Exeter College Apprentice Roselle Wu Named Finalist in Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025

Former Exeter College apprentice Roselle Wu has been named a finalist in the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism category of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025, capping off an extraordinary two years of professional and personal achievement.

From beginning her apprenticeship with no prior kitchen experience to working under Michelin-starred chefs, representing her workplace at national competitions, helping develop internal kitchen tools and communication systems, and winning multiple awards, Roselle’s journey is one steeped in tenacity, and served to honour her cultural roots.

Roselle, originally from Hong Kong, began her Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship with Exeter College in September 2023, whilst working full time at the Ministry of Defence Royal Marines Training Centre in Lympstone.

“My story isn’t just about cooking – it’s about reimagining identity and purpose.” Roselle shared.

“Food has been my anchor, helping me connect with my cultural roots while finding a place in a new community. Growing up in Hong Kong, I was immersed in a vibrant and international food culture. I took Food Technology for my public exams in secondary school and, at 18, spent a summer teaching children how to bake cookies. That experience showed me how fulfilling it is to share the joy of food with others.

“It wasn’t until my late 20s, after relocating to the UK that I realised cooking wasn’t just a hobby. It was something I truly wanted to pursue professionally, and cooking Asian food makes me feel connected to my heritage. Starting fresh in a new country, culture, and industry wasn’t easy, but I knew I needed a pathway that offered structure, mentorship, and room to grow. That’s what led me to the apprenticeship model, combining formal learning at Exeter College with real kitchen experience.”

During her apprenticeship, Roselle worked for Compass Group, catering daily for more than 200 Royal Marine Officers. She quickly established herself as a dependable member of the team, making operational impacts such as developing a visual recipe guide to streamline the deli service and training colleagues to ensure consistency across shifts.

Her progress has not gone unnoticed: earlier this year, she was awarded Apprentice of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs, won Silver and Best in Class at the 2025 International Salon Culinaire, and last year, placed second in Compass Group’s Apprentice Chef of the Year.

She has represented her workplace at high-profile events including Wimbledon, the Cheltenham Festival and Brit Awards. She has also taken part in exclusive masterclasses with renowned chefs such as Bryn Williams, Ollie Dabbous and Dipna Anand, broadening her skills in fine dining and live service.

Roselle credits the apprenticeship model, and the support of Exeter College, as pivotal in her development: “Exeter College built my foundational catering knowledge, and after a few months into my apprenticeship I had already managed to write recipes and learned how to manage a kitchen.”

She has taken an active role in inspiring others, mentoring through the Ted Wragg Junior Chef Academy, a ten-week programme that introduced 15-year-olds to professional cookery.

Roselle is quick to acknowledge the people who helped her along the way. “My lecturers and the Exeter College Apprenticeships Team were so supportive and approachable throughout my study. They were so encouraging.”

Roselle completed her apprenticeship in April 2025 with a Distinction in her final exam.

As she awaits the result of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards, Roselle remains determined to build on her knowledge and continue to progress within industry, with hopes to begin a Level 3 apprenticeship.

“This award would be a recognition not just of what I’ve achieved so far, but of what’s still to come.” Roselle explained.

“I hope my story inspires others from diverse backgrounds, especially those who feel it’s “too late” to start again, to believe in themselves and follow their passion.”

To find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College, visit an Open Event.

Exeter College to Represent England at Prestigious SANIX International Rugby Tournament in Japan

Exeter College is delighted to have been chosen to represent England at the 2026 SANIX tournament, an international schools rugby tournament that is held in the Fukuoka prefecture area of Japan every year.

Widely regarded as the premier international schools festival, the tournament will take place at the end of April 2026. The Japan Rugby Football Union hosts the event, and it is supported by various local bodies specifically the SANIX sports foundation, the event brings together top youth teams from around the world. The SANIX sports foundation provides half the costs for overseas teams to participate in the tournament.

Jon Hill, the Men’s Rugby Academy Lead at Exeter College said;

“Exeter College have a unique and amazing opportunity to represent the England RFU at a prestigious International Youth Rugby Tournament, pitching ourselves against the best youth players in the world.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that we intend to embrace, not just in terms of sport, but culturally. Tours like this often produce memories for life and can also serve as a great educational tool developing life skills and broadening player horizons.

“Japan is steeped in rich culture and traditions, and we have already highlighted some of these in our briefing with the students so that we can start to appreciate the opportunities that this may create”.

