Exeter College Celebrates Class of 2024 with Procession to Exeter Cathedral

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A female mature graduate smiles at the camera

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

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

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

Graduates from the FdA Football Coaching and Development course.

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

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

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

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

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

Exeter College Celebrates as Class of 2023 Triumphantly Graduates

On Friday 20 October, over 250 graduates from Exeter College proudly processed to Exeter Cathedral in an important rite of passage as they completed their degree at Exeter College. Students graduated from a wide range of programmes including Manufacturing Engineering, Early Childhood Studies, Coaching and Fitness, the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting and Management and Leadership.

Exeter College is proud to run its Higher Education in partnership with four universities and two awarding bodies. This year, the University of Exeter, Kingston University, University of Plymouth, and Plymouth Marjon University, were all rated as Gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF). Exeter, Plymouth and Kingston join a club of just 11% of HE providers to score triple gold. This commitment to excellence is passed on through our own teaching and learning and student experience which Higher Education students benefit from.

Two students smile at the camera in their graduation robes.

Higher Education at the College has had an exceptional year. The College reshaped and renewed its offer, with a focus on Higher Technical Education and became the first college in England to have a course kite marked as meeting the higher technical standard.

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

“This graduation ceremony is a significant milestone for our Higher Education students, being able to celebrate their success in the historic setting of Exeter Cathedral makes this an absolute highlight of our academic year.

“The dedication and hard work required to achieve a higher education qualification, often while working, means that today marks a huge accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of all their achievements, and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

This year’s guest of honour was College alumni, Ben Page, Chief Executive of Ipsos. Ben completed his A Levels at Exeter College, then graduated from Oxford University in 1986. A frequent writer and speaker on trends, leadership and performance management, Ben has directed thousands of surveys examining consumer trends and citizen behaviour. He said;

“It was great to see how Exeter College had developed since I studied there in the 1980s – it’s a different world.

“I was very impressed by both the breadth and range of what is now on offer for students and business – and its strong partnerships with other local institutions and impact on the local economy, as well as on social mobility across the South West.”

This year’s Exeter College Award was awarded to Hazel Robson who has just graduated from the FdA in Early Childhood Studies. This award goes to the person who embodies what it is to be a higher education student at Exeter College. Outstanding achievements, overcoming hardship, resilience, and being proactive in supporting peers are all qualities that Hazel has shown during her time with the College.

Her tutor at Exeter College, Claire Tully, said;

“Hazel takes her studies very seriously and has juggled her time very well as a mature student, looking after her family and working part time in an early years setting. She has demonstrated a resilient mindset and although there have been times of struggle, she has worked hard to overcome these. She is passionate about the care and wellbeing of young children and indeed of early years professionals too.”

Two students smile at the camera in graduation gowns

Nicola Hunter and Emma Jarvis (pictured above) studied the HNC in Building Services. Emma Jarvis (right) has now progressed onto a degree at Bristol University and then hopes to do a Masters Degree in Building Services. She said;

“It’s a relief to graduate, it was a long journey but it’s good to finish it. Meeting other people in the industry was nice, we’ve got contacts now to help us in the future.” Nicola (left) added;

“I’ve gone onto Level 5 in Operations Management and going into Health and Safety and will probably do Level 6 next. We’ve had great teachers, really supportive, I would highly recommend it.”

Stewart smiles at the camera in his graduation gown

Stewart Mead (pictured above) studied the Level 4 Apprenticeship in Associate Project Management. He is an Engineering Project Manager for Premier Foods, mainly working at Ambrosia, where he has been for 19 years. Speaking about his College experience, he said;

“I am already a project manager so it’s an extension of my role and I wanted the professional credentials for what I already do.

“I would recommend it – you do have to dedicate a lot of time to it, it’s not always easy, but if your team is supportive, you will get through it. I have already applied a lot of the skills I have learnt.

“I’m delighted to be at graduation today, all the hard work has paid off for this moment and I’m excited to take what I have learnt into the future. It’s been supportive from the College and my tutor kept me on track, all in all, it’s been a very good experience.

