going to just enjoy everything as it comes.  

“My experience at college has been awesome. I’ve worked really hard and met lots of amazing people and it’s all paid off today.” 

Exeter College and the College Governors would like to thank and congratulate the class of 2023 and thank staff, parents and partners for making this a year to celebrate. 

Exeter College among the best in the country for getting into Oxford 

Exeter College is proud to announce the success of 15 students who have applied successfully to two of the UK’s top universities, with 12 receiving offers from the University of Oxford and three from the University of Cambridge. 

Students gain a place at the prestigious institutions, commonly known as Oxbridge, by passing a rigorous application and interview process that can take months.  

This year, 65 students from Exeter College applied to Oxbridge, with 15 receiving an offer to study, meaning that 23% of students who applied got offers. The successful students will be studying a range of subjects, from Fine Art and Philosophy to Medicine, Architecture and Physics, reflecting the broad curriculum available at Exeter College. 

“Exeter College is a really nice environment where you feel like you’re encouraged to aim high and take opportunities. Both students and staff have encouraged me to do my best.” 

Thomas Wilkinson, 19, studying UAL Art Foundation Diploma

Exeter College Lecturer Martin Gilbert, who leads on the Reach Academy, said; “I am really proud of all the students that made an application to either Oxford or Cambridge this year.  

“At Exeter College we encourage all students to make competitive UCAS applications and it is so nice to see this many students holding offers for two of the top universities in the world after such a rigorous application process. All the applicants have gained a huge amount from the process and the support they get from their teachers, tutors and our Future Steps Team is exceptional.” 

For the University of Oxford, over half of the 41 Exeter College students that applied got interviews, with 12 receiving offers to study with them. This equates to a 30% success rate, which is higher than the national average of 21% for state schools and 18% for Further Education colleges, putting Exeter College among the best in the country for getting into Oxford.* 

For the University of Cambridge, nearly all students who applied were interviewed, with three students receiving offers to study.  

“It’s going to be really exciting studying at such a prestigious place for four years doing the subject I’m passionate about.”

Troy Dale, 18, has an offer to study Physics at Oxford

Jade Otty, Vice Principal, said; “We are so pleased for, and proud of these learners, and everyone who made an application for Oxbridge this year. 

“Alongside the support we offer at Exeter College for such competitive university applications, these learners have had the courage and confidence to sit entrance exams as well as multiple interviews whilst staying focused on their study for their A Levels or International Baccalaureate.  

“The resilience and dedication this has taken, this year especially, is inspiring. Our teachers at College who have supported their applications could not be prouder of them.” 

Many of the students applications were supported by the Exeter College Reach Academy, which helps academically minded students with extra-curricular seminars, support and guidance to help raise aspirations and boost achievement.   

Student Stories 

Erin Fraser-Smith is continuing the family tradition of going to Exeter College and getting into Oxford, as her sister Ella received an offer to study Earth Sciences last year. Erin is hoping to study Medicine and work around the world as a doctor. 

Erin (pictured below), 17, who studied at Chulmleigh College before coming to Exeter College, said, “The application process was quite stressful but because I had support from Martin and the Reach Academy it was quite clear to me. 

Exeter College student smiling

“The actual interview itself was quite relaxed and I actually really enjoyed it. They asked me very weird and wonderful questions – I couldn’t even tell you what they were!” 

Thomas Wilkinson (pictured below), 19, who studies UAL Art Foundation Diploma and was also named Reach Academy Student of the Year at the Exeter College Student Awards 2022, has been offered a place to study Architecture at the University of Cambridge.  

He said, “I applied last year also. I think this year I felt much more prepared and because it was separated from taking my A Levels, I had more time to nail my portfolio and personal statement. 

“The Reach Academy has been tremendously helpful. Martin Gilbert really helps elevate everyone’s applications and when you go to him with questions about improving your personal statement or what to put or how to approach interviews, he is always incredibly supportive.  

Exeter College student smiling

“Exeter College is a really nice environment where you feel like you’re encouraged to aim high and take opportunities. Both students and staff have encouraged me to do my best.” 

Troy Dale, 18, studied at St James before coming to Exeter College. His offer to study Physics at Oxford is particularly impressive as he is the first Exeter College student to receive an offer to study Physics for several years. 

He said, “It’s going to be really exciting studying at such a prestigious place for four years doing the subject I’m passionate about. 

“The application process was challenging. I had never done any academic interviews, so it was an experience. I thought that even if I didn’t get in it would be a good learning experience.  

“I only thought about Oxford at the end of last year so it’s not something I had thought about pursuing before. I just thought I would go for it and try my best and perhaps good things would happen. 