A squad of 30 students from Exeter College will travel to Japan. Among them are Ruben Chugg and Henry Tanner, who shared their thoughts on the upcoming tour.

Ruben studies BTEC Business and plays full back and fly half, he said;

“I think it will be a very eye-opening experience for the team, especially as individuals realising their potential but also to see our potential as a team. I’m looking forward to experiencing a new culture, especially in a new continent that I haven’t been to before, it’s not just about playing rugby.”

Henry, who plays Hooker and back row and is studying A Levels in Geology, Environmental Science and Business, added;

“It will be a really cool experience to see the culture in Japan, and obviously to represent my country. Getting to wear the red rose on my shirt and just play with all my mates will be an amazing experience.”

The squad also includes Jeremy Keys, Charlie Bosanko, and Will Lane, all recently selected for the England Pathway Squad, highlighting the calibre of talent within Exeter College’s rugby programme.

Sponsorship Opportunity

Exeter College is actively seeking support from local businesses to help make this opportunity a reality for our students. There are a range of sponsorship packages available, including:

Team Sponsorship – Support the squad as a whole and have your brand featured prominently across team kit and included in PR and social media posts.

Individual Player Sponsorship – Back a specific student and help cover trip costs for that student.

Shirt Sponsorship – Gain visibility by having your logo featured on the team’s playing kit during the tournament.

If your business would like to get involved, please contact Jon Hill on: jonhill@exe-coll.ac.uk for more information about sponsorship packages.

Exeter College’s student led restaurant, @Thirty-Four, awarded AA College Restaurant of the Year

The Exeter College fine dining restaurant, @Thirty-Four has been named, for the second time in three years, as the AA College Restaurant of the Year. This is the highest accolade a college restaurant can achieve and is a testament to the hard work of the students and staff who work there.

Hosted by TV presenter Vernon Kay, the AA Hospitality Awards 2025 was held at Grosvenor House in London on 22 September 2025.

Front of house students hold up an award and raise their arms in celebration

Paul Hobden, Managing Director of People 1st International, commented:

“Congratulations to Exeter College on this incredible achievement. All three finalists represent the very best of student-led hospitality and prove that the future of our industry is in safe hands. At People 1st International, we are proud to support the colleges and educators who inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.”

Matthew Pickett, Deputy Head of Faculty (Hospitality, Hair & Beauty) at Exeter College, added:

“We’re incredibly proud of our students and staff at @Thirty-Four restaurant. This award recognises not just their hard work and creativity, but also how, over recent years, our department has grown significantly — in student numbers, in staff expertise, and in national recognition, including achieving a People 1st Centre of Excellence award. To now be named the best college restaurant in the UK is a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone involved. It’s a moment that our students, past and present, can feel truly proud of.”

Two female student chefs hold up a trophy and certificate — Edie and Millie presented to a panel of judges in the summer.

Two second year students visited The Belfry Hotel in Birmingham earlier in the year to present to a panel of five judges. Edie Long and Millie Wright, both on the Michael Caines Academy, were tasked with talking about inclusion, equality and diversity in the hospitality industry and how these values can be nurtured. Millie says;

“We talked about our own workplaces quite a lot. We included different people’s experiences from the college as well. Then we went to our employers and got an interview from them, so we got different perspectives from the industry.”

Edie added; “We talked about how we can stop toxic workplaces. We had our own experiences as well and we let that guide it quite a lot. I think the judges liked that that we weren’t just reading a script.”

After an early start, the students attended a talk from experts in the hospitality industry, then got to tour The Belfry, including the kitchens, before doing their presentation.

Reflecting on winning, Edie said; “I think it feels a little bit surreal to have won. I didn’t necessarily think we weren’t going to, we got into the top three on the day, which was great but then we had to wait for the actual awards in September, so it was surreal to realise we had done it, I’ve got a lot out of it.”

Millie added; “I feel like we became spokespeople for advocating for what we felt in the industry. We could use our experience to really show what we think is right. Being able to advocate for what you think and believe in is really powerful and it’s nice to feel heard and then hearing we had won made us realise they really valued what we had to say.”

Both Millie and Edie have plans to work in the industry in the future, with Millie hoping to travel while being a private chef and Edie hoping to open her own bakery.

Book a table in the award-winning @Thirty-Four.

Find out more about the Hospitality courses on offer at an Open Event.

