Exeter College buildings and services will be closed for the Christmas holidays from noon on Friday 19 December 2025 until Monday 5 January 2026 (please note: students return on Tuesday 6 January). If you require any support or help during this time there are a number of resources available to you, for more information click here for useful links. Further details about our dedicated safeguarding team, information and our policies can also be found here.
If you are worried about your own or about someone else’s safety; please contact the MASH Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0345 155 1071 or complete an online referral form or in an emergency contact the appropriate emergency service.
If you need support over the Christmas holiday, please contact one of the organisations below who are available to help.
Exeter College and Petroc College to merge in January
Exeter College and Petroc College to merge in January, creating a regional powerhouse for young people and skills
Exeter College and Petroc College have confirmed they will formally merge on Monday 5 January 2026, creating the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group after the proposals were approved by both Colleges’ Boards of Governors.
As part of the merger, Petroc College will become North Devon College, celebrating its place in the community, while Exeter College will continue under its existing name. The new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group will continue delivering sixth form provision in both Exeter and North Devon, while expanding opportunities for the region to upskill and supporting employers to develop the talent they need to thrive now and in the future.
The Group will also develop a dedicated Centre for Progression in Tiverton, building on the great work already happening on that site. This will support young people with additional needs and those who need a different experience to re-engage with education.
The confirmation of the merger follows a full public consultation, which attracted strong engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, parents, staff, employers, schools and community partners.
This move will create one of the largest place-based college groups in the country. The group will offer education opportunities to over 16,000 learners, employ nearly 2,000 staff, and generate an annual turnover exceeding £100 million, while preserving both colleges’ unique identities and local presence.
John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO of Exeter College, will become Group Principal and CEO of the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group. Jade Otty, Deputy CEO of Exeter College, will become Group Deputy CEO and also take on the role of Senior Leader at North Devon College.
There will be no immediate change for all current students at both colleges following the merger, and they will continue their studies at their existing campuses as normal. The current Interim Principal and CEO at Petroc, Kurt Hintz, is leaving to become the Interim Principal and CEO at Havant and South Downs College on 5th January.
John Laramy CBE, Group Principal and CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:
“We are delighted to confirm the merger has been approved, and in January, Exeter College and Petroc College will combine and officially become one of the very best tertiary college groups in the country. This is an exciting moment for everyone at Exeter College, Petroc College, and for the whole of Devon.
“By establishing Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, we can enhance opportunities for learners, offer more access to exceptional education and skills training, and provide greater sustainability for staff, all while reflecting our shared commitment to excellence, inclusivity and community.
“I am absolutely thrilled by the combined opportunity we have to create a college group with the capacity, capability and ambition to deliver the very best for our region.”
Professor Adam Watt, Chair of the Board for Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:
“I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of the Board for Exeter and North Devon College Group. Together, we will help establish one of the UK’s leading college groups, right here in Devon.
“This merger will deliver positives for all aspects of the communities the Colleges serve, from offering greater choice and improved access to specialist facilities, to providing employers with a single, strong partner that responds to local skills needs. Most importantly, it keeps high-quality education in the community, with both Colleges combining to deliver the scale, capability, and resilience that come from being part of a larger group. The merger is a hugely exciting prospect for the region.”
Festival of Carols unites Exeter College and community in celebration
Exeter College marked the start of the 2025 festive season with its annual Festival of Carols at the spectacular Exeter Cathedral on Thursday 4 December, bringing together students, parents, and the local community for an evening of celebration and reflection.
A packed Cathedral enjoyed outstanding performances from around 150 students representing a range of different faculties, showcasing the breadth of talent and diversity of courses the College has to offer.
The free-to-attend service was held in support of Exeter College’s official charity for 2025/26, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Super Theatre Appeal, raising over £500 towards the cost of a new ‘Super Theatre’ for Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The service was officiated by Reverend Matt Clayton, Leader of Unlimited Church, and Reverend Canon Chris Palmer of Exeter Cathedral.
In his opening remarks, Exeter College’s Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE, reflected on the past year and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone connected to the College and the wider Exeter community.
