Celebrating T Levels: Situ and Exeter College Working Together
At Situ – The Global Accommodation Agency – they are passionate about supporting young talent and fostering growth in the industry. Since 2008, they have been connecting businesses and organisations with tailored accommodation solutions in over 144 countries. Their mission is to make every stay perfect, whether it’s for one trip or an entire team’s plan.
This commitment to people is why collaborating with Exeter College for T Levels has been such an exciting journey. We spoke to the team at Situ, to find out more.
Discovering T Levels
When we first heard about T Levels, we saw an incredible opportunity to partner with local educational institutions and nurture young talent. After engaging with Exeter College’s enthusiastic team, we participated in a pitch and interview day. It was a smooth and inspiring process that led us to welcome Tom (pictured middle of back row), a Business T Level student, to Situ.
The Value of a T Level Placement
Having a T Level student has brought fresh perspectives and valuable support to our team. Tom’s eagerness to learn has enabled us to dive deeper into certain projects while maintaining our dedication to clients, suppliers, and guests. It’s a win-win: Tom gains hands-on experience in the corporate world, and we benefit from his skills and enthusiasm.
Tom’s Role at Situ
Tom has contributed to a variety of tasks across our Guest Care and Supply Chain departments, including administrative and data-led projects. He’s also shadowed other teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of how our business operates.
Building Skills for the Future
One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been watching Tom develop professionally. By collaborating with different departments and experiencing the day-to-day rhythm of an office, he’s gained insights into teamwork and corporate goal-setting. His exceptional communication and writing skills, combined with his quick learning ability, make him stand out as a future star.
Why We Recommend T Level Placements
Hosting a T Level student has been a fantastic experience for Situ. It’s an opportunity to give back to the local community, support young people as they start their careers, and create a pipeline of future talent. Our advice to other employers? Don’t underestimate these students’ potential! Give them diverse opportunities, and you’ll be amazed at how they rise to the occasion.
What’s Next?
Would we host another T Level student? Supporting local students aligns perfectly with our goals of nurturing talent and fostering collaboration so we hope we can continue this in the future.
If you’re a student interested in joining us at Situ, we’d love to hear from you!
To find out more about T Levels at Exeter College, visit us at an open event.
How lifelong learning can help combat isolation and anxiety
We all know the benefits of lifelong learning; how it’s good for our brains, our mental health, our physical health. There are unexpected benefits too, some that come with growing a community of like-minded people and sharing something special.
One Exeter College learner, Si Egan, has been on quite a journey since he first stepped into an adult learner Creative Writing class delivered by college tutor Sam Watson, through the Devon Recovery Learning Community. Here they talk a little about that journey together.
Si explains, “The first course I did was the Devon Recovery Learning Community one at St Sidwell’s and that was not long after the end of lockdown. I had already been off work with anxiety for about a year, I had left that job and realised I needed to get out and start doing something.
“I conveniently live just above St Sidwell’s Community Centre, so it was just downstairs, which meant I could risk going down. I snuck in and sat as near to the door as possible in case it was too overwhelming. It was like an escape if I found it too much, but it wasn’t, it was great. It was a good group – there was no pressure, you didn’t have to share stuff if you didn’t want to.”
Sam remembers this clearly, adding;
“He came and sat in a chair by the door the first week. It wasn’t a big room. There were a few empty chairs around the room, but he specifically sat by the door and I thought ‘I’ve noticed that. I’ve seen you’ and I wondered whether at break he might just quietly leave and not come back. He did come back, and I noticed each week he sat on a different chair and came further into the room. It was one of the best things.”
Putting that tentative foot through the door opened new opportunities for Si, connecting him with new people across the city. He has since done several writing courses with Exeter College through the Devon Recovery Learning Community and the Urban Learning Academy.
“It was good to listen to other people and see what came out of that. That made me get as far as outside St Sidwell’s to the library. And then to here, all the way to the Community Centre on St Davids Hill, which, when you have been very isolated, is like the other side of the world really.”
Si credits his regular return to these classes with the need we have to listen and learn from others, saying;
“I think for me, it’s about the social aspect of it. I get a lot of ideas from other people. You get to know about other people and their lives and the way they view the world. It can be very different from where you are. We all need some interaction. Something I’ve started is my own creative writing class on a Friday afternoon. The main thing that I try and focus on is I’m not really trying to teach creative writing; I’m trying to get people to listen to each other and be heard in that space. It’s amazing how some people don’t get that. They’ve got no one to listen to them and that is hugely important.”
