Exeter College, Devon

Tertiary college in Exeter, Devon, England

Exeter College

Location

Hele Road EX4 4JS

Exeter

Devon

England

Information
Type| Tertiary college
Established| 1893 (1893); 1970 (1970) (as F.E. College)
Department for Education URN| 130645 Tables
Ofsted| Reports
Gender| Mixed
Age| 16+
Enrolment| 7,520 (as of January 2022[update])[1]
Language| English
Website| https://exe-coll.ac.uk/

Exeter College is a general further education college in Exeter, Devon;[2][3] it was the first such college in England,[4][5] and was the highest-ranked in the country in 2017.[6] The college has its origins in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, founded in 1869, and first became an independent institution in 1893 as the Exeter Technical and University Extension College. After using various different sites, the college's preceding institution moved into its current main campus in 1959, and was established in its present form as the first English further education college in 1970.[4]

The college is based around a campus at Hele Road and several other sites around the city, educating approximately twelve thousand students.[5] This includes both sixteen to eighteen-year-olds and mature (adult) students. In addition, Exeter College jointly runs the specialist Exeter Mathematics School with the University of Exeter, with the college providing extra-curricular activities and pastoral support, and with students at the Maths School able to study one A-level at the college.[7] The tower block at the Hele Road campus, completed in 1963, is the third-tallest building in Exeter.[8]

## History

[edit]

### Origins, 1869-1893

[edit]

Exeter College can trace its origins back to the opening of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in 1869. At its opening, the RAMM included a School of Science and a School of Art.[9] In January 1891, the local government decided to use the Technical Instruction Act 1889 to either found a new technical institution in the city or to fund lectures and courses in the RAMM's two schools.[10] The latter option was chosen, and by June three such lectures had taken place "for the furtherance of technical education among working men", attended by six hundred and sixty people; the local University Extension Committee had sponsored two further "people's lectures", attended by nine hundred people in total. The scheme was subject to some criticism for being poorly planned.[4]

### Exeter College, 1970-present

[edit]

In September 1970, Exeter Technical College became the first tertiary college in England, combining the features of a typical further education college with a sixth form college. It renamed itself to the Exeter College of Further Education.[4][11]

In February 1972, the college was renamed to Exeter College, and it was given approval to offer the International Baccalaureate in December 1992.

Victoria House, opposite Exeter Central railway station, was purchased by the college in June 1995, and is still in use to this day.

After an inspection in 2000 by the FE Funding Council, the college was declared "one of the best in the west".

In 2012 the technology centre opened, followed by the gym and dance studio in 2019.[12]

In January 2019, the college announced it would be spending £70 million on altering the Hele Road site, including demolishing the tower block and allowing the public to cross through the campus to Exeter St Davids railway station.[13]

## Buildings and sites

[edit]

### Centre for Creative Industries

[edit]

The Centre for Creative Industries is a building dedicated to the creative arts. This includes film and media, physical art, photography and radio broadcasting. It also contains the BBC Exeter studios.[14]

### Centre for Music and Performance

[edit]

The Centre for Music and Performance is the college's centre for non physical or digital art, and mostly teaches the performing arts and music. They have purpose built dance floors and rehearsal rooms.[15]

### Digital and Data Centre

[edit]

The Digital and Data Centre is located on the Hele Road site, containing IT suites, seminar spaces and digital learning laboratories. The building teaches Information technology and other digital courses.[16]

### Construction Centre

[edit]

The Construction Centre (also known as Falcon House) is the college's hub for construction, which hosts bricklaying, retrofitting, joinery, plumbing, carpentry, and more. Unlike most other Exeter college locations, it is not within walking distance of the city centre and instead is located in Sowton industrial estate.[17]

### Exwick Sports Pavilion

[edit]

Exwick Sports Pavilion is a sport facility containing a 3G AstroTurf pitch, tennis facilities, six badminton courts, two classrooms, a sports therapy room and a gym.[18]

### Future Skills Centre

[edit]

The Future Skills Centre is a building owned jointly by the college and Devon County Council. It was previously owned by Flybe and used as a training academy. Currently, travel and tourism classes study there,[19] alongside aeronautical engineering due to its proximity to the airport.[20] It also has a small non-flying aircraft which is maintained by the students. Second year T-level Design, Surveying and Planning students also attend this campus, due to Falcon House being at capacity.[21] The building also hosts meetings and sessions, as well as police training.[22]

### Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre

[edit]

Haven Banks is situated on Exeter Quay, and runs sailing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, first aid and team building activities.[23]

### Hele Road site

[edit]

The Hele Road site, which is the main college site, comprises the Tower and Hele buildings, the adjoining Digital and Data Centre and a number of other smaller buildings. The bulk of the college's administration and teaching is situated on-site.[24]

