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Exceptional Exeter College once again awarded “Outstanding” by Ofsted 

Exeter College is celebrating after a full Ofsted Inspection, which has resulted in the College retaining the impressive accolade of Outstanding.  

Eight years since its last inspection Ofsted again confirmed that Exeter College is an Outstanding College. The College also scored the top assessment of ‘strong’ for its approach to meeting the skills needs of the area. This makes Exeter College the first college in the country to achieve the highest judgement in both elements of Ofsted’s new enhanced inspections.  

The 21-strong Ofsted inspection team visited every College site and reviewed every facet of the College offer from 29 November to 2 December 2022. 

Exeter College Principal and CEO, John Laramy CBE said: 

“At a time when the national press is talking about Ofsted raising the bar for their top grade the team at Exeter College has demonstrated that we have sustained Outstanding, even in the new rigorous enhanced framework.  

“I would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone who contributed to this exceptional sector-leading outcome, especially our amazing learners, apprentices, staff and governors. Ofsted has recognised what I see from our students, apprentices and staff every single day.” 

Students and staff celebrating their Ofsted Outstanding rating.

Bindu Arjoon, Chair of the Board of Governors, added: 

“We are delighted that the hard work of everyone at the College has been recognised in this way. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all the students, staff and stakeholders for their personal contribution to our Outstanding College.” 

The College achieved the top Ofsted rating of Outstanding in all four cross-college judgements; Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership and Management. The College’s Sixth Form provision, adult learning and apprenticeships were also rated as Outstanding. The Outstanding grade for apprenticeships is extremely hard to achieve, with very few colleges nationally having achieved this. 

The report praises the standard of teaching and learning across the College as well as the standards of behaviour and culture, citing that teachers and other staff are excellent role models who work tirelessly to meet the needs of learners. 

Zakia Volschenk, from Exmouth, is studying A Levels at Exeter College and is part of the Learner Leadership Team. Speaking about the Outstanding grade, she said: 

“I believe it’s well-deserved and feel extremely proud to be a part of a constantly developing institution that really takes into consideration the student’s opinions. I know that the opportunities at Exeter College will give me an advantage when it comes to applying to university or finding future jobs.” 

As national exams returned last year, Ofsted’s inspection included scrutinising learner results and outcomes in exams. This meant that the summer’s record-breaking A Level results and top 10% value added performance were assessed as part of the inspection process. 

Jade Otty, Vice Principal and Ofsted Quality Nominee, said:  

“I am so pleased that the exceptional work of our teachers and support staff has been recognised by Ofsted. The College is Outstanding thanks to their expertise, care and commitment. I am proud too that this report reflects how amazing our learners and apprentices are in working with us to create a college community in which everyone can thrive and develop. We were also delighted that the report credited the support and work of our community and industry partners”    

You can read the College’s full Ofsted report here.

Ofsted Inspections 

  • The new Education Inspection Framework (EIF) came into force in September 2019. This rigorous inspection framework means fewer schools and colleges have been awarded outstanding nationally. 
  • Ofsted’s new enhanced inspections of Further Education providers and Sixth Form colleges came into force in September 2022. It means that in addition to the EIF focus on Quality of Education, colleges are also judged on how well they link with community, civic, industry and education partners to meet their region’s skills needs. 
  • Exeter College is the first college in the country to receive the top grade of Outstanding and the top grade of ‘strong contribution’ to skills needs.

Specialist Teachers and World Class Facilities building Exeter College’s Success

Since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college 50 years ago, we’ve built ourselves into the exceptional education provider we are today and are now ranked as the only Ofsted Outstanding College in Devon. 

We’ve managed to reach this prestigious position by putting students at the heart of everything we do. We know there’s nothing more impactful on a young person’s education than the environment they’re learning in and, of course, who’s teaching them.  

Subject Specialist Teachers

As a further education provider, our teachers differ to what you would find at a lot of sixth forms. Here, we pride ourselves on having subject specialist teachers. Unlike at school, our staff don’t teach across different subjects; they dedicate their time exclusively to the subject they teach in the classroom. 

This means that our students are taught by people who have a real passion for the topic that they teach. As a result, our students can fully develop their skills and explore their passion within a specific field, which links directly to their chosen further study or employment option.  
 
On top of this, our vocational subjects are taught by teachers who are still actively involved in their respective industries. This means they are constantly developing and updating their own skillset to pass on to the next generation of learners.   

Jade Otty, Vice Principal of Exeter College and lead on academic performance, believes our specialist teaching staff positively impacts our consistently impressive vocational and academic results.  

“Having specialist teachers is one of the cornerstones of what contributes to the outstanding education environment at Exeter College,” said Jade.  

“Students who study with us are choosing to learn from teachers who have a genuine passion for what they’re teaching and, more importantly, have the skills to transfer that knowledge to students in the classroom.  