John said:
“It is always a pleasure to welcome you to this event, a showcase of the amazing talent of our students and staff.
“The city’s college, your college, has had another stunning year. In the summer, our students delivered not only excellent results, but the most consistent that I can remember. Our eSports Rocket League team is off to Doha, Qatar, next week to represent England. Our U18 rugby men’s team are representing England next year in the Sanix World Championships in Japan.
“I wanted to acknowledge the amazing work of our students and staff. Over the last year, they have yet again shown why we are viewed as one of the very best colleges in the country. From all of us at Exeter College, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!”
Debbie Allen, Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Community Fundraiser, said:
“We were thrilled to be invited to be part of such a special evening at the cathedral. Exeter College students have been brilliant supporters of our Super Theatre Appeal, and the Festival of Carols marked the culmination of a fantastic year of fundraising.
“From sponsored runs and walks, to bake sales and fine dining evenings, students have taken our appeal to their hearts and worked so hard in support of their local NHS. Every penny they’ve raised will be helping their local hospital to create a new state-of-the-art operating theatre that will help save thousands of lives across Devon.”
Guests were treated to a programme of festive favourites performed by Exeter College students, featuring several Exeter College ensembles, including the Student Choir, Orchestra, Big Band, Performing Arts Cathedral Choir, The Hill Choir, Christmas Tree-O, and Wind Soc – Join the Dots.
Jaya Renouard, who is studying UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts with a Musical Theatre Pathway, performed as part of the Performing Arts Cathedral Choir and delivered a reading from John 1 1-14. Before the service, she said:
“Everyone’s excited, and you’ve got that buzz and energy, which makes the evening feel different. And we’re in such a special place, it’s a wonderful feeling.”
“It’s really nice that the college does this. I hadn’t ever had the opportunity to do anything in a cathedral or a church like this, especially nowhere as grand as this. It’s really nice to be part of something that’s separate from college but also connected. It feels special because we’re in an important place, and that’s really enjoyable.”
Charlie Trott, who is studying UAL Level 3 Diploma Performing and Production Arts Acting pathway, delivered a reading from Luke 1 26-31. Before the service, he said:
“I’ve had experiences with Carol services back when I was in Primary School. This is a big step up, but I’m ready to go and ready to step up. I’m confident I can make a good example of this reading.
“This is all in support of the Royal Devon Hospital Charity, so a really great cause. They deserve all the praise they can get, and I feel like if we can deliver that tonight, it will bring so much to so many people.”
As Exeter College’s official charity for 2025/26, fundraising activities will continue throughout the year for the Super Theatre Appeal. Donations to support the appeal can be made on Exeter College’s JustGiving page.
Q Acoustics powers performance and sound at Exeter College’s Centre for Rugby
Leading British audio specialist Q Acoustics is proud to be the official audio partner, providing the high-performance sound system for the newly refurbished gym at the Centre for Rugby at Exeter College, home to both the Exeter College Rugby Academy and the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy.
The installation delivers exceptional sound quality to one of the UK’s most advanced college training facilities, designed to support the development of future elite rugby players. The system features four moisture-resistant Q Acoustics QI65EW on-wall speakers, powered by a high-performance amplifier and paired with a powerful Q SUB120 12-inch subwoofer for deep, room-filling bass. All connections use premium cabling from QED, Q Acoustics’ award-winning sister brand renowned for its high-fidelity audio accessories.
Jamie McKay, Sales & Marketing Director for Q Acoustics, said:
“Music has an incredible ability to motivate athletes, enhance focus, and elevate energy levels during intense training sessions, We’re extremely proud to support the next generation of rugby talent by contributing to such a world-class performance environment. The partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of sound to inspire excellence.”
Jon Hill, Head of Rugby at Exeter College, commented:
“The new audio system has completely transformed the gym atmosphere. Music plays a huge role in helping players push themselves further, whether it’s during early-morning sessions or peak pre-match preparations. We’re very grateful to Q Acoustics for their support and generosity.”