Sidwell Scribblers, as it is now called, came about after a workshop making chutney, in which Si realised it wasn’t about learning to make chutney, but the desire to help others.
“It was just hilarious because I wasn’t paying attention to what we were doing. We were trying to measure things out and put them into the blender, the whole room was laughing their heads off and I realised, I want to do something like volunteering because the chopping up was quite therapeutic!”
Through working with St Sidwells, Si was then successful at securing funding from Recovery Devon and Devon County Council, enabling the Sidwell Scribblers a regular spot.
“I’d say some of the people who come are more serious writers than others, but I’m just trying to get people to come and interact really. I think it’s good for your mental health, that sort of interaction and acceptance.”
Sam describes Si as having an innate feeling for other people. “When we get new learners into classes, they don’t know anybody else, and you can pick up that they have some anxiety, or they have some issues, and Si doesn’t even say anything specific but there is just a feeling that it’s going to be okay. You might be quite chatty, but some weeks it’s enough to step out of your door and get into a different space for a couple of hours. Have a cup of tea. Maybe just sit back and just allow the chats to go on around you but you have a different space and he is really good at that.”
Si’s connection with people certainly seems to be getting noticed as he recently facilitated an activity for Recovery Devon for their annual reports day. Choosing to write a collaborative poem, ending up with three amazing sheets of writing. He also gave a powerful talk about how he supported his recovery journey through Creative Writing, citing the courses as a support structure to write and to learn to listen.
Si is also soon to be published in Lumpen magazine, writing what he describes as “quite a miserable piece about going to get some electric from the co-op and coming back.”
“There was a sinkhole outside St Sidwell’s, which I was fascinated by as an idea, and I culminate with the idea that the entire place will just collapse in on its own. This sinkhole is like metaphor for society just saying we want all these troubles to go away – we don’t want there to be poor people and we don’t want to see them.”
Earlier in the year, Si was also awarded the Exeter College Award for Community Learning at the end of year celebration where he was applauded by his fellow learners. Sam says,
“To see that journey from sitting by the door, to having your work on display at the cathedral, to running your own group, to being successful and applying for funding for these things. It’s just a phenomenal thing to see. Si is funny, charming, and knowledgeable and is always aware of those learners in class who might be feeling a little bit anxious. As a teacher, it’s a lovely thing to witness such collective support amongst learners for each other.”
If you would like to know more about Adult Learning with Exeter College, please call our friendly team on 01392 400170 or visit us at an Open Event.
Available Now: Exeter College School Leavers’ Course Guide 2025-26
Our brand new School Leavers’ Course Guide for students interested in joining Exeter College in September 2025 is now available!
You can view the guide online, download it, or request a printed copy to be posted to you. It’s designed to be user-friendly and is filled with essential information.
How to use the guide
To help you navigate easily, the guide is divided into clear sections:
Your Choice This section provides details on our course offerings, how to select the right course for you, and what level of study might be best.
Your College Here, you’ll find information about the campus, including a site map and transport links. This section also covers timetables, EXtra opportunities, and support available.
Your Application This section outlines the six straightforward steps from school to College and provides additional details about the application process.
Look out for…
Apprenticeships – Highlighted in pink throughout the guide.
T Levels – with many new T Levels in subjects such as Marketing now available.
EXtra – Discover all the exciting Extra opportunities beyond the core curriculum.
What’s inside the guide?
The guide includes information on all the courses and Apprenticeships offered to School Leavers at Exeter College. With a broad range of study options, including A Levels, Apprenticeships, and vocational courses like T Levels, you’ll find something that suits you. For a more detailed look, use the course search feature.
Find out more
To explore everything Exeter College has to offer, attend one of our Open Events. We host three Open Events annually. Click here to register:
Our College Advice Team is here to help you find the right course. Contact them to arrange a visit or a chat. Call 01392 400500 or email cat@exe-coll.ac.uk.
Exeter College Launches New Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Apprenticeship
Start Date: 1st October 2024
Exeter College, in collaboration with Plymouth Marjon University, is excited to announce the launch of the new Level 5 Assistant Practitioner (Health) Apprenticeship, starting on the 1st of October 2024. This program, aligned with the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled health and social care professionals.