Exeter College chosen as national exemplar of excellence in Teaching and Learning

Exeter College has been selected as one of just six founding institutions in the prestigious Evidence Partnership, a new national initiative launched by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF).

This recognition places Exeter College among the very best in the country, hand-picked following a rigorous and highly competitive selection process. The College impressed with its outstanding track record, demonstrating sector-leading Teaching and Learning practice through detailed interviews and evidence of impact.

Exeter College will play a pivotal role in shaping how Teaching and Learning evolves across the South West, collaborating with peers to drive up standards and share innovation.

The EEF’s Evidence Partnership marks its first formal collaboration with the FE sector. Designed to help colleges across England access, understand, and apply research evidence, the initiative aims to strengthen the use of proven approaches in classrooms nationwide. The focus will be on ensuring every learner, particularly those facing disadvantage, benefits from world-class, evidence-informed teaching.

James Wilson, Head of Teaching and Learning at Exeter College, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised by the EEF as one of the nation’s leading colleges in Teaching and Learning. This partnership not only provides our staff with exciting opportunities for continued professional development, but also allows us to share the very best of our practice with colleagues across the South West and beyond. Most importantly, it will further strengthen the support we provide for learners from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

Through the Evidence Partnership, Exeter College and the other founding institutions will:

Build strong regional networks with 16–19 providers to increase collaboration and innovation

Share and communicate evidence-informed resources and approaches across the country

Translate cutting-edge research into practical, real-world examples that transform classroom practice

Emily Yeomans, co-CEO of the EEF, said

“There is clear appetite across the sector for stronger evidence that speaks directly to the challenges colleges face, enabling them to use their resources more effectively and better support their learners. By building a collaborative partnership, where members can share practice and embed evidence use, we aim to help reduce the entrenched inequalities that many young people still experience across the country.

“We are delighted to be working with Exeter College and our other partner colleges to launch this new evidence partnership.”

This milestone cements Exeter College’s reputation as a national leader in education, showcasing the exceptional standards and innovation that continue to make it one of the UK’s most respected colleges

To find out more about the Evidence Partnership, visit the EEF’s 16–19 hub. You can also stay up to date with the work of the Partnership and be the first to hear about opportunities to collaborate with an Evidence Partner College by signing up to the EEF’s dedicated 16–19 newsletter.

Alternatively, please contact Exeter College’s Teaching and Learning team at TandL@exe-coll.ac.uk.

Exeter College Welcomes New Chair of Governors, Professor Adam Watt

Exeter College is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Adam Watt, as the College’s new Chair of the Corporation which commenced on 1 August 2025. This change follows Bindu Arjoon’s completion of her maximum extended tenure, marking the end of twelve years of dedicated service on the Board of Governors since her appointment in 2013.

Ms Arjoon, Chief Executive of Exeter City Council, is a long-standing member of the Board, having served for twelve years. She has previously held the position of Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Quality and Standards Committee.

Professor Watt brings a wealth of academic leadership experience to the role, currently serving as Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Exeter. A distinguished scholar in French and Comparative Literature, he has held senior roles including Head of Modern Languages and Cultures and Associate Dean for Research and Impact. His commitment to cultural enrichment is reflected in his work with the Exeter UNESCO City of Literature and the University Arts & Culture Board. Professor Watt’s deep ties to the region and passion for education make him an inspiring choice to help guide Exeter College into its next chapter.

John Laramy CBE, Exeter College’s Principal and Chief Executive said:

“We are delighted to welcome Adam Watt as Chair of the Corporation to our Board. I look forward to working with him during what is sure to be an interesting period for colleges, and for Exeter College specifically as we consult about a potential merger with Petroc. As a college, we are fortunate to have a committed and talented Board of Governors who, as volunteers, give freely of their time, talent and expertise to help shape and sustain the educational character of the College.

“I would also like to express gratitude and thanks for our outgoing Chair, Bindu Arjoon, who oversaw a stunning period of growth and development for Exeter College, including an Ofsted inspection which saw us become the first college to sustain its Outstanding status in that cycle. Bindu achieved all of this while managing a very busy day job – a huge thank you from all of us!”

Professor Adam Watt, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, said:

“Exeter College has achieved national recognition for the outstanding quality of its education and for the way that it meets the skills needs of the region. It is high-performing, inspiring and inclusive. So, I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the Board of Governors, and I am delighted to be able to work with the Board and with John and his Leadership Team as we take the College forward to new success and opportunities.

