Exeter College and Petroc College to merge

Exeter College and Petroc College have confirmed they will formally merge on Monday 5 January 2026, creating the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group after the proposals were approved by both Colleges’ Boards of Governors. 

As part of the merger, Petroc College will become North Devon College, celebrating its place in the community, while Exeter College will continue under its existing name. The new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group will continue delivering sixth form provision in both Exeter and North Devon, while expanding opportunities for the region to upskill and supporting employers to develop the talent they need to thrive now and in the future.  

The Group will also develop a dedicated Centre for Progression in Tiverton, building on the great work already happening on that site. This will support young people with additional needs and those who need a different experience to re-engage with education. 

The confirmation of the merger follows a full public consultation, which attracted strong engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, parents, staff, employers, schools and community partners.  

This move will create one of the largest place-based college groups in the country. The group will offer education opportunities to over 16,000 learners, employ nearly 2,000 staff, and generate an annual turnover exceeding £100 million, while preserving both colleges’ unique identities and local presence. 

John Laramy CBE, Principal and CEO of Exeter College, will become Group Principal and CEO of the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group. Jade Otty, Deputy CEO of Exeter College, will become Group Deputy CEO and also take on the role of Senior Leader at North Devon College.  

There will be no immediate change for all current students at both colleges following the merger, and they will continue their studies at their existing campuses as normal. The current Interim Principal and CEO at Petroc, Kurt Hintz, is leaving to become the Interim Principal and CEO at Havant and South Downs College on 5th January. 

John Laramy CBE, Group Principal and CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:  “We are delighted to confirm the merger has been approved, and in January, Exeter College and Petroc College will combine and officially become one of the very best tertiary college groups in the country. This is an exciting moment for everyone at Exeter College, Petroc College, and for the whole of Devon.  

“By establishing Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, we can enhance opportunities for learners, offer more access to exceptional education and skills training, and provide greater sustainability for staff, all while reflecting our shared commitment to excellence, inclusivity and community.  

“I am absolutely thrilled by the combined opportunity we have to create a college group with the capacity, capability and ambition to deliver the very best for our region.”  

Professor Adam Watt, Chair of the Board for Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said:   “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of the Board for Exeter and North Devon College Group. Together, we will help establish one of the UK’s leading college groups, right here in Devon. 

“This merger will deliver positives for all aspects of the communities the Colleges serve, from offering greater choice and improved access to specialist facilities, to providing employers with a single, strong partner that responds to local skills needs. Most importantly, it keeps high-quality education in the community, with both Colleges combining to deliver the scale, capability, and resilience that come from being part of a larger group. The merger is a hugely exciting prospect for the region.”