This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity for experienced individuals in support roles to enhance their clinical expertise while working alongside registered healthcare professionals. Upon completion, apprentices will be well-equipped to deliver, supervise, and coordinate compassionate care for diverse patient groups across a variety of health and social care settings.
Employers across the healthcare sector have already recognised the essential role of Assistant Practitioners in improving patient outcomes. “Our Assistant Practitioner has helped tremendously on the ward, bridging the gap between our HCAs and our Band 5 nurses. She is the first line of defence in patient care and is a highly skilled member of the team, due to both her educational and clinical training,” said Rhi Humphreys, NHS Midwife.
The apprenticeship offers 12 comprehensive modules, including:
Providing high quality, evidence-based clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic care
Foundations of professional practice
Anatomy and Physiology
Communicating effectively
Communication and working in teams
Quality improvement, audit and research activities
Leading and Integrating Care
The programme is carefully designed in partnership with healthcare employers and service users, ensuring that students are equipped to meet real-world demands.
“The course is intended to prepare students to become independent practitioners specialising in their chosen pathway. The programme has been designed in collaboration with employers and service users, combining study that is university-based alongside learning in the workplace. A high level of evidence-based clinical training, embedded with new knowledge attained from the programme, is a vital component and makes Assistant Practitioners a valued member of the nursing team.” – Donna Lucas PgCert Clinical Education, Programme Leader Assistant Practitioner and T Level Adult Nursing
The program is designed with extensive support and learning resources, including access to a state-of-the-art simulation suite, replicating hospital, GP, and community care settings.
Entry Requirements:
A Level 3 BTEC or QCF in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
T Level P (C+ in core elements)
Three A-levels at grades DDD or higher
Level 2 GCSEs (grade C or above in English and maths) or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills
This apprenticeship is an excellent pathway for those looking to develop their careers in health and social care while contributing to the future workforce. Exeter College is committed to ensuring apprentices have access to all the necessary resources, including our Learning Resource Centre (LRC), with additional recommended readings available for those wishing to explore further.
For more information and how to apply, please contact us on 01392 400800.
Exeter College Travel Support Scheme for 16-18 Full Time Learners 2025/26
We don’t want the cost of travel to be a barrier to you accessing an outstanding education. All full time 16-18 learners who live more than 3 miles from College can access subsidised travel passes for buses and/or trains regardless of household income. However, we know that the cost of living crisis is particularly impacting lower income families in Devon, so Exeter College has increased it’s investment in supporting travel costs for eligible students starting courses in September 2025. The new levels of support will now offer extra travel subsidies to households with an income below £50k per year. This means that travelling to Exeter College might cost much less than you think (and will be completely free of charge for some households). See below for how much a train or bus pass will cost in the next academic year: 2025/26.
If your household income is £50,000* or below, OR you are in care, a care leaver or living independently, you should apply to the bursary before applying for a travel pass.
If you think you might be eligible for further financial support and want to apply, you can contact Exeter College’s Bursary Advisers on 01392 400526.
Exeter College Students Achieve Record Success in Competitive University Admissions and Career Pathways
This summer, Exeter College has celebrated remarkable success in placing students into highly competitive fields such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry. A record 20 students secured places at the prestigious universities of Cambridge and Oxford, representing 30% of those who applied. This is nearly double the national success rate from state schools and significantly ahead of those of independent schools.
Among these exceptional students is Ruby Wallace (pictured below), who thrived at Exeter College. Ruby studied English Literature, Philosophy and Early Modern History at A Level and has now earned a place at Oxford University to study Philosophy and Theology.
“I’ve really enjoyed College and found it very supportive; it’s been a wonderful experience. My tutors have all been amazing. I’d recommend it – all the teachers are passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects. I’ve really liked it here.”
Ruby explains that she had “high aspirations” and so joined the Reach Academy to support her goals.
“It was very supportive, we had weekly lectures in our first year and that opened us up to a wide range of different speakers and ideas that you can then use in your personal statement. I applied to Oxford which had admissions tests and written work, but all my teachers were incredibly supportive.”
Ruby says she is “very happy” with her results of three A’s.
“I’m going to Oxford to study Philosophy and Theology. I’m very excited to have some more independence and to learn more about these subjects in greater depth. The course looks incredible and I’m looking forward to the experience of it all.”