“As a leader at the University, I particularly look forward to working with the College further to strengthen the region’s education and skills ecosystem and its contribution to key sectors.”

Exeter College Celebrates Exceptional Results and National Recognition in Landmark Week

Exeter College is celebrating another exceptional year of success, with outstanding results across its A Levels, T Levels, and vocational programmes. The College continues to set the bar for academic excellence with an A level pass rate of 99.52%, well above the national average of 97.4%. Among the many highlights, an impressive 23 A Level subjects achieved a flawless 100% pass rate.

Today’s exam success marks a double triumph for the College, as it was selected as one of only ten Construction Technical Excellence Colleges in the country earlier this week, making it one of the most memorable weeks in its history.

Results Day 2025 Celebrations — Students celebrating their success on Results Day 2025.

John Laramy CBE, CEO and Principal, said:

“Today is always a special day, but this year students have achieved stellar results across the board, breaking records and setting a new bar for next year’s results. I would like to congratulate the class of 2025 and wish them well in their future endeavours, whether that is another year at college, progression to university or starting a career or an apprenticeship.

“Todays success is not luck, we have amazing students, who work with talented staff, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to these results. Our vision is to be a ‘exceptional college’ and this year our students have helped us on that journey.”

High grades were a particular success. 59% of A Levels were awarded at the highest A*, A or B grades, well above the national average of 55%. A staggering 86% of Exeter College A Levels were awarded at A*-C grades, significantly above the national average of 78%.

Exeter College’s broad and inclusive A Level curriculum once again delivered exceptional achievements across the range of subjects . Fine Art students excelled, with almost half achieving an A or A* and over a quarter securing the very highest A* grade. Film Studies impressed with nearly four in five students attaining high grades, while Philosophy reached 80% high grades. In the sciences, Chemistry saw more than two-thirds of students achieve high grades, with over a third gaining an A or A*. Mathematics, the College’s largest A Level subject, secured over two-thirds high grades, and in Further Maths almost half achieved an A or A*. Economics and Law both performed strongly, each with over 70% high grades and around a third at A or A*. Languages also shone, with German achieving 78% high grades and over a third at A or A*.

Jade Otty, Deputy CEO, said:

“Congratulations to all learners receiving results today. We are so proud of you all! Thank you to our amazing teaching and support staff at Exeter College who have gone above and beyond to help our learners to thrive and succeed.”

The College’s outstanding educational approach, which includes a rigorous externally set and marked AS exam in the first year, has played a significant role in these outstanding outcomes. AS results saw an impressive 43% of learners awarded the highest grades (A and B), and were an impressive 6% ahead of the national average pass rate.

Honey Forty (pictured above) from Exeter is one such A Level student who is celebrating today. Studying Geography, English Language, French and taking an EPQ, Honey achieved 3 A*s and an A. She is now heading to the University of Exeter to study English, Media and Communications with the hope of pursuing journalism. While celebrating today, she said;

“I beat my University of Cambridge offer today, which I’m really chuffed about, but I decided to turn it down, because I would rather study my chosen degree at the University of Exeter.

“I ultimately decided to come to Exeter College because I thought it would give me more independence and prepare me for university, and that’s 100% been the case. The College has been nothing but completely supportive. My tutor, my teachers, not a bad word to say. It’s been amazing.”

Adam Daly (pictured above) from Dartington studied Maths, Further Maths and Physics A Levels and achieved an A* in all three subjects. His love of Maths will now take him to the University of Manchester to take the subject further.

“Both of my Maths teachers were incredible. I couldn’t have hoped for any better. I feel very well prepared for university, especially through tutorial, we were given lots of support about steps beyond college.”

Students completing technical and applied Advanced Level programmes have also achieved outstanding results, with a 99.3% pass rate for two year Extended Diplomas (the equivalent of taking three A Levels). Applied Science saw 71% of students achieve high grades (Distinction* or Distinction). 76.8% of Health and Social Care learners gained high grades and a record 98% of Sport and Exercise Science learners secured the highest grades.

Some stand out T Level successes were T Level Accountancy, with 100% of learners achieving a Merit grade or higher, T Level Education and Early Years which saw a 100% pass rate and 97% of students achieving a Merit grade or higher. T Level Health also saw a 100% pass rate.