Rob Gibson, Manager of the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Academy, added:
“Our focus is on providing players with the best possible environment to train, recover, and develop as athletes. The addition of a professional-grade sound system adds an extra dimension to that experience, it lifts the mood, builds team energy, and brings real enjoyment to every session.”
The collaboration between Q Acoustics, Exeter College, and the Exeter Chiefs Academy highlights a shared commitment to developing talent and promoting performance through innovation.
Exeter College to create world-class hospital training ward
Exeter College has secured £1.3m in funding to create a new, world-class healthcare training facility, opening up opportunities for hundreds of learners to develop vital skills in nursing and healthcare professions.
Funded through an Office for Students’ grant, the state-of-the-art facility will see a fully simulated hospital ward and two multi-purpose laboratories added to Exeter College’s Hele Road campus, right in the heart of Exeter City Centre.
Work to convert the existing Ted Wragg building, which will house both the ward and laboratories, is scheduled to start in January 2026 and is expected to be completed in March 2026. Once finished, it will provide access to important new courses and enhance clinical development opportunities through Assistant Practitioner programmes, Nursing Associate apprenticeships and access to Higher Education courses in Healthcare and Biochemistry.
The investment will expand regional healthcare training capacity, improve accessibility for adult learners and directly address healthcare workforce shortages across the South West. It will also support national priorities, including the NHS 10-Year Plan and the UK Industrial Strategy, ensuring the region is equipped to meet future healthcare demands.
Sam Hillman, Deputy Vice Principal at Exeter College, said:
“We are thrilled to have secured Office for Students funding to build a cutting-edge healthcare training facility at Exeter College, including an amazing hospital ward and two state-of-the-art laboratories.
“This investment is timely, aligning with current government priorities and supporting our brilliant partnership work with the University of Exeter on the co-creation of a health skills escalator. These facilities will ensure our city and region continue to benefit from inclusive health skills curricula and opportunities that exceptional technical teaching and training enable.”
Steve Race, Member of Parliament for Exeter, said:
“Congratulations to Exeter College on their successful bid, which will make such a difference in our community.
“This Labour Government is delivering vital funding to help young people get the skills they need to confidently enter the world of work. This new healthcare training facility will provide world-class education for our next generation of medical professionals, boosting the workforce as we build an NHS fit for the future.
“This is national renewal right on our doorstep – unlocking opportunity for our young people and driving growth for our country.”
Nolan Smith, Director of Resources and Finance at the Office for Students, said:
“This year’s funding allocation will help a broad range of universities and colleges to ensure their students can access the facilities and equipment they need to succeed.
“This was a very competitive funding round, and the projects we are supporting will make a tangible difference to current and future students. As well as expanding opportunities for students in strategically important subject areas, these projects will offer a boost to local and regional economies and promote national growth.”
Exeter College unveils plans to tackle the South West’s construction skills shortage
The South West region’s Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC), Exeter College, has announced its initial plans to deliver its CTEC program and lead the region’s response to the construction industry’s growing skills challenge.
Across the UK, nearly 48,000 additional construction workers are needed each year to meet demand. The sector currently faces more than 140,000 vacancies, and by 2027, it will require an estimated 225,000 new recruits.
On Friday 21 November, Exeter College outlined its strategy to help bridge this gap and boost the pipeline of skilled workers across the whole of the South West. Speaking to 40 representatives from regional colleges, employer representative bodies (ERBs) and local authorities at its Future Skills Centre, the College detailed initiatives to promote collaboration, strengthen employer engagement, expand construction training provision, and create clear career pathways for learners.
Elements of the plans include:
Working with delivery partners to support colleges and private training providers across the region
Facilitating direct engagement with employers to understand challenges and improve collaboration between the education sector and industry
Hosting a series of events and conferences focused on knowledge sharing and building partnerships between training providers and industry
Exeter College was awarded South West CTEC status by the Department for Education in August 2025, in recognition of its high-quality curriculum and strong employer links. Today, the College offers more than 20 construction-related courses, including apprenticeships, T Levels, and full-time programmes, serving over 1,500 learners.