Students wishing to go on to careers in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry have also had successful results this summer. The College supported 28 applicants with Medical School applications, with a success rate of 57%.
One student going on to Medical School is Honor Bickley. She says her decision to apply to Medical School came from a passion for Science and enjoying the interactions that will come with being a doctor. She added;
“Exeter College was excellent at signposting me to various work experience options which allowed me to gain experience and interactions with surgeons and doctors. They were also proactive in arranging talks by outside professionals and guest speakers which included past and present medical students.
“Martin Gilbert (from the Reach Academy) was really encouraging and helpful with guiding me through writing my personal statement – I genuinely believe that this made all the difference to my application.”
“I didn’t know I wanted to do medicine until I was 19, hence I didn’t have the right A Levels to apply for medicine. I spent a long time working out suitable courses for me to study that would enable me to go to university and become a doctor.
“I really enjoyed doing the Chemistry and Biology Access course, the teachers were excellent and if I needed support, they were always simply an email away. The communication was good, and feedback was clear and supportive on all my submitted works.”
Students at Exeter College can choose to study from a diverse range of courses, including T Levels. The College was chosen as a pilot provider of T Levels in 2020 and now delivers over 14 courses. In 2024, Exeter College students achieved two of the 14 Distinction Stars (the equivalent to an A* at A Level) awarded nationwide—a remarkable achievement.
Emma Green, who studied the T Level in Education and Childcare is progressing to Bath Spa University to study Sociology with a plan to work in youth work and child protection.
“The T Level allowed me to focus on my passion for working with children. My work placement has been so valuable in gaining the skills I need for my future studies and career.
“I’ve been able to explore areas of my subject I hadn’t considered before and been challenged to explore my ideas both in the classroom and in my placements.”
George Cheeseman, another top achiever, continues his studies at Exeter College on the HNC Applied Computing course. He said;
“I’m really happy with the grade I received and enjoyed my time studying the T Level (in Digital Support Services) as I got to specialise in a subject I’m passionate about.”
Overall, 80% of Exeter College’s university applicants secured their first choice, a testament to the students’ dedication and the College’s exceptional support through the UCAS process.
You can find out more about all the courses mentioned above at an Exeter College Open Event.
Exeter College Learners Celebrate GCSE Exam Success with Record Progress Rates
Exeter College students are celebrating their GCSE results today as sixth form and adult learners alike collect their results, alongside thousands of young people across the country.
Bucking the national picture for those retaking English and Maths GCSEs, sixth form learners have made amazing progress from the GCSE grade they attained in school while studying alongside their full time course.
One of those students is Trinity Bridger who retook her GCSE Maths and English. Trinity previously achieved a 3 in English and has made amazing progress, getting a 6 today, alongside also improving her grade in GCSE Maths to a 4. She said;
“I’m a bit shocked, I wasn’t expecting to go up as many grades. I have felt 100% supported by my tutor and Maths and English tutors, especially my personal tutor who supported me to go to my lessons and believed I could get the grades. Doing the GCSEs alongside my full-time course has meant I could still study what I wanted but I am over the moon I have got them now!”
At Exeter College, all 16-18 learners re-sitting their GCSE in English or Maths are entered for the exam to give them an opportunity to make progress. In GCSE Maths, one in three students who took the exam achieved a grade 4 (previously a C) or better – almost double the national average for 4+ success rates in this exam series. In GCSE English, a quarter of learners achieved a 4 or above, even though national averages reduced.
Sam Hillman, Assistant Principal at Exeter College praised the progress students have made, saying;
“We are exceptionally proud of our GCSE Maths and English learners. This vital policy provides learners not only with a second chance, but their best chance of developing their literacy and numeracy skills and achieving qualifications that are truly life changing. A huge well done to all our learners and the progress you have made.”
Tyler Smith is a student who has shown great resilience and determination and was delighted to achieve a 4 in his GCSE Maths and a 5 in GCSE English today (improving from the grade 2 and 3 achieved at school). Tyler says it was a lot of hard work but feels “so good” about his result today, adding;
“My personal tutor was really good. He was always making sure I was keeping on top of the work and telling me what I needed to do and what needed to be done so I felt supported.”
Matt Hine, Head of Foundation Maths and English at Exeter College, said;
“These high-stakes assessments in literacy and numeracy mean so much to our learners, both in terms of their progression and their own sense of accomplishment and achievement. The successes today are fantastic news for our learners and a real credit to the hard work of our subject expert Foundation Maths and English team.”