“Even though I wasn’t part of the Reach Academy, Martin took me in as one of his own, helped me with my personal statement and offered loads of support still. I felt like I had all the support I needed to apply there.” 

Students with offers to study will find out if they are guaranteed a place after their 2022 exam results. 

Want to join Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College? Apply online now. 

*The national averages come from the application data released by the University of Oxford at the end of each application year. 

2020 Students Keep Exeter College Top of the Class

Please note: This release was written BEFORE the Government revised how A Level results would be calculated for this academic year.

Exeter College students are celebrating success on A Level Results Day once again, with an outstanding pass rate of 99.5% and high grades (A* to B) of 56%, ahead of the national average for another year, continuing the College’s legacy of outstanding results.  

In this unprecedented academic year, the College has now received results for students studying A Levels, the International Baccalaureate and Access to Higher Education courses, all of which have been based on some form of calculated teacher assessment. The professionalism and integrity of the College’s teachers and the talent of students has been recognised as the vast majority of results have remained unchanged from teacher submissions. 

“I would like to commend the students for how they have adapted, worked and contributed to life at the College and the staff who have shown again just why we’re rated as Outstanding by Ofsted,”

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive

A remarkable 24 of the College’s A Level subjects achieved 100% pass rates, but it was high grades where some subjects truly excelled.  

The College’s Graphic Design A Level boasted an incredible 82% of students achieving high grades, while Politics achieved 67% high grades and History 63% high grades. There was also huge success for the College’s maths-based courses, with high grades for 63% of Maths students, 72% of Further Maths students, 60% of Economics students and 57% of Chemistry students.  

The results mean that many students from Exeter College will now be going on to study at leading universities, progressing on to further study with the College or moving directly into the workplace. 

Reflecting on the results, Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “I have seen first-hand how hard students and staff have worked over the last year and I’m confident that our students have valid, comparable and accurate grades that reflect their commitment. 

“I can’t pass any judgement on the picture nationally, but we at Exeter College will be celebrating these results with our students. They have once again delivered results that mean Exeter College remains one of the very best further education providers in the country.  

“I would like to commend the students for how they have adapted, worked and contributed to life at the College and the staff who have shown again just why we’re rated as Outstanding by Ofsted.”  

The A Level results continue to build on the College’s exceptional summer of results, following the success of International Baccalaureate students and Access to Higher Education students in recent weeks. 

Today is also the day when many students get their advanced level technical and vocational qualifications and use these as their passport to university level study, an Apprenticeship or employment. There will soon be a further press release celebrating their achievements, which have continued at an outstanding level for another year.  

The results confirm Exeter College as the region’s first choice, Ofsted Outstanding College, with impressive achievement across the broad curriculum offered, from Fine Art through to Sociology.  

The outstanding A Level results this year were supported by the fact that the College continues to enter students into AS Level exams, with most academic students taking an externally set and marked exam in the vast majority of subjects during their first year of study. It’s hoped that this approach will be especially useful for new students this year, who will not have experienced externally set exams. This means that students will work towards exams at the end of their first year to help them prepare and excel in their A Level year. 

This practice on this occasion has meant that only a minority of grades have been changed as part of the Government’s algorithm for calculating final grades, keeping the College’s exemplary results in line with previous years and reflective of the outstanding learning environment at Exeter College. 

Exeter College Vice Principal Jade Otty, who leads on academic performance, said, “I’m thrilled the hard work of our students and staff has been recognised with these excellent results in extraordinary circumstances.  

“Our decision to retain AS exams for the majority of courses has helped support and validate our calculated A Level results. I am so pleased that in the majority of cases our learners have received the excellent results they so deserve, building on our legacy of success for academic and vocational courses. 

“There have been a lot of headlines recently about what this cohort may have missed out on, but today it’s important to celebrate and congratulate them on the amazing skills they have built up over the last months, with the support of their teachers, to continue their studies. They leave us with not just great academic results, but we hope with a confidence born of the fact that they have navigated so much so well. The resilience of our 2020 cohort has been incredible, and we are so excited to see what they go on to achieve.” 

In line with new government guidance, some A Level students may have an opportunity to appeal their grade and receive a mock grade if they’re unhappy with their results. There will also be an opportunity for students to register their interest in an autumn series of exams to achieve a different result, should they wish. Further details will be revealed by the Government in due course.  

There’s still time to apply online to join Exeter College in September 2020.

Specialist Teachers and World Class Facilities building Exeter College’s Success

Since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college 50 years ago, we’ve built ourselves into the exceptional education provider we are today and are now ranked as the only Ofsted Outstanding College in Devon. 

