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.”

A young women sits in a wheelchair and smiles at the camera. She wears a blue dress.

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.”

Harry Price is an adult student who has just completed the Chemistry and Biology Access to HE (Higher Education) course at Exeter College. He now has a place to study at the University of Exeter Medical School. Harry has been a Mountain Rescue Medic since the age of 17 and this has grown his love of medicine and helping people. He said;

“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.

Government announces new PGCE bursaries for further education

Training to Teach in the FE Sector has just got easier!

The government has announced that those planning on completing a PGCE in a further education subject during 2023-24 could now be eligible for a tax-free bursary, worth between £15,000 to £29,000.

This incentive is to encourage individuals to train as teachers in certain areas where teachers are in short supply. Eligible disciplines include Engineering, English, Computing, Maths and Sciences. Funding is also now available for those training to teach pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Department for Education has announced that they will award these bursaries to trainees based on their relevant qualifications or professional experience, and their intentions in teaching one of the above subjects in the further education sector.

Those training to teach Maths, Science, Engineering, or Computing could receive bursaries of up to £29,000. English, for example, will receive a £15,000 bursary; and £15,000 will be given to those who train to teach SEND learners.

The finite pot of money on offer from the government will be available to learners on a first-come, first-served basis.

As long as you have: not previously completed a teaching qualification, a GCSE grade C (new grade 4) or above in maths and English and hold a Level 3 qualification in the subject you’re training in; you can access this bursary. Whilst your degree does need to contain some cross over to your teaching subject it does not need to be the same. Now is your chance to inspire the future by teaching!

If you’re interested in becoming a qualified teacher or would like to complete a PGCE in post-16 education and training, check out what Exeter College has to offer you.

To find out more information and to apply for the bursary, visit the government’s website.

Come along to our Open Event on Wednesday 29 March 2023 to find out more.

Get Individual Advice on Courses and Careers from our College Advice Team

Our friendly team of College Advisers are here to help any students looking to join Exeter College in September 2023.

They are offering free 30-minute appointments which can take place either in person at the college, or via a video call. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to have all of your questions answered. Our advisers happy to chat through your choice of subjects and courses, as well as to discuss the application and interview process. Book your session now.

Find out more about life at Exeter College including:

Advice on choosing between courses/subjects
Information about college life, such as academies and EXtra
Information about support on offer at Exeter College
Useful resources to research careers and universities
The chance to ask the team questions relating to Exeter College

Appointments will be held on a first come, first served basis from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on the following dates:

Thursday 5 January
Tuesday 17 January
Wednesday 1 February
Wednesday 15 February – as this is during half term, we can also offer appointments during the day, see the booking page for available times.

Book your session now.

There are a limited number of spaces available so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Please note that if you attend one of the following schools in Exeter, you will have the opportunity to speak to a college advisor during the school day and we kindly ask that you contact your lead advisor prior to making a booking online.

Isca Academy: Jay Henney – jay-annehenney@exe-coll.ac.uk
St Lukes: Jack Keogh – jackkeogh@exe-coll.ac.uk
St Peters: Emily Skinner – emilyskinner@exe-coll.ac.uk
St James: Caroline Earp – carolineearp@exe-coll.ac.uk
West Exe: Rebecca Shaw – rebeccashaw02@exe-coll.ac.uk

If you haven’t yet visited Exeter College, our next Open Event is taking place on Wednesday 26 April, from 4-7pm. Register today.

Exeter College Scoops Seven Awards at National BTEC Awards 2022

The exceptional achievement of Exeter College BTEC learners was celebrated on Friday at the prestigious Pearson BTEC Awards. As well as a number of learners picking up awards, Exeter College was named as Silver BTEC College of the Year for 2022.

Six learners from the College were recognised by teachers and peers for their outstanding work while studying for the qualification. Exeter College would like to congratulate the following learners on their fantastic achievement.