### Maths and Science Centre

[edit]

The Maths and Science Centre contains 11 science laboratories, a forensics suite, a large computing lab and many specialist classrooms. The building hosts maths, science, psychology and criminology courses.[25]

### Sports hall, gym and dance studio

[edit]

The Sports hall, gym and dance studio is a large building with space for dance, exercise and other sport activities.[26]

### Technology Centre

[edit]

The Technology Centre hosts aerospace, engineering and automotive students. It has a CAD suite with over 24 computers, CNC machines and other high tech equipment. It has the largest virtual welding facility in Europe and five 3D printers.[27]

### Victoria House

[edit]

Victoria House teaches business, IT, sports and leisure and tourism courses. IT suites can be found throughout the building.[28]

## Organisation

[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (September 2019)

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## Academic profile

[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (September 2019)

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## Student life

[edit]

Many of the college's buildings and campuses are located near the city centre, providing amenities to students after or in-between lessons. There are many clubs and societies, ranging from self defence to beach cleans and student-led clubs, such as the book club or the LGBTQIA+ student group.[29] There is a gym available to students from 7am to 7pm each day on weekdays.[30]

## Notable alumni

[edit]

* Matt Bellamy, musician[31]
* Alistair Brammer, actor[32]
* Michael Caines – chef and owner of Lympstone Manor
* Jim Causley, folk musician[33]
* Elliott Frear, footballer[34]
* Conrad Humphreys – professional yachtsman
* Luke Newberry, actor[35]
* Jo Pavey – Olympic long-distance runner
* Luke Pearce – English rugby union referee
* Joe Talbot, lead singer in Idles
* Josh Widdicombe, comedian
* Marie Goldman, Member of Parliament for Chelmsford since 2024

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Further Education and Skills inspection report: Exeter College". Ofsted. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2019.
2. ^ "Find an inspection report and registered childcare". 8 October 2020.
3. ^ "Exeter College - GOV.UK".
4. ^ a b c d "Exeter Memories - Exeter College".
5. ^ a b "Exeter College tower block set to be demolished".
6. ^ "Exeter College top in NICDEX league table". 17 November 2017.
7. ^ "New specialist maths free school to be regional centre of excellence".
8. ^ "Exeter College tower, Exeter | 1171609". Emporis. Archived from the original on 11 November 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
9. ^ Meller, Hugh (1989). Exeter Architecture. Chichester: Phillimore. ISBN 0-85033-693-7.
10. ^ Trewman's Exeter Flying Post, January 1891
11. ^ "University of Exeter".
12. ^ "50th Anniversary". Exeter College. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
13. ^ "College masterplan revealed - and tower block will be demolished". 18 January 2019.
14. ^ "Centre for Creative Industries". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
15. ^ "Centre for Music and Performance". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
16. ^ "Digital and Data Centre". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
17. ^ "Construction Centre". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
18. ^ "Exwick Sports Pavilion". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
19. ^ "Travel and Tourism". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
20. ^ "Aeronautical Engineering". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
21. ^ "Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning T Level". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
22. ^ "Future Skills Centre". Retrieved 23 January 2024.
23. ^ "Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
24. ^ "Hele Road Site". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
25. ^ "Maths and Science Centre". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
26. ^ "Sports Hall, Gym & Dance Studio". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
27. ^ "Technology Centre". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
28. ^ "Victoria House". Exeter College. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
29. ^ "EXtra is everything available to students over and above the core curriculum". Exeter College. Retrieved 11 June 2025.
30. ^ "Central Fitness". Exeter College. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
31. ^ "College Days: Matt Bellamy". TheGuardian.com. 18 February 2003.
32. ^ "Rising star's Joseph dream comes true". 31 January 2008.
33. ^ "The Devil's Interval | Biography & History". AllMusic.
34. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 3 July 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2019.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
35. ^ "Ones to Watch: Luke Newberry". 30 May 2014.

## External links

[edit]

* Exeter College website
* Ofsted: Exeter College, Exeter
* University of Plymouth: Partner Institutions Archived 8 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine
* Exeter College Students' Union Archived 23 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine

* v
* t
* e

Exeter

Suburbs|

* Alphington
* Clyst Heath
* Countess Wear
* Cowick
* Digby
* Duryard
* Exe Island
* Exwick
* Heavitree
* Livery Dole
* Marsh Barton
* Monkerton
* Newcourt
* Newtown
* Pennsylvania
* Pinhoe
* Polsloe
* Sowton
* St Sidwells
* St Thomas
* Stoke Hill
* Topsham
* Whipton
* Whipton Barton
* Wonford