Exeter College also supports adults wishing to gain their English and Maths GCSEs, as these are often vital qualifications for progression into careers and university courses. This year 71% of adults sitting GCSE Maths achieved high grades (4 and above) and 61% of English GCSE adult students achieved a high grade.
Director of Adult and Higher Education, Lucinda Sanders, said;
“We are so proud of our Adult GCSE students, this year’s fantastic results are down to their hard work, commitment to their studies, as well as the outstanding teaching support from their teachers. We wish them all the luck for the future and look forward to seeing many continue their education journey with us at Exeter College.”
Jiao Jiao Wan (pictured above) took GCSE Maths, alongside studying an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course. She achieved an impressive grade 5, earning the top grade across the adults taking the Maths foundation paper.
Sam Davies achieved a brilliant grade 6 in GCSE English. He said;
“I’m feeling very happy with the result and to get it done. I never really thought I was going to get it and after failing them in 2018, I just thought it wasn’t for me. College helped me to get the support I needed with my Dyslexia. This helped me to process things a bit better and have more time to check my work and get everything from my head onto the paper.
“My teacher was fantastic, she’s the best teacher I have ever had, especially for English. She really listened to me, and she recognised that not everyone learns the same way.”
Hasina Rahmani (pictured above) collected her results for GCSE Maths today, achieving a grade 4. She will shortly be starting an ESOL Level 2 course. She is delighted to pass Maths and said;
“As a person whose first language isn’t English, it was quite hard for me. We had an extra course to help prepare us for the exam skills, which was so helpful. I am grateful to my tutor and all the College staff because they tried their best for us. I’m really happy with my results, this is my first attempt taking the GCSE and I passed!”
Tammy Tudor (pictured above left) was collecting results for GCSE Maths and English today. Speaking about her results she said;
“I got a 4 in Maths and a 7 in English. I’m feeling really good.
“I never had the opportunity to do my GCSEs when I was younger, I just wanted it under my belt and to show my kids that I could do it. It opens more doors. When a job application says you need GCSEs, I’ve got that now, so I don’t need to worry.”
Fellow classmate in English, Kirsty Baird (pictured above right), added;
“It was nice coming back to College because there’s people from all walks of life and different careers, it was fun and a good variety. We had such a good teacher; she really pushed and encouraged us and was very supportive.”
Exeter College Shines with Impressive A Level Exam Results
Exeter College students are celebrating exceptional achievements, marked by remarkable A Level results. The College’s overall A Level pass rate was 99.5%, ahead of the national average of 97%, with 26 A Level subjects achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate, exceeding even last year’s outcome.
57% of A Level grades were at the highest A*, A or B, classified as ‘high grades’, exceeding the national average. A*-C grades were also impressive with 83% of students achieving these grades, with the national average sitting at 76%.
The College’s innovative and unique educational approach, which includes a rigorous externally set and marked AS exam in the first year, has played a significant role in the success of these outcomes. This approach, combined with the College’s bespoke “Extend” and “Excel” offer, has empowered students to excel across the full spectrum of A Level subjects.
Billie Stokes, Assistant Principal at Exeter College expressed how proud she is of A Level learners, saying;
“Our A Level learners have achieved excellent results, and we are immensely proud of their hard work, commitment, and resilience. We believe that our wide and diverse A Level offer, taught by exceptional teachers, provide our learners with the best opportunities for success. The learners dedication has truly paid off, and we wish them every success as they embark on the next steps of their journey.”
CC Addison took A Levels in Biology, Maths and PE and is going to the University of Birmingham.
Across the country last week, students studying A Levels collected their results. One of those students was CC Addison who took A Levels in Biology, Maths and PE.
“I’ve got an A* in PE and A in Maths and Biology, I am very happy with that. I’m going to the University of Birmingham to do Physiotherapy. The goal is to be a Sport Physiotherapist.
“Exeter College is really good for preparing you for university, because you are quite independent, it’s very similar (to university), it’s a bigger step away from school.”