Jessica Fry (pictured above, 3rd from right) from Cullompton, studied the T Level in Health and has secured a place to study Paramedic Science at university. She praised her experience of the T Level, saying;

“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to go to university. I came here for an open day and I really enjoyed it, and I just thought it was really friendly and would give me a lot of opportunities.

“The placements we go on as T Level students has developed my knowledge and helped support my university application. I chose a T Level for the hospital industry placement; you get practical knowledge as well as theory knowledge and sitting exams.

“I would definitely recommend Exeter College, the support systems and educational support is brilliant.”

Exeter College is also celebrating the success of its alumni, with an impressive 87% of former students who graduated from Russell Group universities in 2023/24 achieving a first-class or upper second-class honours degree. Across all UK higher education institutions, the proportion of Exeter College alumni reaching this standard remains remarkable at 81%.

Exeter College to Lead the Way as Construction Technical Excellence College

Exeter College is proud to announce it has been chosen as one of 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges by the Department for Education, an accolade that underscores the exceptional quality, innovation, and impact of its Construction provision.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to the outstanding expertise and dedication of Exeter College’s Construction Team, whose tireless work continues to set the benchmark for excellence in technical and vocational education. It positions the College as a national leader in Construction training and opens exciting opportunities to collaborate with providers across the country, share best practices, and drive further investment into the South West region.

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College said;
“We are absolutely delighted to be selected as the one of the Construction Technical Excellence Colleges. We look forward to working with our students, staff, stakeholders and employer partners across the region to turbo charge construction training.

“It is a particular personal privilege, as an education leader who began their career in construction, to be part of a national initiative to ensure our region benefits from the career opportunities that excellent technical education enables. No education system can be better than the quality of its teachers and it is brilliant to see their professional development as a key part of this initiative.

“We are excited about working with colleagues in the DfE and wider Government to ensure this national policy has meaningful impact and benefits for the South West and beyond.”

The College’s exceptional track record of collaboration with regional and national employers has created a vibrant construction network that is impacting significantly on the national construction skills shortage. This ‘Technical Excellence’ Status recognises the eco system Exeter has in place. Through initiatives like Building Greater Exeter and the Green Skills Advisory Panel, the region is working to make a real impact on the government initiative to ‘Get Great Britain Building Again’.

Steve Race, Labour MP for Exeter, commented;
“Awarding Construction Technical Excellence College status to Exeter College means brand new skills training in construction for young people and will help others already in the construction sector to upskill. This new approach will help us deliver the new homes and the economic growth we need across our region, in partnership with the construction sector. It’s a testament to the hard work and educational excellence of the College team, and I’m excited about this new future for skills training in Exeter.”

In securing Technical Excellence Status, the College received an impressive 120 endorsements from local organisations and stakeholders, including FE colleges, schools, councils, and construction employers, reflecting strong community backing.

Pete Sadler, Managing Director for Vistry South West said;
“Vistry is delighted to see the roll out of Construction Technical Excellence College’s across the country — they will provide a significant boost to skills, innovation, and developing the future workforce our country needs. At Vistry, we’re deeply committed to skills development and building strong industry partnerships.

“This achievement will not only strengthen our collaboration with Exeter College but also help ensure we have a pipeline of talented, work-ready individuals to support the future of construction and housebuilding across the region.”

This is a timely investment as the College has seen unprecedented growth in Construction in recent years. Full time learner growth surged by 32% in the last academic year, while apprenticeships have also seen consistent increases, with over 650 trade and professional construction apprentices enrolled for the 2024/25 academic year. With a total of over 1150 Construction learners (2024/25), helping to provide a solution to the UK’s construction skills shortage over the next few years. Furthermore, the faculty’s achievement rates significantly surpass national averages, underlining its dedication to high quality teaching, learning and student success.

Councillor David Thomas, Chair of the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA), said:
“Exeter College’s appointment as a Technical Excellence College in construction is welcome news for our region. This will strengthen local skills and help Devon and Torbay contribute to the government’s 1.5 million homes target.

“To meet these ambitions, we must expand construction training across the whole of our region. The DTCCA looks forward to working with Exeter College to address local needs and challenges.

“We are also committed to collaborating with the West of England Combined Authority, Plymouth and Cornwall, to align skills strategies and share expertise with other training providers, ensuring a joined-up approach to building a skilled workforce across the South West.”