The award winners are:

Keiko Saruta – Bronze – BTEC IT and Computing Learner of the Year 2022
Hal Furneaux-Gotch – Bronze – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022
Megan Fowler – Bronze – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022
Harry Glanville – Silver – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022
Chris Pratt – Silver – BTEC Construction Learner of the Year 2022
Matthew Wood – Silver – BTEC Sport Learner of the Year 2022

Exeter College student, Harry Glanvile, was awarded a Silver for BTEC Construction Learner of the Year. He said;

“Studying a HNC in Civil Engineering at Exeter College was a great stepping stone for me. The specialist knowledge and skills I have learnt during this career focused course has allowed me to apply them in the workplace while working on real life scenarios.

“After completing the BTEC course, this then opened doors for me to continue my progression to a university course so that I can progress in my career of civil engineering. I’m very happy that my hard work has been recognised through this award. I would like to thank the staff at Exeter College, I really appreciate the nomination and I would also like to thank my employer, Pell Frischmann, for the continued support.”

Exeter College student, Hal Furneaux-Gotch, studied for a HNC in Construction and was awarded a Bronze in the BTEC Construction Learner of the Year category. He said:

“My time at Exeter College has been invaluable in furthering my career in the construction industry, developing my academic knowledge and vocational skills, as well as putting me in contact with a wide range of others working in the sector.

“My HNC, combined with my vocational portfolio, has allowed me to obtain Chartered Construction Project Manager (MCIOB) status, and both have made me significantly more employable, having been offered several jobs since finishing the course. Upon completion of my HNC, I was promoted into a senior civil engineer role in local government.

“I am very honoured to have been awarded a Bronze Learner of the Year Award; the COVID-19 pandemic started during my first year of study and so all learning had to be completed remotely. This, alongside all the other challenges associated with the pandemic, made study more difficult than expected and consequently it’s great to have this work recognised.”

The BTEC provision at Exeter College was also awarded with a Silver BTEC College of the Year Award, recognising the hard work of staff and learners alike.

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College said;

“We are very proud of our BTEC provision at Exeter College and our learners who continue to exceed, both at College and within their chosen field.

“We are delighted to have this hard work recognised by the prestigious Pearson BTEC Awards as it highlights the outstanding opportunities that these qualifications provide.”

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President for Vocational Qualifications and Training at Pearson said;

“After two long years spent giving or receiving lessons behind a computer screen, through face masks, or socially distanced, 2022 has been a whirlwind for everyone involved in education. Considering this, it makes the inspiring achievements documented in Exeter College’s submission all the more impressive. The hard work and commitment they – and all our award winners – demonstrated is extraordinary.”

Hundreds of thousands of learners across the globe have completed BTEC courses over the past year. The career-focused qualifications are a vital route for those pursuing careers in sectors such as IT, business, the creative industries, healthcare, engineering, construction and future industries. Many of these industries are suffering from staff shortages and skills gaps which this year’s graduates will be more than equipped to fill.

Find out more about BTEC courses at Exeter College.

Ready to apply? Applications are now open and you can easily apply online.

Exeter College is proud to be part of a consortium of Further Education and training providers to deliver skills to the South West. Working in partnership with the Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and the Somerset Chamber of Commerce the consortium has been created to act as a catalyst to align educational provision with business needs in the region.

Consortium members, Exeter College, City College Plymouth, Bridgewater & Taunton College, Petroc, South Devon College, Strode College, Yeovil College, Focus Training and SWATPRO (DSTPN) are delighted to have each been awarded a share of £2.5m from the Department for Education for two projects; “The Heart of the South West Collaboration for Success”, and “Green Skills for the Future”.

Members of the consortium will collaborate to deliver regionally significant projects which focus on delivering skills and training in green construction, automotive, digital, engineering and advanced propulsion.

As part of this vision Exeter College has ambitious plans to develop the first Retrofit Skills Centre in Devon, working with Taylor Lewis and designed by APG, the centre will be an essential addition to the College’s Construction Centre at Sowton Industrial Estate.

To enable collaborative success, the College has set-up the new Green Skills Advisory Panel (GCAP). GCAP is a member-led committee of local building services, housing and construction businesses supported by local authorities, charities and training providers across the South West. The clear purpose is to upskill current workforces and provide green careers, where individuals are educated about new and emerging technologies and techniques to reduce the impact on the environment.