John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College, said:
“I’m delighted that we have been able to launch our plans for delivering as a CTEC and, most importantly, for supporting other education providers, councils, strategic authorities and businesses in making a career in construction one of the most attractive choices there is.
“My own career began in the construction industry, and I draw on the skills and knowledge that gave me on almost a daily basis. That’s why I’m so pleased Exeter College has been chosen by the Department for Education to be the South West’s CTEC, and I can’t wait for us to work in partnership with education providers and employers to learn from each other, so that we can collectively bring more people into this fantastic industry.”
Sam Hillman, Deputy Vice Principal at Exeter College, said:
“The CTEC launch brought together so many brilliant and enthusiastic people committed to tackling the construction sector’s skills challenges. It was inspiring to learn and share best practices on how colleges and providers across the region are training skilled learners and apprentices, and how, through further collaboration, we can create even more opportunities and pathways into this rewarding sector.
“At Exeter College, we are excited and proud to be the South West construction TEC. We are privileged to have this opportunity to work with our college, employer and stakeholder partners to ensure our region benefits from high-quality construction training that amazing teaching and learning enable.”
Constructing the Future Summit plots the path for regional skills and jobs
Exeter College joined forces with the construction industry on Friday 14 November for the inaugural Constructing the Future Summit at Sandy Park, Exeter. The summit focused on strengthening collaboration between education and industry and tackling the sector’s pressing employment and skills challenges in the South West.
Hosted by the College and supported by Exeter City Council’s Strategic Prosperity Fund, the event attracted close to 200 attendees and featured 15 exhibitors from across the region. It saw housebuilders, industry experts, education leaders and public sector officials, alongside an international delegation from Nepal and representatives from the British Council, come together to share experiences, discuss future plans and explore ways of delivering major construction projects in the region.
Delegates heard keynote addresses from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and Homes England, who underlined both the scale of opportunity and the sector’s urgent need for a skilled workforce to meet Government housebuilding targets. They were also joined by Year 6 students from Exwick Heights Primary School who received a standing ovation for presenting their Towns of the Future vision.
With three new towns earmarked for Exeter, Bristol and Plymouth, hundreds of thousands of new homes will be built in the South West in the coming years. The additional large infrastructure projects earmarked for the region are expected to create significant opportunities for young people and adults to access the construction sector.
Exeter College is uniquely positioned to educate and train the next generation of site-ready workers and the professional construction roles needed to complete these projects. The College offers over 20 construction industry courses, including apprenticeships, T-Levels and full-time courses. With over 1,500 learners on programme, it’s making significant contributions to closing the skills gap in the construction sector.
The College has also recently been awarded Construction Technical Excellence College (CTEC) status by the Department for Education, recognising its high-quality curriculum, student and employer engagement, and close industry ties. Exeter College will support the co-ordination of the region’s response to the challenges in the construction industry with regard skills.
Mike Blakeley, Executive Director of Future Skills and Apprenticeships at Exeter College, said:
“The South West has a fantastic opportunity to set the example for delivering successful housing and construction projects, and Exeter College is proud to play a key role in developing the talented workforce needed to make that happen. But for the sector to succeed, collaboration between education, employers and industry is absolutely vital.
“This summit was a brilliant example of that collaboration in action. Bringing together nearly 200 delegates and 15 exhibitors from across the region, alongside an international delegation from Nepal and the British Council, shows the scale and ambition of what’s happening here in the South West.
“With some of the highest numbers of construction apprentice applicants in the UK and our newly awarded Construction Technical Excellence College status, Exeter College is in a strong position to deliver exceptional training and to work with employers to provide the right programmes and career opportunities young people are looking for.”
Danny Clarke, England Engagement Director, CITB, said:
“The construction industry needs more trained people to deliver the projects, whether that’s housebuilding, infrastructure, retrofit, all kinds of areas. We need to upskill the current workforce to make sure they’re competent to do the jobs that are needed, but we also need opportunities for people to enter the industry and develop their skills.
“That’s why it’s important to have Colleges like Exeter College, who are helping train the next generation of construction industry workers, to deliver these skills, ensure young people coming into the sector are site ready and can immediately help deliver these projects.
