The achievements of the Class of 2025 celebrated at Exeter Cathedral

Last Friday marked the annual celebration of Exeter College students who had successfully completed their higher-level programmes in the 2024/25 academic year.

Graduates began their day processing through Exeter city centre to cheers and applause from proud family and friends before arriving at Exeter Cathedral.

There were over 140 graduating students across a range of levels, sectors and subject areas. Exeter College partners with awarding bodies and Higher Education institutions to offer programmes as wide-ranging as Data Science to Coaching and Fitness, Teaching to Health and Social Care, and more. These important partnerships enable the College to continue to deliver world-class training and education for the city and region.

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE, welcomed graduates and guests, congratulating those who had achieved their qualifications:

“Many of you have undertaken your studies alongside other life commitments, from raising a family to jobs, and more. Today marks a truly remarkable achievement, and we are grateful for the contribution you have made to the Higher Education community at Exeter College.”

Amongst graduates was Shrika Palakaden who attained her Level 5 CELTA qualification, an internationally recognised qualification for those who wish to teach English to speakers of other languages. She commented:

“One of the best things about studying at College has been the flexibility of the course. The structure of the course means we are only in class one day a week and can then continue to work on the other days. It has been amazing to be back in the classroom. It really has been an unforgettable experience.”

Two adult students in their graduation gowns smiling with arms round each other — *Srika is pictured left, alongside fellow graduate Sanjana Zunjur*

Tom Drawert’s parents watched proudly as he graduated with a Foundation Degree in Aircraft Engineering, awarded by Kingston University. He said:

“It was tough, especially as we had both the university course and then the Civil Aviation Authority licence exams to contend with. But I’m very, very happy today. The teachers were the best part of the course. They knew their field really well and never hesitated to help us and to get us through the tougher parts.”

Student in their graduation gown stood in between their parents — *Tom is pictured centre, alongside his parents.*

Tom now plans to progress to employment at a regional airport.

Samatar Osman celebrated with others graduating from the Level 4 Junior Management Consultant Apprenticeship. He told us:

“This apprenticeship helped me to land a full-time position. I was able to go around to different placements whilst studying different theories and how to get projects over the line. All of this has helped me secure what is now a full-time post at Great Western Railway as a Position Delivery Manager.”

Three students in their graduation gowns stood outside the cathedral smiling with arms around one another — *Samatar is pictured centre, celebrating with other graduates from the Level 4 Junior Management Consultant Apprenticeship*

Graduates were addressed by guest speaker, Julian Tagg BEM, President and Director of External Affairs at Exeter City Football Club and Chairman of Exeter City Community Trust who spoke with passion and sincerity about his journey and his long-established and enduring connections with Exeter College:

“My connection with Exeter College is the reason I feel particularly honoured to be here today. Exeter College has given you a start, just as it did for me. You can rightfully take pride in being part of Exeter’s story.”

For anyone interested in learning more about Higher Technical Education programmes at Exeter College, please visit https://exe-coll.ac.uk/university-level/, or head along to our next open event on Thursday 20 November, 4- 8pm, to learn more about the courses on offer.

Exeter College Celebrates Class of 2024 with Procession to Exeter Cathedral

At the end of October, over 160 Exeter College graduates processed down Exeter High Street to the beautiful Exeter Cathedral in glorious autumn sunshine. This special occasion marked the end of their journey with Exeter College and the beginning of their exciting next steps.

Exeter College offers a variety of Higher Technical Education programmes, including Foundation Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, HNCs, HNDs and Higher Level Apprenticeships. Working closely with prestigious partners such as the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University, Kingston University, and CMI, the College is able to offer courses on a range of desirable subjects.

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

“I would like to thank all the graduates for their contribution to the Higher Education community at Exeter College and congratulate them for their success, which is marked by today’s milestone event.

“Today was made extra special, as our graduates heard some inspirational words from Dr Andrew Roe CB, the new Rector of the slightly older Exeter College in Oxford. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to share this special day with graduates’ families and friends. Congratulations again to the class of 2024 and all the very best for the future.”

Speaking to our graduates, Dr Andrew Roe CB, Rector of Exeter College at the University of Oxford said;

“I congratulate today’s graduates and their teachers on a job extremely well done. To work at the level required by the examining bodies and to meet Exeter College’s exacting values requires commitment, application and – no doubt – endurance.

“The qualities that you have all displayed to achieve your academic goals will be the same as you require in life, particularly in employment, to meet the complex demands of the ever-changing world in which we live.

“But it is rare for students to succeed alone, and in many cases your families and friends have played a vital support role over the past months and years. To those friends and family members, you also deserve recognition and praise, and my sincere thanks go to you also.”

A group of graduates celebrate outside Exeter Cathedral — Graduates from the BA Business Management course.

BA Business Management Graduate, Michael Dalton, (pictured above, far left) is excited for the future. Speaking about his experience, he said;

“It’s been a journey of 3 years to get to this point, and it’s nice that I’m finally at the point that I can say I’ve done it, I’m at the end. I can’t wait for that moment to throw my cap up, I’m just so full of excitement and excitement for the what the future holds.

“Some of the opportunities that I’ve had whilst I’ve been at the College, I wouldn’t have been able to get without my tutors help so I’m very grateful to them for all the time and effort they have shared with us and the help they have given to get us to this point.”

A female mature graduate smiles at the camera

Heather Darracott (pictured above) studied the Level 5 HR Consultant/Partner Apprenticeship shared her pride in achieving this goal.

“For 3 years, I’ve travelled up and down from Holsworthy and had fantastic support from my tutor. From start to finish it was just brilliant. Since starting the course I have been promoted and have been applying what I have learnt in the classroom.

“My children are older now and have left home so this was a chance to do something for me and to have a second career. I’ve been to both their graduations so to do it myself is incredibly rewarding.”

Graduates from the FdA Football Coaching and Development course.

Matt Rowe (pictured above, far left), from Seaton, studied the Foundation Degree in Football Coaching and Development. He balanced his studies with a job and is now completing an optional third year at Plymouth Marjon with the hope of teaching PE in the future.

“As someone who came from A Levels and from not doing anything sport related in 2 years, it was all very different, but my tutor was great at helping me adjust and seeing us through to the end as well which was fantastic.

“Today it’s just great to see all my friends from the course and our lecturers as well. I never thought I would be here really. I nearly didn’t go to university at all, so now I’m here it’s a great achievement.”

Exeter College extends its congratulations to all graduates and wishes them continued success.

Prospective students can learn more about university level programmes at our upcoming Open Event on Wednesday 20 November.