Exeter College celebrates exceptional results and national recognition in landmark week

Exeter College is celebrating another exceptional year of success, with outstanding results across its A Levels, T Levels, and vocational programmes.

The College continues to set the bar for academic excellence with an A level pass rate of 99.52%, well above the national average of 97.4%. Among the many highlights, an impressive 23 A Level subjects achieved a flawless 100% pass rate. 

Today’s exam success marks a double triumph for the college, as it was selected as one of only ten Construction Technical Excellence Colleges in the country earlier this week, making it one of the most memorable weeks in its history. 

John Laramy CBE, CEO and Principal, said: “Today is always a special day, but this year students have achieved stellar results across the board, breaking records and setting a new bar for next year’s results.  I would like to congratulate the class of 2025 and wish them well in their future endeavours, whether that is another year at college, progression to university or starting a career or an apprenticeship.   

“Todays success is not luck, we have amazing students, who work with talented staff, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to these results. Our vision is to be a ‘exceptional college’ and this year our students have helped us on that journey.” 

High grades were a particular success. 59% of A Levels were awarded at the highest A*, A or B grades, well above the national average of 55%. A staggering 86% of Exeter College A Levels were awarded at A*-C grades, significantly above the national average of 78%. 
 
Exeter College’s broad and inclusive A Level curriculum once again delivered exceptional achievements across the range of subjects . Fine Art students excelled, with almost half achieving an A or A* and over a quarter securing the very highest A* grade. Film Studies impressed with nearly four in five students attaining high grades, while Philosophy reached 80% high grades. In the sciences, Chemistry saw more than two-thirds of students achieve high grades, with over a third gaining an A or A*.

Mathematics, the College’s largest A Level subject, secured over two-thirds high grades, and in Further Maths almost half achieved an A or A*. Economics and Law both performed strongly, each with over 70% high grades and around a third at A or A*. Languages also shone, with German achieving 78% high grades and over a third at A or A*.  
 
Jade Otty, Deputy CEO, said: “Congratulations to all learners receiving results today. We are so proud of you all! Thank you to our amazing teaching and support staff at Exeter College who have gone above and beyond to help our learners to thrive and succeed.” 

The College’s outstanding educational approach, which includes a rigorous externally set and marked AS exam in the first year, has played a significant role in these outstanding outcomes. AS results saw an impressive 43% of learners awarded the highest grades (A and B), and were an impressive 6% ahead of the national average pass rate. 

Honey Forty from Exeter is one such A Level student who is celebrating today. Studying Geography, English Language, French and taking an EPQ, Honey achieved 3 A*s and an A. She is now heading to the University of Exeter to study English, Media and Communications with the hope of pursuing journalism.

While celebrating today, she said: “I beat my University of Cambridge offer today, which I'm really chuffed about, but I decided to turn it down, because I would rather study my chosen degree at the University of Exeter.  

“I ultimately decided to come to Exeter College because I thought it would give me more independence and prepare me for university, and that's 100% been the case. The College has been nothing but completely supportive. My tutor, my teachers, not a bad word to say. It's been amazing.” 

Honey Forty celebrating her results with family.

Adam Daly from Dartington studied Maths, Further Maths and Physics A Levels and achieved an A* in all three subjects. His love of Maths will now take him to the University of Manchester to take the subject further. 

“Both of my Maths teachers were incredible. I couldn't have hoped for any better. I feel very well prepared for university, especially through tutorial, we were given lots of support about steps beyond college.” 

Students completing technical and applied Advanced Level programmes have also achieved outstanding results, with a 99.3% pass rate for two-year Extended Diplomas (the equivalent of taking three A levels). Applied Science saw 71% of students achieve high grades (‘Distinction*’ or ‘Distinction’). 76.8% of Health and Social Care learners gained high grades and a record 98% of Sport and Exercise Science learners secured the highest grades.  

Some stand out T Level successes were T Level Accountancy, with 100% of learners achieving a Merit grade or higher, T Level Education and Early Years which saw a 100% pass rate and 97% of students achieving a Merit grade or higher. T Level Health also saw a 100% pass rate. 

Jessica Fry from Cullompton, studied the T Level in Health and has secured a place to study Paramedic Science at university. She praised her experience of the T Level, saying; 

“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to go to university. I came here for an open day and I really enjoyed it, and I just thought it was really friendly and would give me a lot of opportunities.  

“The placements we go on as T Level students has developed my knowledge and helped support my university application. I chose a T Level for the hospital industry placement; you get practical knowledge as well as theory knowledge and sitting exams. 

“I would definitely recommend Exeter College, the support systems and educational support is brilliant.” 

Exeter College is also celebrating the success of its alumni, with an impressive 87% of former students who graduated from Russell Group universities in 2023/24 achieving a first-class or upper second-class honours degree. Across all UK higher education institutions, the proportion of Exeter College alumni reaching this standard remains remarkable at 81%.