“The construction industry is the best industry in the world. It’s a job for life, it’s for everybody and its unlikely to be replaced with AI, and everyone who joins it will be making a difference every day.”
Joe Wharton, Assistant Director, Homes England, said:
“There are huge infrastructure projects being delivered here in the South West, which are driving a further demand for homes, and three new town candidates proposed by the Government in the region that could provide tens of thousands of quality homes in sustainable communities.
“The South West is driving innovation in housing across all scales, and some projects in this region are being held up as nationally significant in their production. To deliver these, we need talented people coming through, so making sure there’s a pipeline of young, skilled workers to become the industry experts, replacing those leaving the sector, is absolutely crucial so we can continue to build.”
Peter Sadler, Managing Director, Vistry Group South West:
“We have a massive building program in the UK, and the demand for housing in the South West is as high as probably anywhere else in the country. The numbers are growing and growing, and with that the career opportunities are also expanding. As an industry, we need to act now to get more young people into the sector as quickly as possible and upskill them so they’re ready to deliver for tomorrow!
“Having a variety of training courses available to young people is really important. Exeter College has that and by working in partnership with them and our skills academies, we have a great opportunity to build and grow, and help provide the opportunities young people are looking for.”
Ready to get a taste of College life? Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity to explore our campuses, chat with our experienced staff, and dive deeper into the courses you’re interested in. Don’t miss out — register now!
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry! We’ve got six ways you can make the most out of your Open Event.
Check the Programme
Once you’ve pre-registered, you’ll receive one of three programmes tailored to our city centre or specialist sites. These will be sent out the week of the event, so make sure to give it a read before you arrive. It’ll include maps, activities, and locations—helping you pinpoint where to go for the courses that interest you.
Plan Ahead for Travel
The roads can be busy, and parking is limited – plus, there’s no parking available on our College sites. We recommend using public transport if possible and allowing extra time to park. Planning ahead means you can arrive calm, collected, and ready to explore. Please note there are lots of festive events happening in the city centre on the 20 November.
Find Support when You Need It
Our friendly Welcome Team, dressed in blue, will be on-site to answer any of your questions. For more detailed guidance, head to the Student Support Hub in the Hele Road building. They can help with travel, financial support, careers, and more.
Stay Open to New Course
Even if you have your heart set on a course, stay open to new possibilities. This is your opportunity to explore all of your options. If something else catches your eye, ask the Welcome Team where to go for more details.
Take a Break
Feeling overwhelmed? There are Quiet Areas in the CCI, Hele and Tower Ground LRC’s, available for you to take a moment away from the action. Most of our locations also have cafés offering complimentary refreshments. Grab a hot drink, take a breather, and map out your next stop.
Don’t Forget the School Leavers’ Guide
Make sure to pick up a School Leavers’ guide during the event. It’s a handy reference that covers all the course details, so you can double-check everything before you leave.
If you haven’t already signed up for one of our Open Events, then sign up today. Can’t attend in person? Contact our College Advice Team at 01392 400 600 or via email at cat@exe-coll.ac.uk for personalised advice about your next steps.
Make the most of your visit, and we’ll see you there!
Exeter College apprentice earns major recognition for outstanding contribution in the workplace
Exeter College apprentice Lauren Flood is celebrating being nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the West Country Women Awards, a prestigious event which honours the outstanding contributions of women in the region and their positive impact on the community.
Lauren, who is studying a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Exeter College, was nominated for her outstanding achievements in the workplace and her commitment to professional development.
After initially choosing to study an Animal Care course, Lauren decided to switch to the apprenticeship route because she knew the hands-on experiences it offered would benefit her most.
Lauren Flood, Level 3 Business Administration apprentice at Exeter College, said:
“I wanted to gain skills in the workplace because I’m a practical learner. An apprenticeship gave me the best opportunity to put theory into practice, as well as gaining the benefits of being in employment.
“Going straight into a workplace helped me learn quickly and build skills I don’t think I would have gained in a classroom alone. Being nominated for this award feels like I’ve been recognised for the efforts I’ve put into my apprenticeship so far.”