“When a teacher chooses to work with us, they do so because they want to have their teaching time dedicated solely to a subject they love, and to supporting young people with that same passion succeeding with their ambitions. We’ve found that students really respond well to being taught by specialist teachers and appreciate the inside knowledge they can learn from teachers who are still involved in the industry.”  

Tom Matthew, A Level student studying Geography, Sociology and Politics, added, “The teachers have been really helpful. They always have their students’ best interests at heart and go over and above expectations.   

“My Geography teachers have experience with the exam board, and they are two of the best teachers I’ve had; their experience has been particularly useful to us.”  

World Class Facilities and Partnerships

We’re proud to offer subject specialist teaching, but we also know that this is only one of the features which has helped to make us into the Ofsted Outstanding provider we are today.  

Here at Exeter College, we offer all our students access to world class facilities and equipment in their chosen subject(s).  

To make sure our learners have the very best chance to enhance their education, all our students have access to eight Learning Resources Centres, complete with IT labs and Mac suites. 

Additionally, we have specialist campuses for different subjects. Through this, we ensure that we are providing our learners with industry standard-facilities, ranging from construction to media production.  

The Centre for Creative Industries is home to a range of cutting-edge equipment and software. It also gives students access to the space they need to hone their skills in media, drama, art or photography, as they transform their academic studies into creative practice.  

Our Maths and Science Centre, which opened in 2015, holds 11 purpose-build laboratories. These are all designed to the highest specifications, providing a space for inspirational teaching and learning.  

Likewise, our Technology Centre offers students the latest technical software used in the industry. We’re also currently investing in our Construction Centre by way of a new state-of-the-art mezzanine which, from September, will host the new T Level qualifications.  

Our Digital and Data Centre is also currently under construction. When complete, this will form part of the wider South West Institute of Technology plan, aiming to transform engineering, digital and manufacturing technology in Devon. Opening early 2021, the Centre will provide learners with educational opportunities in the digital field. This will include courses around software development, data analytics and cyber security.  

On top of this, our college also works in partnership with leading regional and national businesses and sports teams. This month we announced our newest collaboration, as the BBC is set to open a new studio in our Centre of Creative Industries. All our partnerships provide students with the opportunities to continually achieve their educational goals and even develop beyond the curriculum.  

We are currently planning for the enrolment of the new students due to start in September 2020. 

It’s not too late to apply online to study with us for the September start. Once the requested documents have been submitted and reviewed, all students will be given a conditional offer.

Ofsted Outstanding, bringing Exeter College to the next level  

We’re Devon’s only Ofsted Outstanding tertiary college, but how has this top rating helped to shape us and our students’ education?  

We were first awarded our Outstanding rating in 2012, after inspectors arrived unannounced, checking on all aspects of College life. This inspection awarded us an overall rating of Outstanding, bringing us to the top level of Ofsted’s rating system, and announcing us as one of the very best colleges in the country.     

Two years passed and the Ofsted inspectors arrived again, once more awarding us with an Outstanding overall rating. On top of this, they ranked us as Outstanding across each of the categories; Outcomes for Learners, Learning and Assessment, Quality of Teaching and the Effectiveness of Leadership and Management.    

Exceptional College  

A lot of schools or colleges would see achieving Ofsted Outstanding across all categories as ‘job done’ but not us. We have used this backing as a launchpad to continue to innovate and flourish, benefiting our students and the wider community.     

John Laramy, Principal and Chief Executive at Exeter College since 2009, said, “While it was our strategic ambition to become Ofsted Outstanding, for us the most important part of this was the national confirmation that our students are achieving great things.     

“Once we were rated Outstanding across all categories, the staff at the college immediately looked at what’s next. We used the validation from Ofsted as a platform and have since set a new vision, which is to become an ‘exceptional college’. I am very pleased to report that with the partnerships we have now, and experiences the College is now able to offer, we are on track to achieve this new milestone.”    

Our Achievements   

In recent years, our College has gone from strength-to-strength. We were named as 2016’s Centre of the Year at the City and Guilds Lion Awards, STEM FE College of the Year 2018, and even as one of the Top 100 Best Not-For-Profit Organisations to work for by the Sunday Times in 2019.     

As a college, we pride ourselves on our reputation for our academic, vocational and Apprenticeship excellence, which continues to grow. In 2019 our students achieved exceptional A Level results, with a 99.7% pass rate, well above the national average of 97.6%. Our vocational success continues to exceed the national average, and recently our Apprenticeship team was shortlisted in the Association of College’s Beacon Awards for Employer Engagement.     

Looking to the future, while reflecting on 50 years of excellence since being named as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, has been the key to our drive to exceptional education.     

World Class Facilities  

We continue to invest in our College, making sure we have the tools and facilities to provide students the best education. Our renowned Centre for Creative Industries offers students the latest software and equipment in the creative arts, giving them the means to achieve their full potential. In 2015, we opened our Maths and Science Centre, with 11 purpose-built laboratories. On top of this, our Technology and Construction Centres have also seen recent investment, making sure teaching practice is industry-led and fit for the future.     

Our new Digital and Data Centre is also currently under construction. Opening early 2021, this Centre will be part of the wider South West Institute of Technology plan, which will revolutionise the teaching of digital, manufacturing and engineering education across the South West.    

Ongoing Success   

Due to our Ofsted Outstanding rating, our strive of educational excellence, and our outstanding teaching, we have been selected by the Government to be one of the first providers in the UK, and the only provider in Devon, of the new T Level qualification, which will be rolling out this September.   

John Laramy said, “Since the Ofsted Outstanding rating I am delighted to report that student results have improved further and the College’s estate and facilities have really developed. I personally lead ‘learner voice’ and just last week heard first-hand about the great work going on right across the College from learners themselves. I believe part of our ongoing success is down to the way that students and Apprentices remain at the heart of our decision making – their ambition and feedback inspires all of us.    

“During the last few months, we have really benefited from the combination of expert teachers, a dynamic digital strategy and great students. As Principal, I get a real buzz from students achieving their absolute potential and using the result to realise their ambitions.”    

We are currently planning for enrolment, where we will welcome students who will be joining us in September. Everyone who holds an offer to study with us will be informed about the enrolment process in the coming weeks.   

You can still apply online to study at our Ofsted Outstanding College for a September 2020 start. Once all requested documents have been submitted and reviewed, applicants will be given a conditional offer.   

Students on why they choose Exeter College

There’s no doubt we’re #ExeCollProud to have an amazing community here at Exeter College. Offering Ofsted Outstanding education students, across a range of subjects and course types, we pride ourselves on tailoring college life to each individual in our college community.  

We know there are many reasons to choose Exeter College, but we asked our students the main reasons they chose us to be their further education provider… 

Students learning in our @34 training kitchens.

THE WORLD CLASS FACILITIES 

“I came to Exeter College for the industry standard facilities on my course. I do media make-up artistry at Exeter College and it’s really fun. This is a course I can’t really do anywhere else; Exeter College is one of the only places who offer it. I feel really lucky that I got onto my first choice of course,” – Jasmine Price. 

“Exeter College’s @34 training facilities have provided me with an accurate workplace experience and prepared me appropriately for the working environment,” – Tilly Morris. 

Teachers with a real passion for their subject.

OUR TEACHING STAFF 

“The teachers here have had all the right training; they’re fantastic in how they teach us and how they work with us. They train us like they’re preparing us to work in the industry before we even get to university,” – Jasmine Price. 

“Every member of staff has been very supportive and I feel really cared for at this college,” – Ella Edmonds. 

ACADEMIES AND ENRICHMENT  

We have a range of inspirational Academies and Enrichment opportunities for students.

“I came to Exeter College for the great sports academies they have here. I took part in the rugby sports academy last year. I trained in the mornings, so it fitted in really well around my college timetable. I also play for a local rugby club, so it supported that and was really enjoyable,” – Max Davies. 

“I was lucky enough to get into the performing arts academy which was an amazing opportunity for me because I love drama. Exeter College also offers a lot of clubs and extracurricular opportunities,” – Ella Edmonds. 

“I chose Exeter because of the quality speakers that come in. I have been to so many outstanding talks from people all over the country and some international ones as well, I wouldn’t have got this opportunity where I’m based in Bideford,” – Tom Matthew. 

We’re Devon’s only Ofsted Outstanding College.

COURSE REPUTATION 

“The reputation Exeter College has is fantastic, everyone recommends Exeter as it’s such a good college,” – Bayleigh Bewes.  

“I can’t think of anywhere around here that has the range of A Levels that Exeter College does. I know that a lot of my friends came here for the niche courses that Exeter College could offer them,” – Will Stredwick. 

GROWTH 

“I’ve gained a lot of confidence from being at Exeter College,” – Ella Files-Butler.

“Sixth form is a comfort zone; at college you will get something that you won’t experience somewhere else. I’ve gained a lot of confidence from being at Exeter College. I’m a lot more comfortable with new people and understanding new ideas,” – Ella Files-Butler. 

“I came to Exeter College for the university-like feel, which I think is really good preparation. I like having more independence, it’s really helped me to learn how to manage my time,” – Will Stredwick. 

We love hearing all of the motivations and reasons our students choose Exeter. If you would like to share why you chose Exeter, send us a message, or tag us in a post using #ExeCollTogether.  

If you’d like to find out more about the subjects and courses you can study here, you can now re-watch our Online Showcase.  

Access chapter one and chapter two of our Flying Start pre-enrolment work now, giving you the best introduction to your future courses.  

You can still apply to study at Exeter College for the September 2020 start. For help with your application, email info@exe-coll.ac.uk.  

Exeter College is preparing to enrol students to start in September 2020. Find out the latest plans for enrolment.   

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