“I also won ‘Most Inspiring’ at the Apprenticeship Awards which was a pretty big thing for me, I wasn’t expecting it, but it was the cherry on top for all the hard work.”

Emma smiles at the camera in her graduation gown.

Emma Collingwood (pictured above) studied the Diploma in Counselling after progressing from the Certificate in Counselling. She is now doing voluntary counselling for a local charity.

“I think you think of the College as something for younger people, I didn’t realise how much there is for adults and the number of different courses and the standard of the courses that they offer.

“It was brilliant, I couldn’t imagine that it would have such an impact. This really changes your life, especially with Counselling, everyone came out slightly differently to how we went in. The tutors were amazing, very different in how they work but it complimented each other. I feel lucky that we had them.”

Find out more about Higher Technical Education at Exeter College at the next Open Event on Wednesday 22 November.

Exeter College Students Celebrate Achievements at Prestigious Graduation Ceremony

On Friday 7 October, Exeter College graduates took to the stage in Exeter Cathedral to collect their degree certificates. Graduates from a wide range of programmes gathered with their friends and family to celebrate this special educational milestone.

Exeter College has a proud history of delivering Higher Education courses which range from Business to Engineering to Football Coaching and Early Childhood Studies. Many students have already secured employment or will now go on to their next steps in education.

Louise Fisher progressed from a Level 3 course at the College and has now completed a BA in Business Management. She has secured a graduate job in Financial Services. She said:

“I’m a Financial Executive and Insurance Broker which I started in July. My employer opened a new branch in October, so I have used my degree with that and I’m continuing my professional development by doing my CII (Chartered Insurance Institute).

Speaking about her experience at College, Louise said:

“The lecturers and teachers were all supportive. It’s been hard work but rewarding in the end. I’m really excited for graduation today but I also feel really proud because it’s a great accomplishment.”

Principal and Chief Executive, John Laramy CBE, said;

“The Exeter College graduation ceremony is one of the highlights of our College year. The iconic setting of Exeter Cathedral always adds some extra magic to the day and I am sure that the experience will stay with our graduates for many years to come.

“This year’s event was given an international flavour, as our guest of honour joined us from Daytona Beach, Florida. William J Muldoon is Vice Chancellor at Embry-Riddle Worldwide and Managing Director of Europe, part of the esteemed Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Our unique partnership has seen Engineering students visit the university in Florida, as part of the Government’s Turing Scheme. We were delighted he could join us at the Graduation where he gave our graduates and guests an inspirational and fascinating address, outlining the dynamic world of work that our graduates will now join.

“The last few years have not been straightforward, and all our graduates will have learnt new skills, beyond the content of their programmes. It has been a privilege to celebrate with all our graduating students today whether they had completed a degree, a professional course, or an apprenticeship. I would like to congratulate all our 2022 graduates and wish them well for their future endeavours.”

Among this year’s graduates were two award winners. The University of Plymouth Academic Partnerships Prize went to Adam Coombe, a FdA Graphic Design student. He is described as an exemplary design student by his tutor, Nigel Lowe, who said:

“His endeavours to push boundaries and “go the extra mile”, both conceptually and technically, have resulted in professional and innovative design solutions. He has developed not only as a talented designer, but also as a person who now has the confidence to progress to Level 6 at the University of Plymouth.”

Lucy Chard-Maple was awarded the Exeter College Award. She has just completed a BSc (Hons) in Public Services. Talking about her achievements, her tutor, Rev Dr Edgar Mihas, said;

“Lucy has demonstrated exceptional aspiration, determination, effort, motivation, and a pro-active attitude, all of which paved the way for the exceptionally high First-Class Hons degree. Lucy has been a Special Constable throughout her three years as a Higher Education student and is now in the process of joining the Police as a full-time officer.”