The College has a uniquely broad A Level offer and students excelled across the spectrum of subjects. In nine different subjects more than a third of students achieved an A or an A*. In Fine Art 79% of students achieved a high grade with 43% at A or A*, over a quarter of the students achieved the very highest A* grade. Graphic Design also saw success with 91% of students achieving high grades. Science results were exceptional, in Chemistry 39% of students achieved an A or an A*, while in Biology 35% achieved an A or an A* with 9% achieving the top A* grade, in both subjects over 60% of students secured a high grade.
Jakin Talbot took A Levels in Maths, Psychology and English Literature and achieved A*, A, A.
Jakin Talbot (pictured above) who took A Levels in Maths, Psychology and English Literature achieved A*, A, A and is going to Cardiff University to study Law. He has loved the opportunities College has given him, saying;
“I have really enjoyed the extra curricular activities. I was able to be part of Reach Academy which was brilliant and vital for where I found all my friends. Doing some of the sports clubs as well and getting to do things that I couldn’t do at secondary school, that was really nice.”
English Literature saw 60% of students achieve a high grade with a quarter of students achieving an A or an A*.
Issi Marklew (pictured above, second from left) studied A Levels in English Literature, Biology and Chemistry. Izzy is now heading to the University of Oxford to study English Literature. She got an A*, A and B.
“I really enjoyed English Literature at GCSE and I chose it to balance out the Sciences I picked, but then I realised Literature was my real passion. All my teaching was brilliant, but in English particularly it really made me excited to study it and I had great support to get me to Oxford University to continue my studies.”
In Law and Mathematics 62% of students achieved high grades, with 36% in both subjects achieving an A or an A*. In Further Maths, 32% of students achieved the highest A* grade.
Music A Level, not commonly offered in state providers, and often part of the offer in private schools, achieved the remarkable feat of 100% of students achieving high grades and 55% scoring an A or A*.
Ayomide Okesola (pictured above) studied A Level Business, Psychology, and a BTEC in IT. She is now progressing to do a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Project Management at Exeter College.
“I’ve got an A in Psychology, A in Business and Distinction* in BTEC IT, so I am pretty pleased. It’s been a lot of hard work; sleepless nights, effort, and tears of joy have gone into these two years, to come out like this is amazing for me… I am proud of myself.
“What I love about college is I do really enjoy my subjects, learning has been a real pleasure, I was looking forward to coming to college every single day. What I enjoyed most were the EXtra things I get to do on top of my studies, just being involved and knowing I am a part of this college. As much as I am receiving an education I am contributing to the development of the college, that has brought me a lot of satisfaction.”
Students in their first year, taking AS exams, have also excelled. Mathematics saw 46% of students achieving the very highest grades, with 42% of Classics students also achieving an A*, A or B and an amazing 62% of Spanish students falling into that bracket too.
In the creative subjects, students studying Drama and Theatre Arts and Film Studies excelled with 61% and 68% of students receiving high grades. This success in our AS subjects shows how these exams help to build confidence and prepare students for their A2 exams.
One student collecting AS results was Honey Forty (pictured above), studying English Language, French and Geography, getting a brilliant A, A, B. Honey volunteers for Radio Exe and says it’s easy to love what you’re doing when you’re doing your passion.
“I chose these subjects because I want to be a journalist and have a passion for communication and connecting with people. So, French and Geography will allow me to travel the world and with English I can write about it. The teachers have been fantastic, and I’ve bonded with my classmates. I’ve found my people here.”
Exeter College and the College governors would like to thank and congratulate the class of 2024 and thanks staff, parents, and partners for making this another year to celebrate.
Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College Strengthen Partnership to Foster Young Rugby Talent
Exeter College is celebrating the ongoing strengthening of their partnership with Exeter Chiefs, a cornerstone in developing young rugby talent in the region. This collaboration is crucial for nurturing aspiring players and enhancing the pathway from grassroots to professional rugby. As the Chiefs begin the new rugby season, with over 25 alumni players selected for the men’s and women’s teams, it is a fitting time to acknowledge this alliance.
Speaking with Rob Baxter, Director of Rugby at Exeter Chiefs, he emphasised the importance of the partnership:
“Exeter College is a hugely important part of our ongoing success. Not only because they are one of our academy centres, making them a hub and focal point for aspiring young players, but also because we’ve got some ex-Exeter Chiefs players there who are involved in a great coaching set-up. This arrangement ensures continuity and fosters a strong connection between the College and the club.”
Baxter highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, noting the alignment of coaching techniques and philosophies between the two institutions.
