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Exeter College Scoops Seven Awards at National BTEC Awards 2022 

The exceptional achievement of Exeter College BTEC learners was celebrated on Friday at the prestigious Pearson BTEC Awards. As well as a number of learners picking up awards, Exeter College was named as Silver BTEC College of the Year for 2022. 

Six learners from the College were recognised by teachers and peers for their outstanding work while studying for the qualification. Exeter College would like to congratulate the following learners on their fantastic achievement. 

The award winners are: 

  • Keiko Saruta – Bronze – BTEC IT and Computing Learner of the Year 2022 
  • Hal Furneaux-Gotch – Bronze – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022 
  • Megan Fowler – Bronze – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022 
  • Harry Glanville – Silver – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022 
  • Chris Pratt – Silver – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022 
  • Matthew Wood – Silver – BTEC Sport Learner of the Year 2022

Exeter College student, Harry Glanvile, was awarded a Silver for BTEC Construction Learner of the Year. He said; 

“Studying a HNC in Civil Engineering at Exeter College was a great stepping stone for me. The specialist knowledge and skills I have learnt during this career focused course has allowed me to apply them in the workplace while working on real life scenarios.  

“After completing the BTEC course, this then opened doors for me to continue my progression to a university course so that I can progress in my career of civil engineering. I’m very happy that my hard work has been recognised through this award. I would like to thank the staff at Exeter College, I really appreciate the nomination and I would also like to thank my employer, Pell Frischmann, for the continued support.” 

Exeter College student, Hal Furneaux-Gotch, studied for a HNC in Construction and was awarded a Bronze in the BTEC Construction Learner of the Year category. He said:  

“My time at Exeter College has been invaluable in furthering my career in the construction industry, developing my academic knowledge and vocational skills, as well as putting me in contact with a wide range of others working in the sector. 

“My HNC, combined with my vocational portfolio, has allowed me to obtain Chartered Construction Project Manager (MCIOB) status, and both have made me significantly more employable, having been offered several jobs since finishing the course. Upon completion of my HNC, I was promoted into a senior civil engineer role in local government. 

“I am very honoured to have been awarded a Bronze Learner of the Year Award; the COVID-19 pandemic started during my first year of study and so all learning had to be completed remotely. This, alongside all the other challenges associated with the pandemic, made study more difficult than expected and consequently it’s great to have this work recognised.” 

The BTEC provision at Exeter College was also awarded with a Silver BTEC College of the Year Award, recognising the hard work of staff and learners alike. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College said; 

“We are very proud of our BTEC provision at Exeter College and our learners who continue to exceed, both at College and within their chosen field. 

“We are delighted to have this hard work recognised by the prestigious Pearson BTEC Awards as it highlights the outstanding opportunities that these qualifications provide.” 

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President for Vocational Qualifications and Training at Pearson said; 

“After two long years spent giving or receiving lessons behind a computer screen, through face masks, or socially distanced, 2022 has been a whirlwind for everyone involved in education. Considering this, it makes the inspiring achievements documented in Exeter College’s submission all the more impressive. The hard work and commitment they – and all our award winners – demonstrated is extraordinary.” 

Hundreds of thousands of learners across the globe have completed BTEC courses over the past year. The career-focused qualifications are a vital route for those pursuing careers in sectors such as IT, business, the creative industries, healthcare, engineering, construction and future industries. Many of these industries are suffering from staff shortages and skills gaps which this year’s graduates will be more than equipped to fill.

Find out more about BTEC courses at Exeter College.

Ready to apply? Applications are now open and you can easily apply online.

School Leavers’ Course Guide for 2021 Entry Out Now

Our School Leavers’ Course Guide for students interested in joining us from September 2021 is out now. 

Inside your guide, you’ll find complete course information on our wide variety of study options, including A Levels, BTECs, Apprenticeships and, the government’s brand new T Levels; a technical-based qualification that prepares students for industry with practical skills and knowledge. 