Speaking about her time at Exeter College, Lucy said:

“It’s been fantastic, they have always been there for students. They have excellent tutors, and you always get opportunities to progress any skills, not necessarily related to your degree or your course but extra skills that help you every day. I’ve learnt a huge amount from that as well.”

Speaking about graduation, she said:

“I think it’s amazing. The opportunities I’ve had, I’ve been so lucky and had such supportive friends and family, tutors and staff members encouraging me. So, it’s a huge day and I think it’s going to be really good to celebrate that with everyone I love.”

Find out more about university level learning at Exeter College at the next Open Event on Thursday 13 October.

“It’s not something everyone does with their mum!” – Family Reflects on Graduation with Exeter College

As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we’re talking to some of the inspirational students, staff and alumni who have helped make us the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today.

In celebration of our 50^th year as a tertiary college, we caught up with an inspirational pair of 2019 university level graduates, Mother Stephanie and Son Ethan, to hear their story.

A higher education graduation is a momentous moment in any person’s life. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, and the official awarding of degree level qualifications can transform a career.

But, for Devon-based mum Stephanie Lewis the day was especially moving, as she watched her son collect his degree, before following him on stage to be awarded her own degree-level qualification.

“I absolutely cherished going through graduation with him,” said 52-year-old Stephanie from Dunsford.

“It made me quite tearful. To be sat in the crowd with my group and watch him graduate and then walk up there and do it myself as his mum can’t happen very often, and I’m so pleased we got to celebrate together.”

Despite graduating together, Stephanie and Ethan, her son, studied very different higher education subjects at TEF Gold-rated Exeter College. Stephanie studied for a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care while Ethan completed a BA (Ord) degree in Business Management. He has since gone on to top-up his degree with the University of Exeter for a year and earn a BA (Hons) degree in Business.

Ethan said, “Having my mum graduate with me definitely made the experience more unique, and now I have a story that not many others will!”

“The emphasis on support at Exeter College helps you get the most out of your studies, and that was definitely the case for me,”
Ethan Lewis, BA (Ord) Business Management Graduate.

Ethan, 22, initially joined Exeter College in 2014 to study for his A Levels in History, Chemistry, Geography and Environmental studies. He decided to continue his education journey right at home with our Higher National Certificate in Business, then the Higher National Diploma, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. His graduation represented the culmination of five years of studying with the College, and he was delighted with how he was supported during his higher education studies.

“The biggest positive for me was the small class sizes at Exeter College compared to how they can be at other places,” said Ethan.

“The support enabled me to focus on making sure that I understood each bit of content completely before moving on to the next thing. I had a lot more one-on-one time with my tutor than I think you’d expect doing a degree at a different place.

“The emphasis on support at Exeter College helps you get the most out of your studies, and that was definitely the case for me.”

While Ethan’s degree level studies with Exeter College followed a somewhat typical route of study for many young people, his mother took the step of returning to education to help her with her voluntary role working with the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Stephanie said, “While doing my voluntary role, I realised that I wanted to get some qualifications for me personally.

“I never got my GCSE Maths the first time around, so I wanted to get that under my belt and also study for a degree. The Health and Social Care course seemed to suit me most. I studied for that and my Maths at the same time.

“Everyone at the College was so supportive, and the small class sizes definitely made a difference. I started a little daunted by being the oldest in the class, but I have to say that the support I received from lecturers was second-to-none.”

Stephanie’s time with Exeter College was a roaring success. She picked up her long-awaited GCSE Maths qualification and came out of her Foundation Degree with an impressive Merit grade.

“I had a bit of a tricky time in my personal life during my studies, but I managed to come out of it with some amazing grades and that is definitely, in part, down to the supportive environment at the College.”

Ethan earned a 2:1 in his degree with Exeter College and plans to complete his top-up year with the University of Exeter before going on to study a Master’s in Business.

Ethan said, “After I’m done studying, I think I want to start up my own business or perhaps go into quantity surveying. Thanks to my studies, I’ve theoretically started hundreds of businesses, but I haven’t taken that leap in the real world just yet. I’ll have to see what I think when I finish my studies.”