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO at Exeter College said:

“Through collaboration and working with industry leading experts and partners, we are well placed to drive the ambitions of the local authorities and the community. Our ambition is that by providing bespoke qualifications, niche skills can be developed to meet the burgeoning demand.

“This funding is an integral part of making this happen and we are excited to work with consortium members to deliver these much-needed skills to our region to enable employers to flourish.

“Exeter College is committed to leading by example on environmental sustainability and this is initiative will help in our plan to be carbon neutral by 2030.”

Exeter College Access to Higher Education students have, once again, achieved amazing results, with many now set to progress to university-level courses at Exeter College and other institutions.

Exeter College student, Jack Ford, explains that you must dedicate yourself to the course, and discusses its worth when you reach your goals. He said:

“Working full time alongside studying the Access to Computing course was very difficult but with the support and belief of my tutors and structured consistency I was successful. I will continue to study at Exeter College and am starting the the HNC in Computing in September. I plan to work within the cyber security field after I finish college and have completed my higher-level qualification.”

Exeter College’s Access to Higher Education Diplomas are well-established and a very successful route into university-level study for adult students who may lack formal entry qualifications and who wish to pursue a change of career and/or need to develop confidence and practice in their study skills.

These diplomas can also improve general education and are specifically designed to help students progress on to professional advanced training.

Suzy Bell is the Access to HE Lead at Exeter College. Commenting on this year’s results, she said:

“Huge congratulations to all our Access to Higher Education students who have successfully completed their courses at Exeter College. They have achieved highly which has been reflected in outstanding grade profiles. We could not be prouder of our students and their many achievements. They have been a pleasure to teach, and we wish them the very best of luck for the future.

“In addition, a huge thank you to all Access to Higher Education staff who have gone above and beyond their roles in order to help support and guide our access students.”

In a year when the College is celebrating achieving the highest student satisfaction rate (82.69%)* for a Higher Education provider in the South West, it is also celebrating outstanding feedback from moderators on how they deliver and grade Access students.

Feedback included:

Excellent assessment methods.
Consistently strong standards of learner work.
Continues to be an excellent HE Diploma.
Staff and students are to be congratulated.
Excellent support given to students to achieve their potential.
Staff go above and beyond.
Students are well prepared for the next level of study.

Find out more

There’s still time to apply. Learn more about the courses on offer and view our Access Guide.

*National Student Survey 2022

International Baccalaureate Students Achieve World-Class Results

Exeter College students studying on the International Baccalaureate have achieved an incredible set of results with five students achieving 42 or more, with 45 being the maximum you can score. 39 points is the equivalent of three A Levels with the grades of A* A* A*.

This year 31 candidates took the International Baccalaureate (IB), achieving once again a 100% pass rate, with 26% of candidates achieving 40+ points. This is especially impressive when you consider the lack of experience these students have had in sitting exams and yet despite this, they have achieved an impressive set of results.

“It has been rewarding to see all the elements of my work come together to produce a result I am proud of.”
Florence Witham, IB student

Exeter College has a successful history of delivering the IB and this year celebrated its 30^th year.

John Laramy CBE, Principal and Chief Executive said;

“One of the inspirational elements of the International Baccalaureate is being able to celebrate when our students excel against a truly international world average. In the first set of exam-based results for three years, this year’s IB cohort have continued the College’s legacy of excellent results. All students achieved the full IB diploma, thus giving the programme a 100% achievement rate.

“The cohort achieved an average point score of 36, against a world average of 31.98. However, it was at the top end of performance where students truly excelled, with over a quarter of the students achieving 40 points or more, with one student scoring 44 points, just one off full marks!

“I would like to congratulate our International Baccalaureate students on another set of excellent results. For over a quarter of the cohort to achieve 40 points or more is a remarkable outcome, especially when this is the first externally assessed and marked exams that these students would have experienced. The IB is a unique qualification, and it has been a privilege to see these students’ grow and develop over their two years at the College.

“I would also like to thank the staff who lead, coordinate and teach on the IB programmes, as alongside these excellent results the team also managed a full IB five-year review – the Ofsted equivalent for the IB and it went brilliantly!”

A group photo of the class of 2022 — The class of 2022

Florence Witham, who scored 44 points, is progressing to Bath University to study Biology. She said; “It has been rewarding to see all the elements of my work come together to produce a result I am proud of; I think the high academic standard of the IB has made me particularly well equipped to succeed at university, where I will be studying a BSc in Biology.”

Ruby Cutler has been accepted to study Medicine at Liverpool University. She said: “I was so shocked when I opened my results because I had prepared myself for the worst! I am now going to Liverpool University to study Medicine in September.”

She added that she feels she owes a lot to the amazing teachers who supported and helped the students through COVID.

Exeter College wishes the IB students all the best for their bright future.

Find out more about the International Baccalaureate at Exeter College.

Exeter College Reveals Strategic Plan and New Set of College Values

Exeter College has announced its strategic plan and unveiled its new set of values that will be fit for the future.

In the plans, the College has set out the vision ‘to be an exceptional college,’ and a mission statement that says the College aims to ‘shape futures by delivering world-class education and training for our city and region.’

Staff, students, and key stakeholders gathered together at Exeter College’s South West Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre on Tuesday 7 June 2022 to celebrate the launch of the strategic plan and values.

A Level student Kyle Kana, talking about his experience of college life

“We want people to understand the way we do things around here, that we want to be ambitious; for our students, and for our community. We want to collaborate so that together we are stronger, and we want to make sure that people feel a buzz and an energy when they come into Exeter College. We hope that there is a real connection between the vision that we are trying to achieve and the values that we imbue as a college.”
Principal and Chief Executive, John Laramy CBE

As part of the celebrations the College has produced a film, including their partners from the city, detailing how the values are embedded throughout everything they do.

Bindu Arjoon, Exeter College Chair of Governors

Exeter College Chair of Governors and Deputy CEO at Exeter City Council, Bindu Arjoon, attended the event and introduced the film, she said:

“Our strategic plan outlines where the College will focus over the next few years in order to achieve our vision of being an exceptional college. Exceptional for our students of today and tomorrow and also exceptional in our role supporting and serving the city and wider area.

“These values are our guiding principles and capture how we show up; who we are and how we behave amongst ourselves and when we work with others.”

The College has worked with several partners across the city to create a values film that truly reflects the work it does with the community and to share the message of the new values.

The College would like to thank the following people and organisations for their support in this endeavour.

Bindu Arjoon – Exeter City Council
Jean Brett – The Deaf Academy
Penny Endersby – Met Office
John Hart – Devon County Council
Karime Hassan MBE – Exeter City Council
Moira Marder – Ted Wragg Trust
Caroline Nicholson – Devon Recovery Learning Community / Devon Partnership Trust NHS
Lisa Roberts – University of Exeter
Tony Rowe OBE – Exeter Chiefs
Julian Tagg – Exeter City Football Club

Principal and Chief Executive, John Laramy CBE, said:

“Students, schools, employers, partners, stakeholders, and staff will all, we hope, see their priorities brought to life in our strategic plan for the next five years.

“We became an outstanding college in 2012 and repeated that feat in 2014, so we felt it was important to have a vision that helped us as a college to move forward. To be an exceptional college feels like the next natural step. As a college we were very keen to develop a set of values that really do feel like Exeter College. Some of our staff here have come up with “Our values are what makes us, us!” which I think is very apt!

“We want people to understand the way we do things around here, that we want to be ambitious; for our students, and for our community. We want to collaborate so that together we are stronger, and we want to make sure that people feel a buzz and an energy when they come into Exeter College. We hope that there is a real connection between the vision that we are trying to achieve and the values that we imbue as a college.”

Take a look at our Strategic Plan.

Minister for Higher and Further Education visits Digital and Data Centre

Exeter College is delighted to welcome Minister of State for Higher and Further Education, Michelle Donelan, to their sector-leading Institute of Technology Digital and Data Centre which helps to drive growth and widen opportunities in the digital industry.

The Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College focuses on providing employer-led education opportunities in the digital sector, including courses around data analytics, cyber security, software development, Esports and providing training for Apple’s app development.