We have also included information on what it’s like to be a student at Exeter College, with personal stories from current and former students. As well as this, you will find pages on all that makes Exeter College outstanding, including information on: 

You can request a Course Guide here and we will post a copy to you. Inside, you’ll find information on EVERY course available for school leavers with Exeter College.  

Need help choosing the right level of study and course for you? 

Contact our College Advice Team to arrange a visit or chat. They can be contacted on 01392 400500 or cat@exe-coll.ac.uk. 

Thinking of joining Exeter College in 2021? 

Register your interest in joining Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College today and we’ll send you exclusive content and details to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about joining us in September 2021. 

Follow our three easy steps to becoming an Exeter College student: 

  1. Request a School Leavers’ Course Guide 
  2. Register for an open event
  3. Apply online

Vocational Students Celebrate Results Day Success

Exeter College’s vocational students are celebrating remarkable success ahead of the College’s further investment in technical-based qualifications.  

Students across the College’s broad range of BTEC and vocational subjects, from Healthcare to Construction, have achieved incredible results in line with recent years, cementing the College’s reputation for delivering an exceptional education for vocational courses.  

“Huge congratulations to all of our learners who are celebrating their results and thank you for continuing our legacy of success,” 

Sam Hillman, Exeter College Assistant Principal.

Achievement rates for students on BTEC Sport, BTEC Construction and NCFE Diploma in Childcare and Education were at 100%, while 98% of students studying the BTEC in Health and Social Care achieved a pass mark or better.  

There was also great success beyond pass marks, as multiple subjects revealed high percentages of students achieving high grades. A massive 75% of BTEC Health and Social Care students achieved three distinctions or higher and over half of the cohort achieved the absolute top grade of three starred distinctions. 

The success of this year’s vocational students reinforces the College’s status as a leading provider of workplace-designed qualifications, helping students to excel directly into industry, further study or an Apprenticeship. 

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “I’m thrilled for all our students who have worked incredibly hard alongside our staff to achieve these amazing results.” 

“Once again, our students have gone above and beyond in their learning in extremely challenging circumstances. I’m so pleased that many of them have gone on to achieve the grades they need to move on to further inspirational opportunities.  

Exeter College’s student led Zeal Salon

“I’d like to thank each and every student for how they have adapted, worked and contributed to life at the College and to the staff who have shown once again why we’re recognised across the country for our Ofsted Outstanding provision.”  

The College’s vocational students on creative-based courses are also celebrating terrific success. 95% of students studying for the Advanced Technical Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects and Media Make-up Artistry achieved pass marks or better, 96% of Performing and Production Arts students achieved the same feat and UAL Extended Diploma students of Art and Design had a 95% achievement rate. In addition, students studying the 90 credit Diploma in Music Performance also excelled with 87% of learners getting a distinction and merit grade profile or better.  

Exeter College Assistant Principal Sam Hillman, who oversees vocational and technical training at the Ofsted Outstanding College, said, “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 outstanding success for vocational and technical courses.  

“It’s also important to celebrate that many of our vocational and technical learners volunteered and worked alongside their studies to support Exeter and Devon’s Coronavirus efforts and of this, we are equally proud.   

“Our vocational and technical learners leave us not just with amazing results, but we hope with the confidence, behaviours and skills that will enable them to continue to progress in their future. The resilience of our 2020 cohort has been incredible. We are super excited to see what they go on to achieve.”  

The success of vocational students continues Exeter College’s long history of delivering these qualifications, a commitment that has strengthened in recent years with significant development and investment into specialist vocational facilities and provision.  

Exeter College’s Technology Centre

Students on vocational courses with Exeter College could find themselves studying in the inspirational learning environments of the state-of-the-art Technology Centre, the recently developed £5.9million Sports Hall or in the professional workplace environments of the hairdressing salon or @thirty-four restaurant.  

More recently, the College and the Department for Education has invested significantly for the delivery of new T Level qualifications from September 2020, with a new £1million mezzanine in the Construction Centre to aid in the delivery of the new technical-based qualifications. Further multi-million-pound investments have included providing learners with specialist industry equipment and learning facilities and revitalised learning and social spaces on the College’s Hele Road site.  

Exeter College will be the only provider in Devon offering T Levels from September 2020. Courses are available in Construction, Digital and Education and Childcare.  

Sam continued: “We pride ourselves on providing our technical and vocational learners with the very best dual-qualified teachers, world class facilities and resources, all enhanced by exceptional employer partnerships. Our diverse curriculum is of the highest quality and has a direct line of sight to industry for our learners.  

“Huge congratulations to all of our learners who are celebrating their results and thank you for continuing our legacy of success.” 

Find the right course for your future on the Exeter College course search.  

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.

Exeter College Students Recognised at 2020 BTEC Awards

Five inspirational Exeter College BTEC students have been recognised at the prestigious Pearson BTEC Awards.  

Cain Spiller, from Honiton, received a Silver Award, while Alex Dixon, Rachel Hamilton, Cleopatra Gatting, and Tinka Dos Santos all received bronze awards in their respective categories, recognising their exceptional work during their programme of study.  

Their hard work was celebrated at the tenth anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards hosted online in the last few weeks.      

The 2020 BTEC Awards comprised of 17 categories and was hosted by the presenter of the United Stand, YouTube influencer and BTEC Ambassador, Flex, with awards presented by Double Olympic Gold medallist Max Whitlock as well as actress and former BTEC Drama student at The BRIT School, Kellie Shirley. The expert panel of judges made up of Pearson’s senior leadership team, journalists and external experts, carefully considered the nominees before deciding on the winners.    

19-year-old Cain Spiller, who won a Silver Award for Public Services Student of the Year, said, “When I was awarded the BTEC Award, I was filled with excitement and pride. It stood as a reminder to me that all the hard work I had put into my course had paid off and was recognised.” 

Cain also thanked his teachers for their support during his studies saying, “All my tutors went above and beyond to help me gain the skills I needed to become a police officer. They would keep me up to date on all training days and recruitment and have given me the best possible chance of getting into the police service.”  

Rachel Hamilton, 17, from Holsworthy, achieved the Bronze Award in BTEC Child & Social Care Learner of the Year. She said, “I was honestly surprised that I was nominated, let alone won Bronze, so I was incredibly shocked. I would like to thank Kelvin Edwards for nominating me, and all of the teachers who have helped me over the past two years.” 

Exeter College’s Head of Healthcare and Public Services Heidi Amor said, “We’re incredibly proud of Cain and Rachel’s achievements. They’ve both shown a remarkable commitment to their studies throughout their time with us. 

“Cain has been a true champion of his course and is always looking at how his studies can push him further in his career aspirations.  

“Rachel has been an amazing learner during her studies, constantly pushing herself to be the best she can be and learning new skills all the time. She thoroughly deserves this award and is sure to be a success in her future career.”  

Alex Dixon, 28, from Tiverton, was awarded a Bronze Award for BTEC Engineering Learner of the Year. Alex said, “I was thrilled, and if I’m honest, surprised to see that I had received a Bronze Award for Engineering Student of the Year. However, I can’t take all the credit; this is an amalgamation of effort not just by me but from my lecturers at Exeter College as well who have helped me reach my potential and deserve half of this award.” 

Andy Wells, Head of Engineering, Aerospace and Automotive at Exeter College, said, “We’re incredibly proud of Alex’s achievements. He’s a fantastic role model for what can be achieved with hard work, endeavour and a selfless attitude. He’s a truly exceptional ambassador for engineering Apprenticeships and has already achieved so much throughout his studies. Alex is already excelling in his chosen career; he is an innovator, and I can’t wait to see where his efforts take him next.” 