As a Construction Technical Excellence College, Exeter College is excited to lead the way in tackling the skills shortage, driving innovation, and building a stronger future for the South West, and looks forward to sharing more exciting developments on this initiative in the near future.

Pictured above: Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for Skills at the Department for Education, launching Foundation Apprenticeships earlier this year at Exeter College.

Eat Your Greens: Free Webinar Series to Support Green Skills in Education

Exeter College is proud to support the Eat Your Greens online webinar series, running throughout June and into July. This free, four-part series is brought to you by NOCN Group, in partnership with EducationScape, and builds on the success of their previous Green Skills webinar initiative.

As part of the Green Skills Advisory Panel (GSAP) offer to colleges, Eat Your Greens is designed to equip tutors, lecturers, careers advisors, and educators with the foundational knowledge needed to deliver renewable construction technologies with confidence. Each session is lunchtime-friendly, CPD-accredited, and rich with practical insight.

Who Should Attend?

FE Colleges & Training Providers

Tutors, Lecturers & Curriculum Leads

Careers Advisors & Skills Planners

Sustainability & Retrofit Champions

Whether you’re just beginning to explore green curriculum development or looking to deepen your expertise, this series is tailored for educators at all stages.

About the Webinar:

Each 45-minute session starts at 12:15pm and focuses on a key pillar of the UK’s green transition:

Week 1 (10 June): Introduction to Insulation

Week 2 (17 June): Introduction to Solar PV, EV & Battery Storage

Week 3 (24 June): Introduction to Heat Pumps

Week 4 (1 July): Introduction to Retrofit

Why Attend?

Discover light, mid, and dark green skills solutions from NOCN Group

Learn how to embed green technologies into your curriculum or apprenticeship offer

Gain real-world insights from leading delivery partners, including:
- Exeter College
- Quantum Group
- HS Energy
- SWIFIX Ltd
- Daikin
- EWI Pro
- Installation Assurance Authority (IAA)
- NOCN
- Members of the Green Skills Advisory Panel

Explore a broad portfolio of qualifications, short courses, and online CPD learning

Supporting a Net Zero Future

NOCN Group, a leading international education charity, is committed to powering the UK’s transition to a Net Zero economy. Through a robust suite of sustainability-focused qualifications and training, they are helping to shape the workforce of tomorrow.

By participating in Eat Your Greens, you’ll be helping to bridge the green skills gap and prepare your learners for the jobs of the future.

Register now and be part of the change!
Book your free place.

Exeter College and University of Exeter Strengthen Education Partnership

The University of Exeter and Exeter College have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), deepening their shared commitment to enhancing education across the region.

The agreement, formalised during a ceremony at the University’s Streatham Campus on Tuesday, June 3^rd, marks the next chapter in a partnership spanning around 20 years between two of Devon’s leading educational institutions.

The renewed MoU strengthens a shared ambition to shape a dynamic and inclusive local education ecosystem, strengthening community wellbeing, and promoting regional development across Exeter and the wider region.

A piece of paper is signed and four people smile at the camera. — Exeter College Principal and CEO John Laramy CBE and University of Exeter President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Roberts sign renewed Memorandum of Understanding with Deputy CEO Jade Otty and Professor Tim Quine.

Speaking after the ceremony Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter said: “I am delighted that the exceptional partnership between the University of Exeter and Exeter College has once again been strengthened through this new, updated Memorandum of Understanding.

This partnership has provided a strong, positive and successful foundation for both institutions to make a genuine and impactful difference not only in the provision of key opportunities for our students , but in providing important skills for our city and region as a whole.

“We are determined to use this opportunity to build on the successes and ambitions we have shared for a decade and more, and to work together to help create opportunity and regional growth.”

The MoU outlines a number of key areas for the partnership.

These include Acting as Education System Leaders through joint initiatives such as the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, Exeter Mathematics School, and the South West Institute of Technology; Shaping the Community Together through the Exeter Civic University Agreement; and Driving Academic Excellence through complementary educational pathways.

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE, added: “I am delighted to sign an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Exeter. We have worked together for over twenty years, and our partnership deepened nine years ago when we signed our first MOU.

“Today’s updated agreement reflects the shared ambition of the College and the University, placing our partnership at the forefront of higher and further education collaboration. It stands as an exemplar of a world-class university working with an outstanding college to help shape a clear, coherent, and impactful education ecosystem.

