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.

Ofsted Outstanding, bringing Exeter College to the next level  

We’re Devon’s only Ofsted Outstanding tertiary college, but how has this top rating helped to shape us and our students’ education?

We were first awarded our Outstanding rating in 2012, after inspectors arrived unannounced, checking on all aspects of College life. This inspection awarded us an overall rating of Outstanding, bringing us to the top level of Ofsted’s rating system, and announcing us as one of the very best colleges in the country.   

Two years passed and the Ofsted inspectors arrived again, once more awarding us with an Outstanding overall rating. On top of this, they ranked us as Outstanding across each of the categories; Outcomes for Learners, Learning and Assessment, Quality of Teaching and the Effectiveness of Leadership and Management.  

Exceptional College

A lot of schools or colleges would see achieving Ofsted Outstanding across all categories as ‘job done’ but not us. We have used this backing as a launchpad to continue to innovate and flourish, benefiting our students and the wider community.   

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College since 2009, said, “While it was our strategic ambition to become Ofsted Outstanding, for us the most important part of this was the national confirmation that our students are achieving great things.   

“Once we were rated Outstanding across all categories, the staff at the college immediately looked at what’s next. We used the validation from Ofsted as a platform and have since set a new vision, which is to become an ‘exceptional college’. I am very pleased to report that with the partnerships we have now, and experiences the College is now able to offer, we are on track to achieve this new milestone.”  

Our Achievements

In recent years, our College has gone from strength-to-strength. We were named as 2016’s Centre of the Year at the City and Guilds Lion Awards, STEM FE College of the Year 2018, and even as one of the Top 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to work for by the Sunday Times in 2019.   

As a college, we pride ourselves on our reputation for our academic, vocational and Apprenticeship excellence, which continues to grow. In 2019 our students achieved exceptional A Level results, with a 99.7% pass rate, well above the national average of 97.6%. Our vocational success continues to exceed the national average, and recently our Apprenticeship team was shortlisted in the Association of College’s Beacon Awards for Employer Engagement.   

Looking to the future, while reflecting on 50 years of excellence since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, has been the key to our drive to exceptional education.   

World Class Facilities

We continue to invest in our College, making sure we have the tools and facilities to provide students the best education. Our renowned Centre for Creative Industries offers students the latest software and equipment in the creative arts, giving them the means to achieve their full potential. In 2015, we opened our Maths and Science Centre, with 11 purpose-built laboratories. On top of this, our Technology and Construction Centres have also seen recent investment, making sure teaching practice is industry-led and fit for the future.   

Our new Digital and Data Centre is also currently under construction. Opening early 2021, this Centre will be part of the wider South West Institute of Technology plan, which will revolutionise the teaching of digital, manufacturing and engineering education across the South West.

Ongoing Success

Due to our Ofsted Outstanding rating, our strive of educational excellence, and our outstanding teaching, we have been selected by the Government to be one of the first providers in the UK, and the only provider in Devon, of the new T Level qualification, which will be rolling out this September.

John Laramy said, “Since the Ofsted Outstanding rating I am delighted to report that student results have improved further and the College’s estate and facilities have really developed. I personally lead ‘learner voice’ and just last week heard first-hand about the great work going on right across the College from learners themselves. I believe part of our ongoing success is down to the way that students and Apprentices remain at the heart of our decision making – their ambition and feedback inspires all of us.  

“During the last few months, we have really benefited from the combination of expert teachers, a dynamic digital strategy and great students. As Principal, I get a real buzz from students achieving their absolute potential and using the result to realise their ambitions.”  

We are currently planning for enrolment, where we will welcome students who will be joining us in September. Everyone who holds an offer to study with us will be informed about the enrolment process in the coming weeks.

You can still apply online to study at our Ofsted Outstanding College for a September 2020 start. Once all requested documents have been submitted and reviewed, applicants will be given a conditional offer.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in high demand in South West

Exeter College students have helped to contribute to the South West’s increasing demand for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, developing vital life skills along the way that will help them in their future careers.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) award is a youth programme which recognises young adults for completing a series of self-improvement exercises.

Those aged between 14-25 have the opportunity to work towards a bronze, silver or gold award. Participants complete a range of activities, from volunteering to fitness, developing practical skills and completing an expedition.

With 15,794 young people in the South West achieving their DofE award over the last 12 months, the demand in the region is well above the national average. 

Devon has seen a 25% increase in students who have achieved their DofE award over the last year. Furthermore, 18.5% of young people in the South West who have taken part have come from a disadvantaged background, showing how inclusive and invaluable this programme is to students.

Even during these unprecedented times, students in the South West have continued with their DofE programme. Many participants have taken part in fitness challenges and have supported vulnerable members of the community.

“We are incredibly proud of our students who are willing to remove themselves from their comfort zones to achieve these prestigious awards,”
Megan Snell, Deputy Head of Student Experience at Exeter College

Heather Thompson, South West Director for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said, “Despite the disruption and challenges the Coronavirus pandemic has brought, the flexibility of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award allows young people to continue their journey despite being required to stay at home. 

“This will have a positive effect on young people’s mental and physical wellbeing. It will also provide a positive focus, a sense of purpose and support to their local community in these unsettling times.”

There’s increasing popularity for DofE as an enrichment opportunity among Exeter College students, with 43 pupils in 2019-2020 starting either a silver or gold award.

Megan Snell, Deputy Head of Student Experience at Exeter College, said, “Exeter College recognises the value in broadening the personal skills sets of our learners and are committed to providing a diverse range of enrichment activities alongside their main programme of study.

“Our Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards in particular have proven to be a life changing experience for many or our learners. It provides them with the important soft skills employers and universities are looking for, as well as developing a greater understanding and respect of their community.

“We are incredibly proud of our students who are willing to remove themselves from their comfort zones to achieve these prestigious awards.”

Heather Thompson added, “I would like to thank Exeter College and their DofE team for doing all they can to ensure cohorts this year don’t miss out. 

“Even with the uncertainty of running expeditions, there is so much young people can gain from undertaking their volunteering, physical and skills sections.”

Following government advice, expeditions will not take place when originally planned. However, all participants will have the opportunity to complete their DofE award in the future. The programme will also be offered to new cohorts in the autumn.

Exeter College is preparing to enrol students to start in September 2020. Find out the latest plans for enrolment.