Alex’s latest accolade follows on from him being named as a Green Gown Award winner in 2018, recognising his work around sustainability.  

Two of Exeter College’s Construction students won Bronze Awards, as Cleopatra Gatting and Tinka Dos Santos were recognised in the BTEC Construction Student of the Year category.  

Chulmleigh-based Cleopatra, who studied her Level 3 Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment with Exeter College, said, “It felt amazing to win the award and to be recognised for my hard work. 

“The College has been great in supporting me throughout my course, and I was honoured that they nominated me for this award.” 

Tinka Dos Santos, 41, said, “It felt great to be acknowledged for the hard work I had put in; it can be tough working, studying and maintaining a balanced family life.  

“I really enjoyed studying at Exeter College, I was sorry to leave, all the tutors and assessors were so supportive, and I wouldn’t have done so well if it wasn’t for their help.” 

Exeter College Head of Construction Dave O’Connor said, “As a department, we’re thrilled to have two students recognised at the BTEC Awards. It’s a huge testament to the character and commitment both students have shown during their studies, and I’m sure they’ll both go on to achieve incredible things.” 

Reflecting on the online event as a whole, Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President BTEC and Apprenticeship, said: “This year I’ve been overwhelmed by the quality of BTEC Award nominations we received, and I am delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and the achievements of all learners who will be awarded a BTEC this year.  Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen how the current pandemic has highlighted the critical role of key workers and individuals who are likely to have followed a vocational educational pathway such as BTEC.” 

Find out about courses offered at Exeter College for school leavers.  

We’re ready for enrolment for a September 2020 start. Find out what to expect at enrolment 2020. 

There’s still time to apply online to join Exeter College for the next academic year.  

Awarding BTEC Qualifications FAQs

Updated:
06/05/2020

Some current BTEC students have been asking for clarification on how the awarding process for their qualifications will work during the College closure. Here are some frequently asked questions to help support your ongoing study with Exeter College and provide guidance on the process for awarding grades.  

Please note: Pearson (the awarding body for BTEC qualifications) has announced they will be using calculated grades for any units due for completion after March shut down. For units that are assessed by coursework, predicted grades will be provided. For units that are assessed in the way of an exam, Pearson will calculate these grades. However, for some NVQs and for all Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas, they will carry on with adapted assessments. We will communicate directly with learners with any further updates. 

How will my overall grade for the year be calculated? 

Pearson have told us that your qualification grade will be worked out using the following evidence:  

  1. Actual grades you achieved in units that were due in before the disruption began: this means that the College will submit your grades for work that you were supported with before the shutdown. If you have any outstanding assignments or re-submissions from before 23rd March, it is therefore really important that you do hand these in to your teacher or else we will not be able to submit a grade for that unit for you. Please talk to your tutor if you are unsure if you have any outstanding work.  
  2. Predicted grades for any assignment units or exams that were due to take place after 23rd March 2020: your teachers will be asked to give you a ‘calculated grade’ for such units. We will do this using our knowledge of your working level before the disruption. Please do not worry if you feel the work you are able to complete at the moment is not of the same quality that you were producing before 23rd March. We understand that working remotely without the face-to-face support you usually get in the classroom is not the same experience, and we know that many of you will find working at home at the moment a challenge. No learner will be marked down in predictions on this basis.  

What are my priorities with remote learning? 

If you have any outstanding assignments or re-submissions from before 23rd March, for units that should have been completed, it is really important that you do this work and hand this work in to your teacher or else we will not be able to submit a grade for that unit for you.  

How can I check if I have any work that needs to be handed in? 

Your unit lecturers should be contacting you via your college email if you have any work that needs to be completed and handed in for the units that finished before 23rd March. You can also email your tutor if you are unsure if you have any outstanding work. Don’t forget that you can also check your tracker. 

Will units that started in September and finish in June/July (delivered all year) be counted in my final grade? 