Education|

| Secondary|

* Exeter Cathedral School
* Exeter School
* Isca Academy
* The Maynard School
* St James School
* St Luke's Church of England School
* St Peter’s Church of England Aided School
* St Wilfrid's School
* West Exe School

|

Further|

* University of Exeter
* Exeter College
* Exeter Mathematics School

Transport|

| Air|

* Exeter Airport

|

Bus|

* Dartline
* DevonBus
* Stagecoach Devon

Train|

* Devon Metro

Other|

* Exeter City Council

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Universities and colleges in South West England

Universities|

* Arts Bournemouth
* Bath
* Bath Spa
* Bournemouth
* BPP
* Bristol
* Exeter
* Falmouth
* Gloucestershire
* Health Sciences (Bournemouth)
* Law
* Plymouth
* Arts Plymouth
* Plymouth Marjon
* Royal Agricultural (Cirencester)
* West of England (UWE Bristol)

Higher Education colleges|

* Dyson Institute

Further Education colleges|

* Bath
* Bournemouth & Poole
* Bridgwater & Taunton
* Callywith (Bodmin)
* City of Bristol
* Cornwall
* Exeter
* Gloucestershire
* Hartpury
* Kingston Maurward (Dorset)
* New College Swindon
* Petroc (Devon)
* Plymouth
* South Devon
* South Gloucestershire & Stroud
* Strode (Somerset)
* Swindon
* Truro & Penwith
* Weston
* Weymouth
* Wiltshire
* Yeovil

Sixth form colleges|

* Cirencester
* Exeter Mathematics
* Richard Huish (Taunton)
* St Brendan's (Bristol)
* Salisbury

* v
* t
* e

Schools in Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay)

Primary schools|

* Dartmouth Academy
* Hyde Park Junior School
* Marine Academy Plymouth
* St Budeaux CE Primary Academy
* Salisbury Road Primary School
* Teignmouth Community School

Secondary schools|

* All Saints CE Academy
* Atlantic Academy
* Axe Valley Academy
* Bideford College
* Braunton Academy
* Brixham College
* Chulmleigh College
* Clyst Vale Community College
* Coombe Dean School
* Coombeshead Academy
* Cullompton Community College
* Dartmouth Academy
* Dawlish College
* Eggbuckland Community College
* Exmouth Community College
* Great Torrington School
* Hele's School
* Holsworthy Community College
* Honiton Community College
* The Ilfracombe Academy
* Isca Academy
* Ivybridge Community College
* King Edward VI Community College
* The King's School
* Kingsbridge Community College
* Lipson Co-operative Academy
* Marine Academy Plymouth
* Newton Abbot College
* Notre Dame RC School
* Okehampton College
* Paignton Academy
* The Park Community School
* Pilton Community College
* Plympton Academy
* Plymstock School
* Queen Elizabeth's School
* St Boniface's Catholic College
* St Cuthbert Mayne School
* St James School
* St Luke's CE School
* St Peter's CE Aided School
* Sidmouth College
* Sir John Hunt Community Sports College
* South Dartmoor Community College
* South Devon UTC
* South Molton Community College
* The Spires College
* Stoke Damerel Community College
* Tavistock College
* Teign School
* Teignmouth Community School
* Tor Bridge High
* Torquay Academy
* Tiverton High School
* Uffculme School
* UTC Plymouth
* West Exe School

Grammar schools|

* Churston Ferrers Grammar School
* Colyton Grammar School
* Devonport High School for Boys
* Devonport High School for Girls
* Plymouth High School for Girls
* Torquay Boys' Grammar School
* Torquay Girls' Grammar School

Independent schools|

* Blundell's School
* Exeter Cathedral School
* Exeter School
* Kingsley School
* The Maynard School
* Mount Kelly School
* Plymouth College
* St Wilfrid's School
* Sands School
* Shebbear College
* Trinity School
* West Buckland School

Special education|

* Longcause Community Special School
* Oakwood Court College

Sixth forms & further education|

* Bicton College
* City College Plymouth
* Exeter College
* Exeter Mathematics School
* Petroc
* South Devon College

Defunct schools|

* Allhallows College
* Bramdean School
* Convent of the Assumption
* Devon Studio School
* Edgehill College
* Exeter Tutorial College
* Grenville College
* Hele's Grammar School
* Kelly College
* Mount House School
* Mount Radford School
* Mount St Mary's Convent School
* Plymouth Grammar School
* Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
* The Small School
* Southway Community College
* St. Hilda's School
* Stokelake Residential School
* Sutton High School
* United Services College

50°43′42″N 3°32′19″W﻿ / ﻿50.72833°N 3.53861°W﻿ / 50.72833; -3.53861
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