We’ve managed to reach this prestigious position by putting students at the heart of everything we do. We know there’s nothing more impactful on a young person’s education than the environment they’re learning in and, of course, who’s teaching them.  

Subject Specialist Teachers

As a further education provider, our teachers differ to what you would find at a lot of sixth forms. Here, we pride ourselves on having subject specialist teachers. Unlike at school, our staff don’t teach across different subjects; they dedicate their time exclusively to the subject they teach in the classroom. 

This means that our students are taught by people who have a real passion for the topic that they teach. As a result, our students can fully develop their skills and explore their passion within a specific field, which links directly to their chosen further study or employment option.  
 
On top of this, our vocational subjects are taught by teachers who are still actively involved in their respective industries. This means they are constantly developing and updating their own skillset to pass on to the next generation of learners.   

Jade Otty, Vice Principal of Exeter College and lead on academic performance, believes our specialist teaching staff positively impacts our consistently impressive vocational and academic results.  

“Having specialist teachers is one of the cornerstones of what contributes to the outstanding education environment at Exeter College,” said Jade.  

“Students who study with us are choosing to learn from teachers who have a genuine passion for what they’re teaching and, more importantly, have the skills to transfer that knowledge to students in the classroom.  

“When a teacher chooses to work with us, they do so because they want to have their teaching time dedicated solely to a subject they love, and to supporting young people with that same passion succeeding with their ambitions. We’ve found that students really respond well to being taught by specialist teachers and appreciate the inside knowledge they can learn from teachers who are still involved in the industry.”  

Tom Matthew, A Level student studying Geography, Sociology and Politics, added, “The teachers have been really helpful. They always have their students’ best interests at heart and go over and above expectations.   

“My Geography teachers have experience with the exam board, and they are two of the best teachers I’ve had; their experience has been particularly useful to us.”  

World Class Facilities and Partnerships

We’re proud to offer subject specialist teaching, but we also know that this is only one of the features which has helped to make us into the Ofsted Outstanding provider we are today.  

Here at Exeter College, we offer all our students access to world class facilities and equipment in their chosen subject(s).  

To make sure our learners have the very best chance to enhance their education, all our students have access to eight Learning Resources Centres, complete with IT labs and Mac suites. 

Additionally, we have specialist campuses for different subjects. Through this, we ensure that we are providing our learners with industry standard-facilities, ranging from construction to media production.  

The Centre for Creative Industries is home to a range of cutting-edge equipment and software. It also gives students access to the space they need to hone their skills in media, drama, art or photography, as they transform their academic studies into creative practice.  

Our Maths and Science Centre, which opened in 2015, holds 11 purpose-build laboratories. These are all designed to the highest specifications, providing a space for inspirational teaching and learning.  

Likewise, our Technology Centre offers students the latest technical software used in the industry. We’re also currently investing in our Construction Centre by way of a new state-of-the-art mezzanine which, from September, will host the new T Level qualifications.  

Our Digital and Data Centre is also currently under construction. When complete, this will form part of the wider South West Institute of Technology plan, aiming to transform engineering, digital and manufacturing technology in Devon. Opening early 2021, the Centre will provide learners with educational opportunities in the digital field. This will include courses around software development, data analytics and cyber security.  

On top of this, our college also works in partnership with leading regional and national businesses and sports teams. This month we announced our newest collaboration, as the BBC is set to open a new studio in our Centre of Creative Industries. All our partnerships provide students with the opportunities to continually achieve their educational goals and even develop beyond the curriculum.  

We are currently planning for the enrolment of the new students due to start in September 2020. 

It’s not too late to apply online to study with us for the September start. Once the requested documents have been submitted and reviewed, all students will be given a conditional offer.

May 2004: City pensioner student proves it’s never too late to learn. 

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. 

Writing Success for Exeter College Languages Student

An Exeter College student studying Spanish is celebrating success after his thoughtful essay on how languages unite people was awarded the runner-up prize in a competition run by the University of Exeter.  

Sam Pestridge, from Exminster, entered the competition that invited A Level languages students from around the county to submit their thoughts on the question, ‘Do languages unite more than they divide us?’  

“There were lots of different people who entered, so when I heard that I had placed I was really pleased,”

Sam Pestridge, Exeter College Student

Sam’s 500 word essay looked at the roots of all language in the world, providing an optimistic view of the future of communication.  

Sam said, “I tried to look at the question from a different angle. I did some research and reading about how languages have evolved and the different theories behind that. I wrote about languages and their development, from our early use of them to how we use them now.” 

Sam’s efforts paid off, as he received the runner up prize for the University of Exeter’s competition, which has seen his work published in their online magazine The Language Exepress and Sam received an Amazon gift voucher worth £20.  