As these units were not completed before March 23rd teachers will be asked to give you a calculated or predicted grade for these units. We will do this using our knowledge of your working level before the disruption. 

Will units that were due to be completed in April be counted in my final grade? 

As these units were not completed before March 23rd teachers will be asked to give you a calculated or predicted grade for these units. We will do this using our knowledge of your working level before the disruption. 

Why am I is still being asked to study and complete work if it will not count towards my overall grade for the year? 

Continuing online study is important for a number of reasons: 

  1. Gaining the skills and knowledge to progress to your next stage: whether that’s the next academic year with us or, university study or employment. We want to make sure we have supported you with all the content your course would have included for your next step.  
  2. It’s good for your mental wellbeing: Having a positive focus for your day is good for your mental health. 
  3. For assessments next year:  Awarding bodies have provided assurance of an extra exam window in the autumn for those who are unhappy with their calculated grade or feel they can do better. You need to have the skills and knowledge for this option to remain open to you. And of course, for those of you in year 1, we are supporting your knowledge ready for assignments and exams that you will sit next year.  

Will I continue to be set assignments? 

We will continue to support and provide you with learning materials remotely. In some cases, you may still be asked to complete a piece of writing however, we are very mindful that many of you will find working at home a challenge at the moment. Therefore, instead of an assignment you may be set different activities to complete. For any written work that you do submit you will continue to receive feedback.  

Will my Tutor let me know my final grade? 

We are not able to discuss with you individually what grade we might submit for you. In any case awarding bodies have their own quality and moderation processes that they will be applying to any data we send. We will not know your final grades until they are released by Pearson. 

When will Pearson release my final grade? 

Ofqual (the Office who regulate all qualifications) have said that they want this process to happen in a timely way so that you can progress and their aim is for you to receive your results around the same time as AS and A Level results.  As soon as Pearson have advised us of the date your results will be released, we will let you know. 

Click here to see Ofqual’s statement on awarding GCSEs, AS Levels and A Levels. 

Cain Spiller: Don’t Dream It, Be It

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. 

Completing his studies at Exeter College in 2019, Cain Spiller is one of our more recent alumni. Yet, he is already firmly on his way to achieving his dream of working in law enforcement.  

The former student from Honiton achieved a fantastic D*D*D* in his Level 3 BTEC in Public Services. Since, he has been accepted to be a Student Constable and is currently training with the police. 

Reflecting on his time at college, Cain was thankful for the teachers and opportunities which helped to influence his ability to get where he is now. 

“All my lecturers had previously taken part in the public services, which meant that they were able to answer any questions with confidence and give us the best possible guidance,” he explained. 

“The tutors took a genuine interest in all of the students’ career ideas and did everything they could to make it happen. For me, it was – and always had been – joining the police service. If there was a recruitment campaign or a police training event, they made sure I knew about it. Some of the activities that we were involved in gave me added experience to include in my CV, and skills which I can use towards my career.” 

Reminiscing on some of the opportunities he was offered at Exeter College, Cain highlighted the Public Services practical day. 

“We were given a chance to take part as a Gold Commander, Silver Commander and Police Officer for a major incident.” 

“This gave me the chance to perform a stop and search on a person with input from Police Officers. As much as this was amazing to take part in, it also completed a great number of criteria needed for multiple assignments,” explained Cain.  

It was activities such as this which provided Cain with a clear route into achieving his dream of policing. 

Since being accepted into the police family as a Student Constable, Cain has completed an extensive 19-week E-Learning training course, where he recently passed his final exam.   

The start of 2020 marks the beginning of Cain’s practical training where he puts all he has learnt into operation with practical scenarios, safety training and much more.  

Cain’s aspirations don’t stop here; he hopes that he’ll be able to build upon his position, becoming a full-time police constable.   

For anyone thinking about following in Cain’s footsteps, he said, “Keep ahead of work where possible and keep persevering where you can’t. Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to, but it takes action, perseverance, and facing your fears.” 

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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