At Exeter College, we work with a range of renowned partners to deliver university level courses in a variety of subject areas. With a commitment to smaller class sizes and accessibility to lecturers, the College provides learners with a way to study for a degree differently and supercharge a career or develop transferable skills for the workplace.

Our courses range in level, with full and part time study options available. Financial aid is also a possibility for eligible students, whether in the form of a bursary or a loan.

Find the right course for your future by requesting our University Level Prospectus today.

Contact our dedicated Adult Advisers if you’re interested in studying as an adult with Exeter College. Email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk to talk through your options.

Exeter College is celebrating 50 years since being named as the UK’s first tertiary college. Although our roots date back to the 1800s, our status as a tertiary college marked a revolution in further education and 2020 marks our 50 years of excellence since that landmark. If you have a memory of Exeter College through the years that you’d like to share, contact marketing@exe-coll.ac.uk or get involved on social media using #ExeColl50.

Exeter College Graduate on Track for a Bright Future

Katie Fowler, who graduated from Exeter College this year with a Business Management BA degree, has secured a place on a prestigious Graduate Scheme with international property company, JLL, with a fully funded Masters. It is a fantastic achievement for Katie, who aims to become a Chartered Surveyor after two years.

Katie, who previously studied at West Exe School, progressed directly from her studies at college onto an internship over the summer at the Exeter office of JLL. She impressed so much that she moved successfully onto their Graduate Scheme. Katie was first introduced to her employer during a talk given to the Business Management BA students by its Lead Director, Tim Western.

JLL is an international, property-based, professional services and investment management company, specialising in real estate. JLL have provided property consultancy advice to the college over the past 20 years.

Tim said of Katie:

“When I first met Katie at college it was obvious that she had a passion for property, she asked loads of questions and really had a feel for the local property market and business environment. Katie had a real aptitude and enthusiasm and so it was pretty obvious when she came to do an internship that she was going to be a great prospect moving forward. This is why we offered her a full-time position.”

After the two years Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) process, which Katie is undertaking alongside a Masters degree, and following the final assessment, she aims to become a fully fledged Chartered Surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which will be a great milestone moment in her career.

Katie credits her experience of studying at Exeter College as setting her on her path to success in a field she thoroughly enjoys. She says “I really enjoyed studying A Levels at Exeter College and when I found out I could progress and study a degree level course, at a lower cost that at a university and stay in my home town it really appealed to me. Also, the fact that I could study two days a week meant I could still work and had the flexibilty to pursue other things, such as internships whilst studying.”

“Exeter College’s Centre for University Level Study was a really nurturing environment. I was in a class of 19 students, which meant that I was given a lot of bespoke advice and a lot of support and opportunities to talk directly to people such as Tim from JLL. It was Exeter College’s relationship with local employers that built the foundation for me to be able to work for JLL and be given this opportunity. Once I’m qualified the opportunities are endless, both in the UK and worldwide.”

Katie’s fellow graduates are all also doing really well following their degree, taking different paths for example, continuing to a top up year at universities and one is starting up their own digital marketing company. Their tutor Deborah Kearney (pictured left, with Katie and Tim) is very proud of her students and former students and says of Katie: “I am really pleased to see that Katie has been so inspired by her studies, discovering and then pursuing her passion. From listening to Tim from JLL in class, she instantly knew that the property and commercial world would very much suit her skills and I think her chosen career path is a match made in heaven.”

About our Centre for University Level Studies

Exeter College is a TEF Gold winning college that offers a wide range of university level courses, including BA, Foundation Degree, HNC and HND programmes.

University level education at the Centre for University Level Studies is a critical and growing part of the college’s learning community. The college works in partnership with well-respected university partners and awarding bodies, enabling students to study in Exeter and at the same time benefit from teaching excellence and a wide choice of courses.

If you are interested in finding out more about studying at university level with Exeter College, visit exe-coll.ac.uk/he or email headviser@exe-coll.ac.uk