“I was very surprised that I heard back from them because I didn’t expect anything at all,” said Sam. 

“There were lots of different people who entered, so when I heard that I had placed I was really pleased. My essay essentially concluded that languages do unite us more than they divide us. We managed to use language historically as a way to make sure that we survived in our human groups. I ended with a call to action saying that we need to re-learn how to use languages so that they can act as a unifying tool once again.” 

Sam’s Spanish Lecturer Tim Melia said how pleased he was for Sam. “I’m very proud that we have students like Sam with us at the college; with a genuine interest in languages and with the motivation and maturity to take part in this competition alongside their studies. My warmest congratulations to Sam and all our students who took part,” said Tim. 

“This competition has been a part of our efforts in languages to forge links with the University. This has also involved us delivering a joint session on the merits of studying languages to students in schools in the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust.” 

The essays were judged by a panel of University of Exeter Lecturers who were looking for creativity and quality of analysis from the entrants.  

Sam’s entry is featured in Issue 11 of The Language Exepress

Sam, who is currently in Year 12, is studying for A Levels in Spanish, Politics and History with Exeter College. He wanted to pay tribute to the impact of his Spanish Lecturer Tim Melia for helping him during his studies.  

Sam continued: “Tim sent us the competition details for this and encouraged us to go for it. He’s always on the lookout for opportunities for us to be able to extend ourselves outside of the normal curriculum and do things that aren’t on the syllabus but will enrich our studies.” 

Indeed, in Sam’s nine months with Exeter College so far, his Spanish class visited the Translation Festival in Exeter and have taken part in the linguistics Olympiad; a series of language-based puzzles designed by the Languages and English Language Departments. 

“I wanted to take a language with Exeter College because it gives me the chance to communicate with people I wouldn’t normally be able to. The course here is great because it covers the whole Hispanic world with topics on politics and society, among others,” said Sam.  

“The course lets you learn a lot more about the world as well as language and it’s really interesting to be able to do that with Spanish.  

“Tim teaches us in a holistic way. During my GCSEs, I felt like I was memorising things, but Tim has been teaching us so that we can learn to actually communicate well, rather than just pass an exam. We’re not just learning the language; we’re learning how to use it well.” 

Online Learning 

Sam’s ongoing learning with Exeter College is currently taking place online due to the Government’s closure of schools and colleges in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.  

He said he’s been receiving support from College staff during this challenging period.  

“Teachers have been calling us online, this is especially useful for a subject like Spanish where it’s important that we keep practising our speaking,” said Sam.  

“Teachers have been doing PowerPoints and recording sessions for us. I feel I’m supported in my learning and the teachers are always available for us if we need them.”  

After completing his studies with Exeter College in summer 2021, Sam hopes to go to university to study International Development and Spanish as a joint degree. 

“I find those two aspects of my work really enjoyable. As far as a job goes after university, I’m hoping that the skills I gain from my degree will leave me with lots of opportunities. I’ll look in to which career path is right for me as I go forward.”  

Read Sam’s full article here in The Language Exepress.  

Check out our A Level Spanish course page.  

Complete an online application now to study with Exeter College.  

March 2000: Exeter College ranked as ‘best in the west’

As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we’re talking to some of the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have helped make us the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today. 

Then: 

In March 2000, we welcomed Further Education Funding Council bosses into our College, who completed a breakdown inspection over a week-long period.  

Ranked against seven other local education centres, Exeter College came out on top. We obtained the best score for two performance levels and came second for a third.  

The inspectors commented on the outstanding student support and the impressive increase in our overall A Level pass rate, with a 13% increase since 1998.  

Tim Smith, Principal at the time, said, “At a time when education is coming under such intense scrutiny, it is good to achieve a grade profile that is probably the best in the west in the current academic year.”  

Now: 

Two decades later and we continue to uphold these incredible results, currently standing as Devon’s only Ofsted Outstanding further education College. 

We have also been named as the best in the South West for employer satisfaction in Apprenticeships and we’re on the Sunday Times Top 100 Not for Profit Employer list. On top of this, we’ve been selected as one of the first colleges in the country (the only one in Devon) to offer the T Level qualification, rolling out this September. 

Additionally, we’ve maintained our amazing results, setting new records for the latest academic year. Our A Level students achieved an overall pass rate of 99.7%, well above the national average. Our International Baccalaureate results were the best in the College’s history, with 100% of students passing and nearly a third of students achieving more than 40 points out of a possible 45.  

We couldn’t be prouder of all our students, staff and partners who have helped to shape and uphold the success of our college.  
 
Interested in joining Exeter College? Apply now online.  

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 then contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk or get involved on social media using #ExeColl50 

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