“The crossover of coaching and techniques teaches our young players what we want them to develop. The College set-up itself is very well supported by John Laramy as principal, all the way down through the coaching teams. We’re delighted with the facility improvements which are going to be happening across the next couple of years, as it will allow us to really build a fantastic sporting hub as part of the College.”
Chris Wall, Sports Academy Manager at Exeter College, also praised the partnership’s success in developing players for professional rugby, demonstrated by the number of players now on the Chiefs roster.
“Our long-standing partnership with Exeter Chiefs has seen many alumni learners make the transition to play for the club. The College’s outstanding academic provision, breadth of course choice, as well as outstanding pass rates and retention figures, mean that Exeter College provides an excellent grounding, allowing young men and women to link full-time education with their rugby ambitions.
“Our rugby players train a minimum of three times a week, under the guidance of Chiefs Academy staff and full-time lecturers, play in quality fixtures and can access Sports Therapy support, strength and conditioning and video analysis.”
Wall added, “Currently, 27 male and female players on the Chiefs playing roster have come through the College, an outstanding strike rate considering the demands of the Premiership and Premier XV competitions. Our new Foundation Degree in Coaching and Fitness (FdSc) further strengthens opportunities for players to study here post-18 and play for the University of Exeter in the BUCs competition.”
Both Exeter Chiefs and Exeter College are enthusiastic about the future, particularly with the upcoming developments in rugby facilities at the College and the strengthening of the College’s offer through the Coaching and Fitness Degree. These improvements are set to enhance training and development opportunities, supporting the next generation of rugby stars.
“I can only see Exeter College providing more and more young, talented players. We have a great pathway now, right through from a very young age group to schools, into colleges and they are now linked very progressively into the University of Exeter. All of this means we’re getting a very solid foundation in place for ensuring ongoing success for the region, the college, the university, and for Exeter Chiefs,”Baxter concluded.
The partnership continues to flourish, offering a robust and comprehensive pathway for young athletes, integrating education and elite sports training, and promising to produce more talented players for the future.
A talented Ukrainian teenager is celebrating academic success after fleeing war-torn Dnipro and having to leave behind his family following the Russian invasion.
Gherman Lovchynskyi (pictured below) moved to Exeter without his parents and younger brother in 2022.
Two years on he is preparing to become a university student in Exeter, the city he arrived in after leaving Dnipro.
The 19-year-old, who dreams of setting up his own fashion company, enrolled at Exeter College when he arrived in May 2022. After taking a BTEC Level 2 Business course he was inspired by conversations with other students to take an access to university diploma in business. This September he will enrol in a marketing degree at the University of Exeter.
Gherman’s father Dmtryi, an accountant, and mother Julia, are living in Dnipro with his younger brother Lev, 9.
Gherman said: “Despite the events of the past two years I’m ok. You have to keep going. I have plans for the future. I want to work in marketing in the fashion industry, hopefully setting up my own business where I would create a community of talented people to design for my own boutique.
“The pathway course was very useful in preparing me for university life, particularly the study skills needed.”
Gherman and other students took part in the Mature Access Pathway, run by the University of Exeter and Exeter College to provide access to specialist information and advice for those returning to education.
The pathway allows students to experience what university life is like and polish their study skills through workshops, talks, and on-campus activities. There is also access to academic staff, mentors, and current undergraduate students who have given information, advice, and guidance they need to make an informed decision about their future.
The course was set up after University of Exeter analysis showed mature students can lack confidence in applying to higher education and often prefer to study for a degree locally. The review showed the need for mature students to meet those in the same situation and to get targeted information about finances and life as an undergraduate.
It includes social events and advice about money and living matters. It also includes help on how to choose the right course. It forms part of the timetable of all Access to Higher Education students at Exeter College.
Billy Gelo (pictured above), from Torquay, who took part in the pathway, dropped out of sixth form and spent several years struggling with drug addiction. He tried to return to education four times and worked in hospitality and retail. Now 21 he worked as a bar supervisor while completing his Access to Business course. He has a place to study accountancy and business at the University of Bristol this year.
Billy said: “This year has been hard. The course has been the most work I’ve done in my life. The plan is to become an accountant and eventually open my own pub. I’m going to work part time while at university and have a year abroad in Italy and I’m hoping to spend time working in Europe.
“The pathway gave me really comprehensive advice which was really worth knowing.”