Minister for Higher and Further Education Michelle Donelan, was given a tour of the centre and spoke to adult learners and apprentices studying digital skills at the college about their course and future career aspirations. She said:

“It was my pleasure to visit Exeter College today, a key partner in the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT), to see first-hand why they rightly deserve their outstanding Ofsted ranking.

“Institutes of Technology are a game changer in technical education, and SWIoT is leading the country in delivering world-class degree apprenticeships in cutting edge industries such as technology, and digital skills.

“From their world-class Data Science Degree Apprenticeship to offering exciting opportunities in marine engineering, South West IoT shows what is possible when local education institutions and businesses join forces.”

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

“It was an absolute privilege to host the Minister for Higher and Further Education, Michelle Donelan, today. The city of Exeter is a great example of a place whereby the education eco-system works collaboratively with other training providers, employers and stakeholders to make a difference to the communities we serve.

“The Minister toured our Digital Data Centre, which is part of the South West Institute of Technology (SWIoT), talking to students from an array of different programmes from Boot Camps to Data Analytics.

“The Exeter College part of the South West IoT, alongside the University of Exeter, aims to provide employers and students with a digital skills escalator to help equip both the city and region with the skills that it needs to grow and thrive”.

Ministers take part in virtual tour of Exeter College

Government Ministers attended a virtual tour of Exeter College as part of their plans to continue the gradual reopening of schools and colleges in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I was impressed and inspired by the passion and enthusiasm shown by their students who have continued to receive the best education and training possible during Covid-19,”
Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP

The Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson MP and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills Gillian Keegan MP joined the College’s students, staff and leaders to discuss how the College adapted to online teaching and learning during the lockdown, how the College has further opened to more students from the 15^th June 2020 and how the College is looking forward to welcoming students in September.

The Ministers also heard directly from current College students and Apprentices about their experience and future plans.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson MP said, “It was a pleasure to virtually visit Exeter College and meet their students and staff. It was great to see how by working in partnership with local schools, universities and employers, they are making sure young people get the skills and experience they need to have rewarding careers.

“I was impressed and inspired by the passion and enthusiasm shown by their students who have continued to receive the best education and training possible during Covid-19.

“Now, more than ever, it’s vital young people have access to high quality technical education. Exeter College offers our new T Levels as well as high quality Apprenticeships and by being a part of the wider South West Institute of Technology ensures students have the skills and support they need to succeed. I wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their brilliant work.”

The College also provided an update on the ongoing developments at the College, including the construction of a range of new facilities which will be ready for September to support the introduction of T Levels. In one group session the College shared its approach to partnerships and the delivery of Apprenticeships, which was recognised this year by being shortlisted in the coveted Beacon Awards.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan MP said, “It was a pleasure to virtually visit Exeter College and hear about the fantastic work they are doing to make sure more young people get the skills they need to reach their full potential.

“It was great to talk to students and staff, and find out more about how the College is preparing to deliver our exciting T Levels from September, and their new state-of-the-art Digital and Data Centre which will help more young people learn a range of important skills.

“I wish them all the best and look forward to hearing more about their great work.”

College leaders also spoke on the ongoing construction of a new £10m Digital and Data Centre as part of the South West Institute of Technology, which will help to revolutionise digital and data training within Exeter, and engineering and manufacturing technology education across the wider region. The building is set to be completed in early 2021 and will play a core part in making the South West a leading area for technical education in the country.

Exeter College Principal and Chief Executive John Laramy said, “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the Ministers today, albeit virtually. The College was able to talk about its reaction to the challenges of the lockdown, but also able to share how brilliantly staff and students quickly adapted to working in a different way.

“We were able to outline our College’s contribution to the City of Exeter, as a key civic partner that works closely with the University of Exeter and schools to create a clear and successful education eco-system.”

The College was also able to share its ambitious plans for the future and outline how colleges, such as Exeter, can play a key part in economic recovery. In addition, the College spoke about the new Future Skills Centre, which is a new partnership with Devon County Council, to support SMART Aviation, technical education and adult retraining, based at Exeter International Airport.

Find out about T Levels with Exeter College.