Lauren’s decision proved transformative, and she is now able to gain valuable experience in a sector she cares about through her apprenticeship with DYS Space Ltd (Space Youth Services), a charity that supports young people across the region.
During her apprenticeship, Lauren has quickly discovered a passion for HR and people development, coordinating training, working on policy writing and supporting HR functions.
She has taken on responsibilities beyond her expected role, identifying organisational gaps and introducing improvements within the organisation. Lauren also developed new processes to support staff and senior leadership, updated key organisational policies, including the charity’s menopause and menstruation policy, and created a capacity tracker to monitor staffing, projects and contracted hours, which is already being used by managers across the organisation.
These contributions led to her nomination for Apprentice of the Year by Steph Holwell, Strategic Lead for Projects and Partnerships at Space Youth Services. Throughout her apprenticeship Lauren has received dedicated support from Exeter College, and she credits both her lecturer and her Skills Officer with helping her stay on track.
Lauren continued:
“I’ve taken on quite a lot of work. I’ve used my initiative and I’ve looked for gaps where we might be lacking in certain areas.
“The College has been really helpful. Whenever I need support, I can call or email, and they’re on top of everything. They’ve helped me figure out what I want to do next.”
Looking ahead, Lauren plans to continue progressing in HR, with ambitions to complete a higher-level apprenticeship in HR and People Management, ideally working towards a CIPD Level 4 or Level 5 qualification.
Lauren explained:
“You get qualifications, practical experience, and you’re part of a workplace. It’s the best of everything.
“For students considering an apprenticeship, I’d advise they make the most of the support available at Exeter College and stay organised! Building good communication and teamwork skills early on will prepare you better for your future career.”
The 2025 West Country Women Awards winners will be announced on 28 November.
Exeter College Hosts Junior Premier League Girls Teams
Exeter City Community Trust and Exeter College look forward to welcoming Tottenham and Crystal Palace to the Exwick Sports Hub this November as part of the ever-growing programme for women’s and girls’ football here in Exeter.
The Exeter City Junior Premier League U15 girls team is one of three sides representing the city in England’s largest national youth football league, which includes 2,500 teams, and places an emphasis on player development in order to combine the best aspects of grassroots football and academy setups.
The team is managed by the Exeter City Community Trust as part of their wider girls’ development centre programme, which provides opportunities for young players of all ages to develop their technical and tactical, psychological, physical, and social skills in a professional, engaging, and supportive environment.
The development centre is led by Exeter College alumni and former Exeter City Women’s Football Club manager, Aaron Wakely, who works in partnership with the College to deliver our Women’s Football Academy.
Speaking on the partnership and the upcoming fixtures, Aaron Wakely said that “the partnership between Exeter College and the Community Trust has played a transformational role in the development of women’s and girls’ football here in Exeter.”
“In recent years it’s been a privilege to work with the College and see the rapid progress made at all levels of the game, which has resulted in several players graduating from our development centre and the College Academy to represent the football club’s women’s team at the senior level with great success.”
“The JPL is the most recent addition to our wider women and girls’ programme, and Tottenham and Crystal Palace’s visits show the energy and ambition that we have for the game and will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent that we have here in our part of the country.”
“Given all that we have done in partnership with the College in the past few years to grow the game and support young people on and off the pitch, it’s perfect that we will be hosting these fixtures at the hub and I’m sure that it will be a positive experience for all involved, not least the players, who are the driving force behind all that we do.”
Alex Boyle, Head of Sport at Exeter College, commented; “It’s a real pleasure to be hosting the Exeter City Junior Premier League U15 Girls team for two high-quality fixtures against internationally renowned football clubs, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. Our strong relationship with Exeter City Community Trust and Exeter City Football Club ensures we continue to support women’s and girls’ sport, from under-16 football right through to the Exeter City Women’s first team.”
“I hope the players thrive in both fixtures and enjoy experiencing the College environment, inspiring them to work towards studying at Exeter College and joining our Women’s Football Academy in the future.”