“I would like to thank Professor Lisa Roberts and her team for their collaborative approach, which is making a real difference to our community, city, and region.”

Students complete 2025 Ten Tors challenge on a high

This year marks 63 years since the Ten Tors expedition was first established. Fast forward to 2025 and the event has grown from one that attracted just hundreds of participants in its early years to one that now sees around 2400 young people take on the challenge each year.

This large-scale outdoor adventure event is organised by the British Army’s Headquarters South West and sees teams navigate allocated routes across the northern part of Dartmoor in under two days. Teams are comprised of six individuals and successful completion of the expedition is dependent on teams crossing the finish line together: a real test of teamwork and determination for all those involved.

Exeter College has entered teams for the Ten Tors expedition for many years and continues to do so through its extra-curricular offer. This year the College was delighted to enter four teams for the challenge: two undertaking the 45 mile route and two tackling the 55 mile route across Dartmoor’s wild and sometimes unforgiving terrain.

Just before heading off to the Okehampton base camp on Friday, student Freddie Davidson (Team A – 45 miles), who studies A Levels in Biology, Maths and Environmental Science, told us;

“I have done the 35-mile route twice now and this will be my first time doing the 45 miles. I am feeling good. Nervous but excited. I am looking forward to the buzz, the pre-event festivities, and meeting other teams out on the moor. Training has been amazing but difficult at times. There’s been a lot of rain, then lots of sun recently.”

The weather has significant impacts on outcomes for participants. In 2007 severe wet weather saw the event cut short for safety reasons. This year, after a week of warm and dry spells the Ten Tors weekend itself saw a turn in the weather, moving from hot on the Saturday to cold and wet on the Sunday. Despite this all four College teams crossed the finish line successfully; testament in part to the importance of training in all weathers and under a variety of conditions. An army spokesperson described the weekend as ‘a safe event’, in spite of the challenges the weather and terrain might have presented for those taking part.

There is significant preparation that goes into readying challengers for Ten Tors, students having spent many weekends away from home, camping in the cold and rain and walking for miles with heavy packs, often with blisters.

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy, said;

“What the students have achieved in completing the challenge is truly brilliant. Not many people are aware of the level of commitment required to be able to complete Ten Tors successfully. These students have had to learn essential skills to survive independently including navigation, tent pitching, cooking meals to name a few, and have had to ride the highs and the lows of two days unaided by others, trekking across open moorland. We are extremely proud of them all.”

Crossing the finish line is the culmination of months of training together, building friendships and learning to work as a team along the way. Issy Williams (Team B – 45 miles) attends Exeter Maths School and studies her A Level in Chemistry at the College’s Maths and Science Centre. She reflected;

“Training has been really enjoyable; we’ve all had a good time. There are lovely people in my team. We’ve all banded together. I am excited for us to cross the finish line.”

Issy admits she also cannot wait to “go home and wash my face”. In being self-sufficient during the course of the expedition students have to forgo many of the comforts of home. Harry Newman, Exeter College’s Ten Tors Manager, told us;

“All four College teams have shown real dedication in training. They’ve learned to be self-sufficient, they’ve developed important life skills in leadership and problem-solving, they’ve grown as a team. They should all be proud of their achievements.

“This is a real landmark moment for those who have completed the 55 mile expedition, especially if they have finished all three distances. For the 45 mile teams I hope they have loved it enough that they will join us again next year to take on the 55 miles.”

Overall, participants commit to eight training weekends, plus planning meetings and briefings, in addition to their core study programme. There is a lot of time and effort that goes into preparing for this final Ten Tors event. General Sir Roland Walker, Chief of the General Staff for the British Army, kicked off the expedition and echoed notions of commitment in his opening speech;

“Ten Tors is a tradition that brings together communities in a shared celebration of resilience, determination, and above all else, teamwork.”

Exeter College Outdoor Adventure staff from Haven Banks also trained and supported 10 teams from local schools and youth organisations to be able to participate in the weekend. These included three 35 mile teams from both St James School in Exeter and Newton Abbot College, and four teams undertaking the Jubilee Challenge, a one day event with four different routes aimed at young people with special needs. Jubilee teams came from Orchard Manor (7.8 miles), Southbrook School (8.7 and 11 miles), and Devon Girl Guides (11 miles).

Congratulations to all our teams and to all those staff at the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre who supported them in completing their Ten Tors expedition so successfully.

Our 2025 Ten Tors Teams were: