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!
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.
Exceptional Results for Exeter College Access to Higher Education Students
Exeter College’s truly exceptional summer of results has continued with the stunning success of their Access to Higher Education (HE) students, who are celebrating a huge 96% achievement rate.
The results mean that the vast majority of students on an Access to HE course at Exeter College now have the skills and qualifications to move on to fully-fledged degree level studies at universities throughout the UK.
“They truly deserve these incredible results, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll all go on to achieve next,”
Lucinda Sanders, Exeter College Director of Adult Learning
For many adult learners, an Access to HE course is a route into a higher level of study for those who don’t hold many formal qualifications or don’t meet the current entry requirements for university level education. Having completed their Access course at Exeter College, this cohort of students can now go on to make applications to study at universities, safe in the knowledge they have the required qualifications to make a successful application.
Exeter College Director of Adult Learning Lucinda Sanders said, “It’s hugely satisfying to see the success of our Access students, especially during what has been a unique academic year for their studies with the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m thrilled that they’re celebrating their achievements in their courses. It will certainly unlock their future ambitions when it comes to university level study.
“It was great seeing the way students and staff adapted to the pandemic to continue teaching and learning at an incredibly high level during difficult circumstances. I want to thank all our teaching staff and students for taking to the new way of working so well. They truly deserve these incredible results, and I can’t wait to see what they’ll all go on to achieve next.”
Exeter College Access to Healthcare student Amy Mulvihill, 20, achieved an incredible 45 distinctions, giving her the grade profile to be accepted to study Midwifery at the University of Southampton.
“I’m so happy that I’ve got the results to go on to study at university. When I last studied, I just missed out on what I needed to get in, so I’m really pleased that I’ve got what I wanted.”
The student from Exmouth wanted to pay tribute to the Exeter College lecturers that supported her during her year-long programme of study.
“From the start, they found out about our entry requirements for where we all wanted to study and what we wanted to do at university. This meant they could support each of us in the right way for what we wanted to go on to study in the future, and that definitely made it all easier to understand and relevant to our interests.
“It has been an enjoyable and sometimes intense year, but everyone is really supportive. Someone is always there to help you if you need them.”
“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 50th 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.
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.ukor get involved on social media using #ExeColl50.
Art students’ work revealed in Exeter city centre as lockdown eases
From Monday 29 June – Thursday 16 July 2020, as the Exeter city centre opens up after lockdown, more than 30 students studying at Exeter School of Art will help to bring the city to life, as they show their most recent artwork to the public.
Exeter School of Art may be the only college in the country where art students are exhibiting their work in real spaces as well as the virtual space. Traditionally this is the time of year for graduating art students to exhibit their work; however, this year the vast majority of art schools across the country are making exhibitions online. Here in Exeter, dedicated students and staff from Exeter School of Art are brightening up the city as it wakes up after lockdown, and shoppers and workers will enjoy a more creative environment as they return to the city centre.
Emily Gibbon, Manager of retail, culture, tourism and business support organisation InExeter, said: “It’s so exciting to see the city coming back to life, people adapting to the new measures and bringing a buzz to the place once again. Having these fabulous pieces of art by the Exeter School of Art and Design installed for people to see and enjoy will add to the atmosphere and experience of visiting the city. It’s a great use of space, and I can’t wait to see more innovative ideas around the city in the coming months.”
The work exhibited is also from students’ final projects from years 12 and 13. The majority of the work was produced during the lockdown, which influenced what some students produced. Students did not have access to the college’s facilities and resources. They, therefore, had to adapt their ideas and be even more creative with the materials and technology available to them at home.
Presenting the finished work to the Exeter community is an exciting opportunity, particularly for students who were disappointed by the prospect of graduating without presenting their work in a professional way to the public.
Nigel Watts, Head of the Art and Design faculty at the Exeter School of Art, said, “We are very proud of the students who have worked so hard from home in the recent months to produce the excellent work you will see in the show. It feels great that we have had the opportunity to exhibit their work at the end of this academic year, something that did not seem possible a few months ago.”
Exeter College and the School of Art are very grateful for support from Awesome Art Space, Eat the Bird and Princesshay, in providing and helping them to access these exhibition spaces.
Michelle Menezes, Centre Manager at Princesshay, said, “We are delighted to host Exeter College and the School of Art on Paris Street for this exciting exhibition. The talented students have worked so hard, through very difficult times, to create stunning, thought-provoking pieces. All the artwork can be seen from outside the store. Everyone is welcome to visit the inspiring exhibition.”
Exeter School of Art is part of Exeter College, and the work on display is from students studying on courses validated by the University of Plymouth and AIM awards. Exeter College was awarded TEF Gold (Teaching Excellence Framework in 2019).
5 REASONS TO ATTEND EXETER COLLEGE’S ADULT ONLINE OPEN EVENT
Are you an adult looking to further your education or learn a new skill? Exeter College is here for you. We’re inviting you to our Adult Online Open Event, Tuesday 16th June 2020, 3pm-7pm, where we’ll help you to find your future.
This event is directed towards any adult (19+) who is interested in studying a course with Exeter College. Perhaps you’re hoping to move forward with your career aspirations, retrain in a new profession or just improve your skills. We have something for everyone.
Our Adult Online Open Event is the best and easiest way to find out what Exeter College can offer you…
FIND OUT ABOUT COURSES
Exeter College is bursting with opportunities for adult learners.
Our Adult Online Open Event is the perfect place to find out which course could help you to unlock your future, and you can do this all from the comfort of your own home, via your phone or laptop.
HEAR FROM SUBJECT LECTURERS
We want you to get the best start to your time at Exeter College, and that’s why we’ve arranged for you to be able to hear from subject lecturers during an interactive seminar.
Each lecturer will break down their courses for you, so you know what to expect when you start. From course content, timetabling and typical exam results, our lecturers are here to guide you.
ASK LIVE QUESTIONS
Each session will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.
After each interactive seminar, subject leaders will respond to your queries. Simply type them in using the question box and get your reply.
We recommend having a pen and paper handy during the seminar, so you can note down your questions as you think of them.
HEAR FROM ADULT ADVISERS
We know that for a lot of our adult learners, the thought of going back into education can be daunting. To help you achieve your full potential, Exeter College’s adult advisers are here to support you.
Hear about the outstanding adult learning environment at Exeter College and our personalised approach to teaching and learning.
We make sure you’ll gain the skills to take you to the next level in a supportive and engaging environment.
LEARN ABOUT FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Often, adult learners feel there are barriers to returning to education, but we want you to know that we’re here to support you.
Our Adult Online Open Event will allow you to learn more about the financial support available to students.
Our advisors will guide you through how to finance courses through funding or other means, and the bursaries the college offers and how to access them.
May 2004: City pensioner student proves it’s never too late to learn.
As part of Exeter College celebrating 50 years as the UK’s first ever tertiary college, we are looking back on some memorable events which have helped us to become the Ofsted Outstanding education provider we are today.
THEN…
In May 2004, we celebrated the achievements of Exeter pensioner Helen who, by completing two A Levels at Exeter College, became a shining example of what many adult learners could achieve.
Helen did so well in her studies she was nominated for the Senior Learner of the Year award by the National Institute of Adult Education.
Completing her A Level in English Literature and an AS Level Maths in just one year, she continued her studies with a Maths A2 course.
Helen said at the time: “I retired, but I decided that I didn’t want to watch daytime television, so I looked for alternatives.
“I went for Maths and English because the subjects had changed so much since I was at school in the 1960s. I have enjoyed every minute of it.
“It surprised me to be nominated for this award,” Helen added.
Helen also admitted that she had also influenced other people to follow her lead, persuading friends and acquaintances to apply for courses and further their education like herself.
NOW…
To this day, Exeter College offers a broad spectrum of courses available to adults, from entry level to degree level, from leisure courses to professional courses. We pride ourselves on giving our adult learners a personalised approach to teaching in a supportive and engaging environment.
The Teaching Excellence Framework has awarded our university level teaching ‘Gold’, so our students know that they’ll receive exceptional teaching and gain the skills needed to take them to the next level.
If you’re interested in completing an adult course, like Helen, find out more at our Adult Online Open Event on Tuesday the 16th of June, 3pm – 7pm.
We can help you to find the right course for your future. At our open event, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from lecturers, ask live questions to teachers and learn about the support and guidance offered at Exeter College.
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
